Why A Sewer Scope Inspection Is Essential For Homebuyers

Picture this: You’ve just bought your dream home. It checks every box; great neighborhood, ideal backyard, and the cozy living room you always wanted. But within weeks, the toilets clog, the shower backs up, and a foul smell fills your kitchen.

As it happens, the sewer line is broken. Repairs? It will cost you thousands of dollars. And the worst part? It could have been avoided with one simple step: a sewer scope inspection.

What Is A Sewer Scope Inspection

A sewer scope inspection is a specialized service in which a professional inspector uses a tiny, waterproof camera to examine the home's main sewer line. The camera moves inside the pipes while real-time footage is sent to confirm any clogs, damages, tree root intrusion, or line collapses.

Most homebuyers don’t even think about it. After all, if the toilets flush and the drains appear to be okay, then it is all good, right? Sadly, that is not always so.

Do I Need A Sewer Scope Inspection When Buying A Home

If you're asking, "Do I need a sewer scope inspection?" - The short answer is yes. More so if you are purchasing an old home with an age of two decades or more. Many older homes have clay or cast iron sewer lines that crack, decay, and get invaded by roots.

Even the latest homes are not safe. Problems may arise in the sewer line due to poor installation, construction debris, and shifting soil. A standard home inspection will not include a thorough inspection of the sewer, which is why we need this additional step so much.

Some Common Problems A Sewer Scope Can Find

Here are some of the most common (and expensive) issues that a sewer scope inspection can uncover:

• Tree Root Intrusion: Roots search for water and can grow into small cracks in the sewer lines, thus eventually blocking the pipe completely.

• Pipe Cracks or Breaks: Over time, the pipe can crack or even cave in due to ground movement or pressure.

• Corrosion: Older cast iron pipes rust out on the inside, causing flow restriction or total failure.

• Clogs or Build-Up: Grease, debris, or foreign objects can cause tenacious clogs.

• Improper Installation: Sometimes, builders unintentionally damage pipes during installation.

Identifying these problems before buying a home may save you substantially in repair or replacement money.

When Is A Sewer Scope Inspection Especially Important

You should strongly consider getting a sewer scope inspection if:

• The home was built before 1980.

• Trees are growing next to the sewer line, and it is large.

• The house had slow drains or constant backups.

• There is a history of settling the foundation or movement of the soil in the area.

• You are purchasing a flip/recently renovated property.

How The Inspection Works

The process is simple and less invasive as well. Here's what to expect:

• A licensed inspector puts a small, flexible camera into the home's main sewer cleanout.

• The camera sends live video to a monitor moving within the sewer pipe.

• The inspector looks for cracks, roots, and corrosion, among others.

• You get a report (with video in most cases) of the sewer line's condition.

The whole inspection should take no more than half an hour to an hour and can assure that the plumbing of your future house is in good order.

The Cost Of A Sewer Scope Inspection

A sewer scope inspection typically costs between $125 and $350, depending on your location and whether it's bundled with a full home inspection.

Compared to possible sewer repairs (which, depending on the amount of damage and whether digging is required, can cost between $1,390- $5,320), the inspection is a wise and affordable investment.

Sewer Problems Do Not Always Come With Symptoms

Here's the catch: Sewer line problems don’t have to manifest themselves. Drains can be perfect during a fast home showing, and the sellers may not even know there's a problem. Issues usually creep up gradually and emerge once the deal is made.

By then, it's your problem.

Final Thoughts

A sewer scope inspection may not be the most glamorous part of the homebuying process, but it could save you from a massive financial headache. It's a small fee, but it's also a big advantage.

If you are serious about safeguarding your investment, by all means, include it. Of course, a sewer inspection is absolutely necessary in older houses or where a home is known to have a rather suspicious plumbing history.

At Bryan & Bryan Inspections, we help you uncover hidden sewer problems before you buy, so you can move in with confidence. Our licensed inspectors utilize state-of-the-art camera technology to give you an up-close look at the state of your sewer line.

Don't let what lies beneath the surface take out your bank at a later time. Schedule your sewer scope inspection with Bryan & Bryan Inspections today and protect your investment before it’s too late.