Yes, you need a sewer scope inspection if you want to avoid expensive repairs, protect your health, and ensure your home's sewer line is in good condition. This quick, non-invasive check uses a small video camera to look inside your underground sewer pipe, spotting problems like cracks, blockages, and root intrusion before they turn into costly emergencies.
A sewer scope inspection is often skipped during a standard home inspection, but it can reveal hidden issues that affect property value, safety, and long-term maintenance costs. In this guide, you'll learn exactly what a sewer scope inspection involves, when you should get one, warning signs to watch for, and how it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Table of Content:
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is a diagnostic service where a professional plumber uses a high-resolution video camera attached to a flexible cable to inspect the inside of your home's sewer line.
How It Works:
- The camera is inserted through a clean-out or drain access point.
- It travels through the private sewer pipe that connects your home to the city main line or septic system.
- The footage reveals the pipe's condition in real time, identifying blockages, cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion.
Average Time: 30–60 minutes.
Average Cost: $150–$500 (a fraction of potential repair costs).
At the end, you receive a detailed report and video recording showing the exact issues found, along with repair or maintenance recommendations.
Why a Sewer Scope Inspection Matters
Sewer line problems often develop quietly underground—until they cause visible and costly damage.
- Early detection prevents small cracks from turning into collapsed pipes.
- Negotiating power for buyers—repairs can be requested before closing.
- Peace of mind knowing your sewer line is clear and functional.
- Health protection by stopping sewage backups and mold growth.
Signs You May Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an inspection immediately:
1. Persistent Sewer Odors
Strong, unpleasant smells inside or outside your home can signal leaks or blockages in your sewer line.
2. Slow-Draining Fixtures
When sinks, showers, and tubs all drain slowly, the issue may be in the main sewer line rather than individual drains.
3. Sewage Backups
Wastewater returning through floor drains or toilets indicates a serious obstruction.
4. Extra Green or Soggy Lawn Patches
Unusual grass growth or wet spots in your yard may point to an underground leak feeding the soil.
5. Rodent or Insect Activity
Damaged pipes can attract pests looking for food and moisture sources.
6. Yard Indentations or Sinkholes
Shifts in soil can happen when water leaks undermine ground stability.
7. Foundation Cracks or Settlement
Long-term leaks can erode soil under your foundation, leading to structural issues.
When Should You Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?
You don't need to wait for a problem to arise. The best times to schedule an inspection are:
- Before buying a home (especially if it's 20+ years old or has large trees nearby).
- If selling your home to reassure buyers and speed up closing.
- Every 3–5 years as preventive maintenance.
- After major landscaping or construction work that may have impacted underground lines.
Health Risks of Sewer Line Damage
A compromised sewer line isn't just a plumbing problem—it's a health hazard.
Biological Hazards: Sewage water can carry E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis, and other pathogens that cause gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses.
Mold & Mildew: Persistent moisture from leaks creates the perfect environment for mold growth, which can trigger allergies and asthma.
Pest Infestation: Rats, cockroaches, and flies thrive in sewer systems and can enter through damaged lines.
Cost vs. Risk: Why It's Worth It
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Sewer Scope Inspection | $150–$500 |
| Sewer Line Replacement | $3,000–$25,000 |
Paying a few hundred dollars now could save you thousands in emergency repairs later.
How to Schedule a Sewer Scope Inspection
At New Flow Plumbing, we use advanced camera technology to inspect your sewer system thoroughly. Our licensed and insured inspectors identify problems early, giving you clear, actionable solutions.
Call us today at 310-299-9284 or book online to secure your appointment. Protect your home, your health, and your investment.
FAQs
Arman Grigoryan
Founder & President of New Flow Pumbing
Arman Grigoryan is the founder and president of New Flow Plumbing, proudly serving Los Angeles, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in plumbing diagnostics, he leads a skilled team specializing in advanced sewer and drain camera inspections to quickly identify problems and deliver lasting solutions. Arman is dedicated to using the latest technology to provide reliable service, honest answers, and dependable results for every customer.
