What is a Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope is a type of inspection that involves inserting a small camera on a flexible cable into a sewer line or drainpipe to visually inspect the condition of the pipe and identify any blockages, damage, or other issues. The camera captures real-time video footage of the interior of the pipe, which can be viewed by a technician or plumber on a monitor. Sewer scopes are commonly used to diagnose sewer line problems such as clogs, cracks, tree root infiltration, corrosion, and other issues that can cause backups and sewage leaks. This type of inspection is often recommended for home buyers, as well as for homeowners who are experiencing recurring sewer line problems.
In the past, you would have had to hire a licensed plumber with expensive equipment. Today, more home inspectors are trained and equipped to perform sewer scope inspections. It is not a standard part of a typical home inspection. Home inspectors generally focus on evaluating the overall condition of the home, including the structural elements, roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, among other things. A sewer scope is a more specialized inspection of the waste plumbing system.