A sewer inspection is a vital step when buying or maintaining a home, using a specialized camera to examine the condition of sewer lines. A sewer scope inspection can reveal cracks, blockages, tree root intrusions, and low areas in drain lines that may lead to future issues.
We recommend sewer inspections for both homes connected to public sewers and those with septic systems. About 40% of single-family home inspections include a sewer scope, showing how important this check has become in the home-buying process. The inspection is relatively quick and provides valuable information about an often-overlooked but critical home system.
Sewer inspection is a crucial process that helps homeowners identify potential problems in their sewer lines before they become costly disasters. This preventative measure uses specialized cameras to examine the interior condition of pipes connecting your home to the main sewer system or septic tank.
Regular sewer inspections can save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs, and for home buyers, a sewer scope inspection is especially valuable. It reveals hidden issues that standard home inspections might miss, checking for cracks, blockages, and structural problems in the line from the house to the public main or septic system.
Schedule inspections every 2-3 years for older homes and at least once every 5 years for newer properties. This proactive approach helps identify small issues before they become major emergencies.
Clogs are among the most frequent sewer line problems we encounter and typically form from inappropriate items flushed down toilets or drains, including "flushable" wipes, grease, and hygiene products. Tree roots present another serious threat to sewer lines, naturally seeking water sources and infiltrating tiny cracks in pipes. This creates blockages and causes pipe damage as they grow. Older clay or concrete pipes are particularly vulnerable to root intrusion.
Other common issues include:
The sewer inspection industry has transformed dramatically with new technologies that make detecting problems faster and more accurate. Modern tools allow inspectors to see inside pipes without digging, saving time and money while providing detailed information about pipe conditions.
The core technology uses a waterproof camera head attached to flexible cables that can navigate through pipes of various sizes. These cameras can travel hundreds of feet into sewer lines, transmitting real-time video to technicians above ground. They also feature sapphire lenses that resist scratches and provide crystal-clear images even in harsh sewer environments.
Most modern inspection cameras include powerful LED lights, lighting up the pipe interior to reveal cracks, blockages, and other defects. Many systems also combine high-definition imaging with digital recording capabilities to document pipe conditions.
A thorough sewer inspection involves specific preparation, professional execution, and careful interpretation of findings. Professional inspectors use specialized equipment to evaluate the condition of your main sewer line and identify potential drainage issues before they become costly problems.
Before scheduling a sewer inspection, ensure water usage in your home is minimal for a few hours prior, as this helps provide clearer camera footage of the pipes. Remove any obstacles blocking access to cleanout points, which are typically located near the foundation of your home or in your yard. These access points allow the inspector to insert their camera equipment.
If you have an older home (pre-1980s), gather any available information about previous plumbing work or known issues. This history helps inspectors know what to look for. For homes with septic systems rather than municipal sewer connections, inform the inspector beforehand, as this requires slightly different inspection techniques.
The inspection begins with the technician locating the main cleanout access point. They'll insert a flexible borescope camera attached to a snake-like cable into this opening. This waterproof camera transmits real-time video as it travels through your main sewer line.
The inspector will slowly guide the camera through the entire length of your sewer line, from your home to the municipal connection or septic tank, paying special attention to:
Most inspections take between 30-60 minutes to complete, depending on pipe length and complexity.
After the visual inspection, the technician will provide a detailed report of their findings, and this typically includes video footage and images of any problem areas discovered. Minor issues like small root intrusions or light scale buildup may only require monitoring. But more serious problems, such as pipe collapses, significant cracks, or major blockages, will need immediate attention.
The report should indicate the location of any problems, measured by distance from the access point. This precision helps plumbers target repairs without unnecessary excavation. Ask the inspector to explain their findings in plain language. They should be able to classify issues by severity and help you understand if repairs are urgent or can be planned for the future.
Finding trustworthy sewer inspection contractors is crucial for accurate results, so look for contractors who are properly licensed and certified in this specialized field. Read reviews and ask for references before hiring anyone. A reputable company should be able to share testimonials from previous customers who had similar inspection needs.
Check their experience, too, as contractors who have been in business for several years typically have encountered a wide range of sewer issues and can provide better insights. Equipment quality is another important factor. The best contractors use modern camera equipment that provides clear footage of your sewer lines.
A good sewer inspection contractor will provide a detailed report with video evidence of any problems discovered. This documentation is valuable for planning repairs and understanding the condition of your sewer system.
Key factors to look for in sewer inspection contractors:
Get multiple quotes before deciding, as this helps ensure you're paying a fair price for the service. Get in touch to discuss our pipe inspection service and costs.
