When you’re buying a home, you probably think about the roof, foundation, furnace, plumbing, and electrical systems. One component that is easy to overlook is the underground sewer line.
The sewer line carries wastewater away from the home, but because most of the line is underground, its condition can’t be determined by simply looking at the property or testing the plumbing fixtures.
That’s where a sewer scope can help.
What Is a Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope is a camera inspection of the accessible portions of a home’s sewer line. A specialized camera is inserted into the sewer line and advanced through the pipe while the inspector observes the interior.
The camera allows the inspector to look for conditions that may not be visible during a standard home inspection, including:
- Tree root intrusion
- Cracks or breaks
- Separated pipe joints
- Significant buildup or obstructions
- Low spots or “bellies”
- Deteriorated piping
- Other conditions affecting the sewer line
- Depending on the property and access available, the camera may be able to travel from the home toward the municipal sewer connection or septic system.
Why Is a Sewer Scope Important?
A home’s plumbing can appear to be functioning normally while the sewer line has an underlying problem.
A toilet may flush. Sinks may drain. Showers may work without a noticeable issue. None of those things necessarily tell you what is happening inside the underground sewer line.
Some sewer defects develop gradually and may not cause an obvious problem until the condition becomes more severe.
For a homebuyer, discovering a sewer issue before closing can be significantly better than discovering it after moving in.
What Problems Can a Sewer Scope Find?
Tree Roots
Tree roots are a common concern with underground sewer lines. Roots can enter through pipe joints, cracks, or other openings and grow inside the line.
As the roots become larger, they can restrict the flow of wastewater and contribute to blockages.
Cracked or Broken Pipes
Sewer pipes can crack or break because of age, ground movement, deterioration, installation issues, or other causes.
Depending on the location and severity, damaged piping may require repair or replacement.
Separated Joints
Sewer pipes are made up of connected sections. Over time, movement of the soil or deterioration of the pipe can cause sections to separate.
A separated joint can create an opening where soil and roots can enter the pipe.
Bellies and Low Spots
A sewer line that has settled can develop a low section, commonly called a belly.
Water and debris can collect in the low area rather than flowing freely through the pipe. The significance of a belly depends on its size, location, and effect on the sewer line.
Blockages and Buildup
Grease, debris, roots, sediment, and other materials can restrict the interior of a sewer line.
A scope can help identify an obstruction and, when possible, show where it is located.
Why Can Sewer Problems Be Expensive?
Sewer lines are underground, which can make repairs more complicated than many other plumbing repairs.
Depending on the problem and its location, repairs may involve excavation, specialized equipment, plumbing work, and restoration of disturbed landscaping, pavement, or other surfaces.
The cost can vary significantly from one property to another.
That’s one reason a sewer scope can be valuable during a real estate transaction. The inspection itself may be relatively inexpensive compared with the potential cost of addressing a significant sewer defect.
Who Should Consider a Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope can be beneficial for almost any home, but it may be particularly worth considering when purchasing:
- An older home
- A property with mature trees
- A home with a history of sewer backups or drainage problems
- A property with an older or unknown sewer line
- A home where the potential cost of a sewer repair would be a significant concern
Age alone doesn’t mean a sewer line has a problem. Likewise, a newer home isn’t guaranteed to be free of sewer defects. A scope simply provides additional information about a system that would otherwise remain largely hidden.
What Happens If a Problem Is Found?
Not every finding means the sewer line needs to be replaced.
The severity, location, and type of defect all matter. Some conditions may require monitoring or maintenance, while others may warrant evaluation by a qualified plumbing or sewer contractor.
If a significant concern is identified, the buyer can investigate the issue and determine what options are available before completing the purchase.
That’s the real value of the inspection: information.
A sewer scope doesn’t tell you whether you should buy a house. It gives you information that can help you make a more informed decision.
Are There Limitations to a Sewer Scope?
Like any inspection, a sewer scope has limitations.
The camera can only evaluate portions of the system that are accessible and able to be traversed. Access may be limited by the availability or condition of a cleanout, obstructions within the pipe, the configuration of the system, or other conditions.
A sewer scope is also a snapshot of the condition of the accessible piping at the time of the inspection. It cannot predict when a future problem may develop.
Is a Sewer Scope Worth It?
For many homebuyers, the answer is yes.
You can see the roof. You can see the foundation. You can test the furnace. But you generally can’t see what’s happening inside an underground sewer line.
A sewer scope provides an opportunity to look inside that otherwise hidden system and identify conditions that could potentially become costly problems.
Before buying a home, knowing what’s happening underground can be just as important as knowing what’s happening above it.
Have Questions About Sewer Scoping?
At Northwoods Home Inspection Group, our goal is to educate our clients and help them understand the property they’re purchasing.
If you’re buying a home and want to know more about sewer scoping, we’re happy to help you determine whether it’s a good addition to your inspection.
