What a Sewer Scope Can Tell You — and Why You Shouldn’t Skip It

When people think “home inspection,” they picture roofs, foundations, and electrical panels. But one of the biggest (and most expensive) systems in your home is completely out of sight: your sewer line.

A sewer scope inspection is a small camera that runs through the line from your home to the city connection. It gives a live look at what’s happening underground — and can reveal problems long before you’d ever notice them.

Why It’s So Important

Your sewer line quietly carries everything out of your home — until it doesn’t. If it cracks, collapses, or gets blocked, you could be facing repairs that cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. A sewer scope, which typically costs $150–$300, is an easy way to catch those problems early — or avoid buying a home that already has them.

What a Sewer Scope Can Reveal

• Tree root intrusion — roots find tiny gaps in older pipes and grow inside them.

• Cracked or collapsed sections — often from shifting soil or age.

• “Bellies” or low spots — areas that collect water and waste, leading to clogs.

• Blockages from grease or debris.

• Outdated materials like clay or orangeburg pipes that degrade over time.

What Many Homeowners Don’t Realize

Even if your line runs under the sidewalk or into the street, you’re still responsible for it — usually up to where it connects to the city’s main line. That means if it fails under public property, you pay for the excavation and replacement.

Why It Matters

Most standard home inspections don’t include sewer lines. So you could get a clean inspection report and still have a major underground issue. Adding a sewer scope to your inspection protects you from surprise expenses after closing.

Bonus Tip

If you’ve removed large trees, had foundation work done, or changed major landscaping, it’s worth re-scoping afterward. Root systems and soil movement can stress pipes over time. Sewer lines don’t fail overnight, they happen over time. Regular checks are a smart maintenance task.

Bottom Line

A sewer scope isn’t exciting, but it’s one of the smartest and most overlooked investments in home maintenance and due diligence. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just maintaining your home — a quick camera look underground can save thousands and protect your peace of mind.

Curious about when a sewer scope makes sense for your situation? Let’s talk about it before your next move.