What is a Sewer Scope?

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the lateral sewer line from the house at or near the foundation to the city main or septic tank. A specialized camera is inserted into the sewer line to look for potential problems that could lead to sewage backup or expensive repairs.

Why It's Essential

Repairing or replacing a main sewer line is one of the most expensive hidden costs a homeowner can face. Often, standard home inspections do not cover the underground plumbing, leaving buyers vulnerable to thousands of dollars in repairs shortly after moving in.

• Identify Blockages: Find tree root intrusions, grease buildup, or debris.
• Detect Damage: Spot cracks, offsets, or collapsed pipes.
• Evaluate Pipe Condition: Determine if the pipe material (clay, orangeburg, cast iron) is reaching the end of its lifespan.

Common Issues Found

During a sewer scope, we look for several common issues that can affect the performance of your waste system:

• Root Intrusion: Roots from trees and shrubs can enter through small cracks and eventually block or break the pipe.
• Bellies (Sags): Low spots in the line where water and waste pool, often caused by soil settling.
• Offsets: Where two sections of pipe have shifted and no longer align properly.
• Corrosion: Especially common in older cast iron pipes.