A sewer scope inspection is one of those lesser-known but super valuable steps when buying a home—especially if you’re looking at an older property. Here’s why it’s important:
- It’s a process where a technician runs a small camera through the home’s main sewer line to check for blockages, breaks, roots, or other damage. It typically costs around $225, but it can save you thousands down the line.
- Sewer repairs or full replacements can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on how deep and extensive the problem is. A sewer scope inspection can spot issues early and give you leverage in negotiations when purchasing a home.
- Roots naturally grow toward moisture, and older clay or concrete pipes are especially vulnerable. Roots can crack pipes and block the flow, causing major backups.
- Homes built on hills, clay-heavy soil, or areas with a lot of rain can experience soil movement, which may damage the sewer lines or separate the joints underground—something you’d never know about unless a sewer scope was performed.
- Even in new construction, there could be issues. Sometimes builders accidentally leave construction debris in the lines, heavy equipment run over underground pipes with uncompacted soil causing pipe movement, or the connections weren’t done right. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
- You don’t want to move into a home to find out you have a large plumbing bill immediately. Sewer line problems are nasty—no one want to imagine sewage backing up into there home. It’s a nightmare you want to avoid at all costs.
- Since the main sewer line is underground — its out of sight and out of mind. But just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not ready to ruin your day. Roots, cracks, collapses, or old materials like clay or Orangeburg pipe can be lurking.
When to Get a Sewer Scope?
- House is over 20–30 years old
- Large trees in the yard or near the sewer line
- Any signs of slow drainage or frequent backups
- Previous sewer line repairs
Based out of Alpharetta, Georgia, we serve the greater Atlanta area and offer sewer scope inspections as an additional home inspection service. If you would like more information about sewer scopes or would like to book us for any of our property inspection services, please give us a call today or click here to schedule your inspection.