Sewer Scope Inspections
See inside the one line your home inspection can't.
A standard home inspection doesn't cover the buried sewer line. A sewer scope puts a camera inside it, so you know what you're buying before a repair bill finds you.
What It Is
A camera inspection of your sewer line.
Your sewer line carries everything out of the house, and it is buried where no one can see it. A sewer scope inspection feeds a camera through a cleanout or roof vent pipe and follows the line as far as it goes, recording video and images of anything it finds.
Homeowners are responsible for the sewer line from the house all the way to the city's main line, including any section that runs under the street. If something is wrong, it becomes your repair.
Repairs are expensive.
Repairing a sewer line can be very costly. According to our inspector certification training, fixing a main sewer line starts at a minimum of $2,500.
A sewer scope is a small cost next to finding that out after closing.
See It in Action
Watch a sewer scope inspection.
How It Works
Camera in, answers out.
We can pinpoint where a problem is, not just tell you that one exists.
Access the line
We insert the camera through a cleanout or a roof vent pipe and feed it down the sewer line.
Record what we find
The camera records the condition of the pipe, with video and images of any defects. Cable length in feet tells us exactly how far along each issue sits.
Locate it above ground
Using a sonde and locator, we can mark the general area on the surface and estimate the depth, which helps plan any excavation.
What We Look For
The defects a sewer scope can find.
Most sewer line problems are invisible from the surface until they cause a backup.
Tree root intrusion
Roots enter through small gaps and cracks in the pipe, then grow and crack it further.
Pipe collapse
Usually caused by severe root intrusion, soil settlement, or heavy equipment driving over the line.
Offsets
Sections of pipe that have separated, which can leak waste into the surrounding soil.
Bellies
Low spots in the line where water and waste collect instead of draining away.
Debris and blockages
Objects like toys or construction material that end up in the line and restrict flow.
Why we recommend it on every home.
One of our clients was renting a new townhouse when the sewer line turned out to be blocked. After a bath was drained on the third floor, sewage backed up through the toilet on the first floor.
A sewer scope is the one way to see that kind of problem before it happens, which is why we recommend it on every home we inspect.
Add It to Your Inspection
One call covers more.
We recommend three extras for every home: a sewer scope, termite inspection, and radon testing. All handled by the same team, no separate subcontractor visits.
Common Questions
Sewer scope questions, answered.
What is a sewer scope inspection?
A sewer scope inspection uses a camera inserted through a cleanout or roof vent pipe to record the condition of your sewer line. We capture video and images of any defects, so you can see exactly what is happening inside a line that is otherwise buried and out of sight.
Isn't the sewer line covered in a regular home inspection?
No. A standard home inspection does not include the buried sewer line, which is why a sewer scope is offered as an add-on service and why we recommend it for every home.
Who is responsible for the sewer line?
Homeowners are responsible for the sewer line from the house to the city's main line, including any section that runs under the street. If a problem is found after you buy, the repair is yours to handle.
What problems can a sewer scope find?
A sewer scope can find tree root intrusion, collapsed pipe, offsets where sections of pipe have separated, low spots called bellies that collect water and waste, and debris or objects blocking the line.
Can you tell where in the yard a problem is?
Yes. The camera tracks cable length in feet to show how far along the line a defect sits, and a sonde and locator can mark the general area on the surface and estimate the depth. That information helps if excavation is needed.
How much does it cost to repair a sewer line?
Repairing a sewer line can be very expensive. According to our inspector certification training, repairing a main sewer line starts at a minimum of $2,500, and the final cost depends on the problem and the location.
How do I add a sewer scope to my inspection?
You can add it when you schedule online, call our team, or request a quote on our quote page at bentnailtn.com/quote/. We recommend a sewer scope, a termite inspection, and radon testing for every home.
Find out what's inside your sewer line.
Pay now, or pay at closing. Call for details.