Ahmed Amin, P.E.
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read

Sewer Scopes

A sewer scope is an inspection of your underground sewer lateral out to the street main. It involves using a specialized camera that is inserted through a sewer clean-out or access point and extended out to the street main. Sewer scopes can detect issues like blockages, root intrusions, cracks, leaks, and pipe collapses. Early detection can save on costly repairs and prevent significant damage. It is especially important to inspect sewer lines for older homes (> 80 years old). Many older homes have clay, cast iron, or other types of piping that may be prone to issues. Furthermore if there are larger trees in the front or around the house, underground roots can penetrate and compromise the sewer lines.

Cost of Sewer Scopes

The cost of the sewer scope will ultimately vary based on the vendor and complexity of the inspection. Sometimes a sewer clean-out or access point is not found and a toilet must be removed to allow for easier access. Prices can also be higher in areas with a higher cost of living or if the sewer line is particularly long or difficult to access. Typically sewer scopes will vary between $300 - $500.

Possible Repair Methods

If you find a damaged sewer line there are various methods to complete the repair. If there is one specific area where the pipe is damaged it can be dug down and spot repaired instead of replacing the entire drain line. If the entire sewer line is separated in many areas and/or compromised then a complete replacement would be best. This can be a costly endeavor as it involves unearthing your front yard or driveway. Costs can be driven by complexity, length of pipe, and the depth of the sewer line out to the city main. Additional cost will be associated with refinishing a dug up front yard or driveway (if applicable). Lastly, sewer lines can be buried quite deep especially in urban cities increasing the price of the replacement.

An alternative to avoid digging up your driveway or front yard are trenchless sewer repairs. Trenchless sewer repairs are a less invasive method used to repair or replace sewer lines with minimal disruption to the surface above. One method involves installing a flexible epoxy coated liner within the existing pipe. It is inflated to fit the shape of the old pipe and cured (hardened) using heat, UV light, or a chemical reaction. Once cured, the liner becomes a new, seamless pipe within the old pipe. Another trenchless method is pipe bursting. This method involves breaking and expanding the existing sewer line while simultaneously replacing it with a new pipe.

When Should You Complete a Sewer Scope?

It is imperative to conduct a sewer scope during the process of purchasing a home alongside with a thorough home inspection. Considering how much you are investing in purchasing a home, it would be best to be informed up front to avoid costly repairs later after you close. Also pay attention during the home inspection process to see if there are any obvious telltale signs of a questionable sewer line. This may include slower or backed up drains or larger trees in the path of the outside sewer lateral.

In summary, sewer scopes is an integral inspection to ensure your plumbing infrastructure is still intact. This especially applies for older homes with likely older plumbing drains.