The Importance of a Sewer Scope Before Home Buying

When we are shopping for a home, most of us consider the size of the kitchen, the condition of the backyard, and the type of neighborhood. One often overlooked factor is that the main sewer line that serves the home is in good shape. Therefore, that’s why sewer inspection is important.

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While not as exciting, a sewer inspection can stop you from facing costly repairs afterward. This article discusses a sewer inspection, its worth, the fee, and what may happen if one is not done.

What Is a Sewer Inspection?

It evaluates the sewer line that takes refuse from the house to a city sewer or septic tank.

A small camera on a flexible wire is used by the technician to inspect the pipe by guiding a camera through the drain or outside clean-out and sends images to a TV screen, which helps the technician evaluate the health of the pipe.

This inspection lasts 30 to 60 minutes and won't disturb your garden or home’s foundation.

Why Is It Important?

Since the sewer line is buried, you cannot see it. Any issues will likely be hidden from you until they cause a significant problem, like a clogged toilet or sewage overflow mess outside.

Here’s why it’s a good idea to get the sewer line checked before buying:

1. You Might Catch Serious Problems Early
The camera can reveal cracks, clogs, sagging areas, or even roots growing inside the pipe. These are things you can’t see during a regular home tour or even a basic home inspection.

2. It Could Save You a Lot of Money
Fixing or replacing a sewer line can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000 or more. If a problem is found before you buy, you might be able to ask the seller to fix it or lower the price of the house.

3. Older Homes Are at Higher Risk
Homes built before the 1980s may have pipes made of clay or metal that can break down over time. Even newer homes can have issues if the pipe wasn’t installed correctly.

4. Tree Roots Can Sneak In
Though large trees may appear nice, the roots from their underground branches could block sewage pipes. The finding of this is quite straightforward for a camera.

When Should You Get It Done?

To have your sewer line inspected, make sure it is part of the home inspection, which happens after you offer the seller but before you close on the property. It enables you to review what has happened and make a plan moving forward.

You should definitely consider it if:

The home is over 20 years old.
There are large trees near the house.
You see signs like slow drains or bad smells.
The seller hasn’t had the sewer line checked recently.

What Does the Inspector Look For?

The camera will record a video of the inside of the pipe, and the technician will look for:

Cracks or holes
Roots growing inside the pipe
Low spots where water collects
Parts of the pipe that have fallen in or are broken
Rust, buildup, or blockages

After the inspection, you’ll get a video and a short report explaining what they found.

What If They Find a Problem?

Don’t panic if the inspection shows an issue. You have several options:

Ask the seller to make repairs
Request a price reduction to cover the repair cost
Walk away from the sale if the damage is too serious
Ask for a home warranty that includes sewer line protection

Some problems may be minor and easy to fix. Others might need more work. Either way, knowing about them early gives you the power to decide what to do.

How Much Does It Cost?

Depending on where you live and who you use, a sewer scope inspection usually runs around $150 to $400. When doing an annual home inspection, some home inspectors provide this as an extra for a small fee.

While it’s another fee during a demanding time, it’s a smart one. Spending a few hundred dollars now could save you from an immense repair bill later.

Is It Okay to Skip It?

Technically, yes—but skipping it could be a big mistake.
Just because you don’t see any signs of sewer trouble doesn’t mean there aren’t any problems. A hidden issue in the pipe might not show up until you’ve moved in—and by then, it’s your responsibility.

Even newer homes can have sewer line issues. For example, construction debris could have fallen into the pipe, or the line might have been crushed by heavy equipment during construction.

Common Problems and What They Mean

Here are some typical issues found during sewer inspections and what they could mean for you:

Problem	What It Means
Tree roots	Roots are growing into the pipe; may need cutting or repair.
Cracks or breaks	The pipe may need to be patched or replaced.
Low spots or “bellies”	Water collects in one spot, which may cause backups.
Rust or corrosion	Common in older metal pipes; may need replacing.
Blockages	It may need cleaning; it may be a sign of other issues.

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. You want to be sure you’re not walking into expensive snags. A sewer scope inspection gives you the chance to see what’s going on underground—something most people forget about.