Building Sewer Components

To understand the scope of a sewer scope inspection, it is important to first identify the parts of the sewer system.

Building drain – The pipe that all the sewage from the home drains into before leaving the home.

Cleanout – An access into the building drain or sewer line. Modern standards call for at least one at the lower end of the building drain.

Cleanout cap or plug – A removable cover that prevents sewer gas from leaking out while allowing access into a pipe. Normally removable with a pipe wrench, some require a special tool to remove

Vent stack – A vertical pipe allowing air into waste drain line so liquid can drain.

Building sewer – The pipe that carries sewage, beginning close outside the home and continuing until it empties into a main sewer. This is the pipe examined during a sewer scope.

Main sewer – The building sewer terminates when it empties into a public sewer, private sewage (septic) system or HOA managed sewer. This is often just called the main sewer or main sewer lateral.