Sewer Scopes
Do You Need A Sewer Scope?
A sewer scope is a video inspection of the main sewer line from the house to the street or septic tank. It reveals cracks, bellies, roots, blockages, and pipe condition—issues that can cost thousands to fix and that a standard home inspection does not cover.
Big Red Flags where a Sewer Scope is HIGHLY Recommended
Homes built before 1974
Between 1970 to about 1975 builders were transitioning to ABS or the black plastic waste lines that we still use today. Before that they were built with sewer lines of various different materials. Galvanized, Cast Iron, Orangeburg, clay, concrete, etc. All of which are at or near the end of their expected service life.
Older pipes are far more susceptible to damage/failure
It's true -
Nothing lasts forever.
Older pipes tend to disintegrate from the inside, can crack, and even collapse.
Homes with large or well established trees
Nature is truly remarkable !
Trees, especially here in Arizona, need water and will search for it. A tiny hair thin root can sneak into the smallest openings, joints, cracks, etc. Then those roots will infiltrate, grow and create havoc. The sooner they are caught the easier and cheaper it is to remedy.
Homes with known plumbing issues
Home Owners may make known, but make light of or downplay know plumbing issues.
Any home that has had sewer repairs, had the drains snaked "every few years", has had a backup a "few years" ago, etc. May have a deeper / bigger problem going on.
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A Sewer Scope is still Recommended on newer homes
Plastic Pipes are not perfect
Newer Plumbing can still have issues.
Sagging pipes known is "Bellies" can form, hold water and debris.
As soil moves, landscaping projects get completed, etc. Pipes can get separated or damaged.
People are not perfect
People aren't always aware of what shouldn't be flushed.
Items such as grease, paint, chemicals, wipes, feminine products, etc. can slow, clog, or even obstruct the pipe completely, especially in conjunction with a belly or roots.
I've even had to rescue a G.I Joe and a few toothbrushes because of my kids curiosity with the toilet.
Final Thoughts
There is no way of knowing the condition of the sewer lines from above. The only way is to send a camera through them.
Most sewer scopes come back with little to no issues, but those that do prove that it is far worth the cost.
You do not want to inherit a major sewer line repair.
Some home owner policies do not cover the entire line and some municipalities will not cover sidewalk or street repairs.
If you compare the cost of a sewer scope to the alternative - the choice is clear -
Yes, You Should Always Get a Sewer Scope on Any Property.
I will always get a sewer scope on any property I purchase and will make any family member (including my brother's Ex-Wife) get a sewer scope done on any property they are buying.
I have lived in my current home for over a decade and recently just had the sewer scoped. Watch it HERE.
We will never pressure you to get a sewer scope in conjunction with the home inspection or through us, but you should get one during your inspection period.
Performed by
Why don't we do the sewer scope ourselves?
3rd Party
Having a 3rd party Licensed Plumbing company gives that extra bit of confidence and credibility to any issues that may come up. Plus, there is always new products, technology, tools—having a top notch plumbing company ensures you are getting the most current information.
Quote
If any issues do arise—you will actually get a quote and not a rough estimate from a home inspector.
Home inspectors are not allowed to work on homes they've inspected and many good ones, even if their past careers were in plumbing, haven't done it in years. With inflation, labor pricing changes, etc. Pricing can change dramatically over time.
It's Who We Use
We trust and use West Coast Plumbing on any work that need to be done on our home—so if they are good enough for us, and we know what to look for, they are good enough for you.