5 Reasons to Add a Sewer Scope Inspection to Your Home Inspection

Buying a home is a major investment, and a standard home inspection can reveal many important issues before you make a final decision. Inspectors typically evaluate visible and accessible components such as the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC equipment, and other major parts of the property.

However, some problems are hidden underground and cannot be identified through a standard visual inspection. Sewer lines are one example. A damaged or deteriorating sewer line can lead to expensive repairs, yet there may be few obvious signs of a problem during a home inspection.

That is where a sewer scope inspection can provide additional insight.

A sewer scope uses a specialized camera to examine the inside of a home's sewer line. The camera can travel through the pipe and provide a real-time view of conditions that would otherwise remain hidden. For buyers, this additional information can be valuable when evaluating the condition of a property.

Here are five reasons to consider adding a sewer scope inspection to your home inspection.

1. It Can Reveal Problems That Aren't Visible From the Surface

One of the biggest advantages of a sewer scope inspection is that it allows professionals to see inside the sewer line.

A traditional inspection may identify signs of plumbing problems around fixtures, drains, or exposed pipes. However, much of the sewer system is underground. Without specialized equipment, it is difficult to determine what is happening inside those buried lines.

A camera inspection may reveal issues such as:

• Cracks or fractures in the pipe
• Blockages and buildup
• Tree root intrusion
• Pipe separation
• Corrosion or deterioration
• Misaligned sections
• Collapsed or damaged pipes

Some of these problems may exist for years without causing noticeable symptoms. A drain that appears to work normally does not necessarily mean the entire sewer line is in good condition.

Getting a closer look can give buyers a better understanding of what they are purchasing.

2. It Can Help Identify Expensive Repairs

Sewer line repairs can become costly, particularly when the damaged section is located beneath a driveway, landscaping, flooring, or another difficult-to-access area.

A minor issue may sometimes be addressed relatively easily, while a severely damaged or collapsed sewer line may require more extensive work. The final repair cost depends on factors such as the location and severity of the damage, pipe material, accessibility, and the type of repair required.

This is one reason buyers should consider potential repair expenses when reviewing home inspections cost and deciding which additional inspections are worthwhile.

A sewer scope inspection is generally much less expensive than discovering a major sewer problem after purchasing the property and then facing an unexpected repair bill.

The inspection does not guarantee that future problems will never occur. Instead, it provides information about the condition of the sewer line at the time of the inspection.

3. Older Homes May Have Greater Sewer Line Concerns

The age of a property can be an important factor when deciding whether to schedule a sewer scope.

Older homes may have aging plumbing infrastructure, and some properties may still contain original sewer lines. Depending on the materials used and the property's history, these pipes may be more susceptible to deterioration, cracking, root intrusion, or other problems.

However, age alone does not determine whether a sewer line is in good or poor condition. A newer home can also experience sewer problems due to installation issues, ground movement, tree roots, or other factors.

Location can also matter. For example, someone arranging a home inspection in Chicago may encounter properties with very different ages, construction histories, and plumbing systems. The appropriate inspection strategy should be based on the individual property rather than a single assumption about the local housing market.

If you are purchasing an older property, a sewer scope can be especially useful because it provides information that may not be available from visible plumbing components.

4. Tree Roots Can Cause Hidden Damage

Trees can add beauty and value to a property, but their roots can also create problems for underground plumbing.

As roots grow, they may enter small cracks or joints in sewer pipes in search of moisture. Over time, the roots can become larger and create blockages or contribute to further pipe damage.

Unfortunately, tree root intrusion is not always obvious from inside the home.

You may notice slow drains, recurring backups, or unusual plumbing issues, but these symptoms do not always identify the exact location or cause of the problem. A sewer camera can provide a clearer view of the inside of the line and help identify whether roots or other obstructions are present.

This is particularly worth considering when a property has large, mature trees close to the house or along the likely path of the sewer line.

Identifying root intrusion before closing gives buyers an opportunity to understand the condition of the system and determine whether further evaluation or repairs may be necessary.

5. It Gives Buyers More Information Before Closing

Perhaps the biggest reason to add a sewer scope inspection is simple: it gives you more information before you commit to the purchase.

A home inspection is designed to help buyers understand the property's condition. Additional inspections can provide more detailed information about specific systems that may require specialized equipment or expertise.

A sewer scope is particularly useful because sewer problems can be difficult to detect without looking inside the pipe.

If the inspection reveals a concern, you may have time to discuss the findings with the seller, request additional evaluation, negotiate repairs where appropriate, or reconsider the purchase based on the information available.

Even when the inspection does not reveal any significant problems, knowing that the sewer line was examined can provide greater confidence in the purchase.

When Should You Consider a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope can be useful for many properties, but certain situations may make it especially worth considering.

You may want to discuss a sewer scope with your inspector if:

• The home is older.
• The property has large or mature trees.
• There have been previous plumbing issues.
• Drains are slow or frequently blocked.
• The sewer line is known to be old.
• The property's sewer line has never been inspected.
• You are buying a home where sewer repairs would be financially difficult to absorb.

It is also important to remember that a sewer scope is a specialized inspection. Your home inspector may perform the service themselves or recommend a qualified professional who has the appropriate equipment and experience.

What Happens During a Sewer Scope Inspection?

During a sewer scope, a specialized camera is inserted into an accessible point in the sewer system. The camera travels through the pipe while transmitting images to a monitor.

The inspector can use the footage to look for visible problems along the line. Depending on the equipment and property, the inspection may also help identify the approximate location of a damaged section.

If an issue is discovered, the next step may be additional evaluation by a qualified plumbing professional. A sewer scope can identify visible concerns, but determining the most appropriate repair method may require a specialist.

Final Thoughts

A standard home inspection provides valuable information about a property's visible and accessible components, but some important systems extend beyond what can be seen during a typical inspection.

A sewer scope inspection offers a closer look at the underground sewer line and can help identify problems such as cracks, root intrusion, blockages, and damaged pipe sections.

For homebuyers, the additional information can be particularly valuable when purchasing an older property, a home surrounded by mature trees, or a property where sewer problems could result in significant repair costs.

A sewer scope does not eliminate every risk associated with buying a home, but it can reduce uncertainty and help buyers make more informed decisions. Before closing on a property, understanding what is happening both above and below ground can be an important part of protecting your investment.