Sewer Scope Inspections

A sewer scope inspection involves running a small, high-resolution camera mounted on a flexible cable through the home's main lateral sewer line, typically from an accessible cleanout or vent, all the way to the municipal sewer connection under the street. This inspection is necessary because the main sewer line is underground and hidden from view, making it impossible to assess its condition during a standard visual home inspection. It reveals issues that could cost homeowners thousands after closing.

The camera provides a clear view of the pipe's interior, identifying various costly and unseen defects:

• Tree Root Intrusion: Roots entering pipe joints or cracks.

• Cracked or Broken Pipes: Sections where the pipe wall has been compromised or collapsed.

• Pipe Sagging/Bellies: Low spots where the pipe has sunk due to ground settlement, allowing waste and debris to accumulate and cause chronic clogs.

• Corrosion or Deterioration: Common in older materials like clay or cast iron, indicating the line is nearing the end of its lifespan.

• Improper Connections: Faulty repairs or misaligned connections from previous work.

As trees grow, their roots naturally seek out sources of water and nutrients. Sewer lines, especially those with small cracks or loose joints, become an irresistible source. Once a root penetrates a tiny opening, it continues to grow inside the pipe. The resulting root mass can block the pipe completely, or worse, the immense pressure exerted by the thickening root can crack or completely crush the pipe, leading to a total collapse of the drainage system. This type of damage requires excavation and line replacement, costing thousands of dollars.

While new homes are less likely to have root issues, a scope is still highly recommended. Construction processes can inadvertently damage the lines. Common issues found in new construction include:

• Construction Debris: Rocks, wood, or tools accidentally left in the line that cause immediate blockages.

• Improper Slope: Incorrect installation where the pipe doesn't have the necessary downhill pitch for gravity to move waste properly.

• Misaligned Joints: Pipes that were not fully connected during backfilling, creating immediate backup points.

The inspection provides a video recording and professional report detailing the exact location, depth, and nature of the defect. This factual evidence:

• Prevents Financial Disaster: It prevents you from unknowingly inheriting a five-figure plumbing emergency.

• Provides Negotiation Leverage: You can accurately estimate the repair cost and use that figure to negotiate a price reduction or insist the seller fix the line before closing, saving you the entire cost of the repair.

In most cases, no. Standard homeowner's insurance typically covers damage inside the house caused by a backup, but it generally does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing the main sewer line itself outside the foundation. This means the full cost of excavation and repair falls directly on the homeowner, which is why pre-purchase detection is so crucial.

The material of the sewer line affects its susceptibility to damage, and the scope helps determine the material and its condition:

• PVC (Plastic) - Typical Lifespan: 50-100 Years. Primary Risks: Poor Insulation, Ground shift
• Cast Iron - Typical Lifespan: 50-75 Years. Primary Risks: Corrosion, Deterioration, Scaling.
• Clay Tile - Typical Lifespan: 50-60 Years. Primary Risks: Root Intrusion, Breakage, Disjointed sections.
• Orangeburg (Fiber Conduit) - Typical Lifespan: 30-50 Years. Primary Risks: Total Collapse, Disintegration.