What is a Sewer Scope Inspection and why do it?

A sewer scope is a video inspection of a home’s primary sewer line. The scope begins at an accessible location near the home, by way of a sewer cleanout, up until the cities main sewer lateral. The sewer inspector will look for defects in the sewer line that can or are affecting its functionality.

Obtaining a sewer scope or sewer inspection by a licensed plumbing inspector can be one of the most cost effective ways to prevent unnecessary future expenses for a new home owner. The simple fact is that sewer lines break over time, so it’s best to figure out if a buyers new home has a problem with its sewer line before they close their real estate transaction. Repairing a sewer line can cost up to $20,000 or more, so it’s critical to get a sewer scope or sewer inspection before closing on a purchase agreement. If there is a problem, a buyer can negotiate with the seller for replacement costs before it becomes solely their problem.