Why a Sewer Scope Inspection Could Be the Smartest Move Before You Buy
- Trish Beals
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 16
When shopping for a home, most buyers naturally focus on the roof, foundation, plumbing
inside the walls, or the HVAC system. But there’s one critical area that doesn’t get as much attention — the sewer line. Because it’s buried underground, problems often remain hidden until they become major, costly repairs. A simple sewer scope inspection can uncover these issues before you close, saving you thousands of dollars and plenty of stress.
What a Sewer Scope Inspection Checks
A sewer scope involves guiding a small camera through the main sewer pipe to capture video of the line’s condition. This inspection can reveal:
Cracked or broken pipe sections
Tree root intrusion
Corrosion or aging materials such as clay or cast iron
Buildup from grease, debris, or household waste
Sections of pipe that have sagged and trap water or waste
Evidence of prior patch jobs or short-term fixes that may not hold up
These are all problems that a traditional home inspection won’t identify since the sewer line is out of sight beneath the yard.
The Cost vs. the Risk
Most sewer scope inspections cost just a few hundred dollars. In contrast, repairing or replacing a damaged line often ranges from several thousand dollars to well over ten thousand depending on the depth, length, and what sits above it (driveways, landscaping, patios).
Spending a few hundred dollars today can prevent surprise bills that are ten times larger down the road.
Signs You Should Strongly Consider a Sewer Scope
While any home could benefit from a sewer scope, some properties are at greater risk:
Homes more than 20 years old, especially with original pipes
Properties with large or mature trees near the sewer line
Houses that show signs of recurring clogs, slow drains, sewer odors, or soggy patches in the yard
Areas where soil shifts or desert landscaping can stress buried pipes
In Arizona communities like Tucson, Marana, Casa Grande, Sahuarita, and Green Valley, the combination of older housing stock, expansive desert soil, and mature landscaping make sewer scopes a smart addition to the inspection process.
Benefits for Home Buyers
Adding a sewer scope to your inspection offers:
Negotiating power – If damage is found, you can request that repairs be done before closing if there are any issues found.
Peace of mind – A clean bill of health for the sewer line removes one of the biggest hidden risks.
Financial protection – Even if minor issues are found, they can be repaired at a fraction of the cost compared to waiting until a major failure.
Confidence in your purchase – Knowing what’s underground gives you the same assurance as knowing what’s above.
What to Expect
When you order a sewer scope as part of your inspection:
A camera will be inserted through a clean-out or access point to record video of the sewer line.
You’ll receive documentation of the inspection, including video or photos.
Any issues will be explained clearly, with recommendations for repair or monitoring.
The inspection can often be bundled with your home inspection appointment for added convenience.
Final Thoughts
A sewer scope is one of the most overlooked but valuable inspections a buyer can choose. For the cost of a few hundred dollars, you can protect yourself from repair bills that can stretch into the tens of thousands. In Arizona’s desert environment, where tree root intrusion and shifting soils are common, adding a sewer scope is a smart way to safeguard your investment.
If you’d like to learn more about adding a sewer scope to your upcoming home inspection, KeyView Inspection is here to help. We provide fast, detailed reports and convenient add-on services designed to save time to support smooth transactions.
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