If you’re buying a home with me I will always suggest you get a sewer scope. It’s well worth the money.
What Is a Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope is a specialized inspection where a technician runs a small camera through the home’s main sewer line. This line connects the house’s plumbing to the city sewer system (or septic system). The camera shows the inside of the pipe, allowing the inspector to check for damage, blockages, or other issues that could cause expensive problems down the road.
Why Do One?
Sewer line problems aren’t always obvious. A toilet might flush just fine today, but hidden cracks, tree roots, or drainage issues inside the pipe could lead to backups, flooding, or costly repairs later. A sewer scope gives buyers (and homeowners) peace of mind by actually being able to see inside the drain.
Some of the common issues a sewer scope can uncover include:
- Tree root intrusion – Roots grow toward water sources and can break into pipes, causing clogs and leaks.
- Pipe damage – Cracks, breaks, or sections of collapsed pipe can prevent proper flow.
- Offsets or misalignments – Older pipes can shift over time, creating places where waste collects.
- Grease or debris buildup – Over the years of use, buildup can narrow the pipe and cause slow drainage.
- Settling – Sometimes the pipe settles and sags, which can affect drainage.
Who Should Get a Sewer Scope?
Sewer scope inspections are recommended for any home, but they’re especially important if the house is:
- More than 20 years old, or hasn’t been scoped in a long time.
- Surrounded by large, mature trees.
- Showing signs of drainage issues or slow plumbing.
- Being sold, as new buyers will want to know the state of the line.
What Does It Cost?
A sewer scope typically costs around $150 here in Portland. That may seem like an extra expense during the inspection process, but it’s a small price compared to the potential cost of repairing or replacing a sewer line, which can run anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000+.
The Bottom Line
A sewer scope is one of those “better safe than sorry” inspections. It gives you a clear picture of an important (but invisible) system in your future home. Knowing the condition of the sewer line before you buy can help you avoid (truly) nasty surprises and huge repair bills.