Why a Sewer Scope Inspection is Essential When Buying a Home

When purchasing a home, a thorough home inspection is a must to identify potential issues that could lead to costly repairs. However, one crucial inspection that many buyers overlook is the sewer scope inspection. While it may seem like an unnecessary add-on, the small upfront cost of a sewer scope—typically between $300 and $400—pales in comparison to the $5,000 to $20,000 in potential sewer line repairs that could arise if underlying problems go unnoticed.

What a Sewer Scope Reveals That a Standard Home Inspection Does Not

A home inspection provides a comprehensive evaluation of the property, including plumbing, electrical, structural, and HVAC systems. However, home inspectors do not typically conduct a detailed inspection of the sewer line. Without a sewer scope, hidden problems could remain undetected until after you've moved in, leading to significant damage and expenses.

A sewer scope uses a specialized camera to inspect the entire lateral sewer line from the house to the main municipal sewer connection. Here are some of the issues a sewer scope can uncover that a traditional home inspection cannot:

• Tree Root Intrusion – Roots from trees and shrubs can infiltrate sewer lines, causing partial or complete blockages.

• Pipe Cracks and Breaks – Over time, sewer pipes can deteriorate and develop cracks, leading to leaks and potential collapses.

• Bellied Pipes – A section of the sewer pipe that has sagged, creating a low spot where waste and water accumulate, leading to persistent clogs.

• Corrosion and Rust in Cast Iron Pipes – Older cast iron pipes may be heavily corroded, reducing flow capacity and increasing the risk of failure.

• Collapsed or Separated Pipes – Older clay or Orangeburg pipes can deteriorate, separate at the joints, or completely collapse, leading to sewage backups.

• Blockages Deep in the Line – Even if a drain appears to function during a standard home inspection, blockages further down the lateral line might not be evident until after the home is occupied and multiple water sources are in use.

The Risk of Ignoring a Sewer Scope Inspection

One of the biggest risks of not getting a sewer scope is that a blockage or failure deep in the lateral line may not be evident during a standard home inspection. A blockage could be slowly forming and may only become apparent once multiple people are using bathrooms, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures daily. When this happens, sewage backups can occur, leading to extensive damage and costly emergency repairs.

Another major concern is that homeowner’s insurance typically does not cover sewer line backups unless the homeowner has purchased additional coverage for it. This means that if a sewer line issue arises, the entire cost of repairs—including excavation, replacement, and damage restoration—will likely fall on the homeowner.

The Importance of a Sewer Scope in Older Homes

A sewer scope is even more critical for older homes, particularly those built with outdated sewer piping materials, such as:

• Clay Pipes – Prone to root intrusion and cracking.
• Cast Iron Pipes – Susceptible to corrosion and eventual collapse.
• Orangeburg Pipes – A fiber-based material that deteriorates over time and is highly prone to failure.

If your potential new home has any of these materials, a sewer scope inspection is strongly recommended to assess the condition of the pipes before you commit to the purchase.

Repair Costs for Sewer Line Issues

If a sewer scope reveals problems, repair costs can vary depending on the issue and the solution needed:

• Basic Hydro Jetting or Snaking – $200 to $800 (for minor clogs and tree roots)
• Spot Repair of a Section of Pipe – $1,000 to $5,000
• Pipe Relining (Trenchless Repair) – $3,000 to $7,000
• Complete Sewer Line Replacement (Excavation Required) – $5,000 to $20,000 or more

These costs emphasize the importance of identifying problems early. Catching an issue before it escalates can save thousands of dollars and prevent the nightmare of sewer backups.

The Bottom Line: A Sewer Scope is a Must-Have

If there’s one ancillary service that our team recommends without hesitation, it is the sewer scope inspection. The cost of this service is negligible compared to the potential expense and inconvenience of major sewer repairs. A small investment now can save tens of thousands of dollars in the future, providing peace of mind when purchasing a home.

Don’t take a gamble on your future home’s sewer system. Protect yourself by scheduling a sewer scope inspection before you close on your home purchase!