{"id":75199,"date":"2025-06-23T08:30:49","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T15:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=75199"},"modified":"2025-06-23T09:20:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T16:20:46","slug":"sewer-scope-inspection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/sewer-scope-inspection\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection and Why It Could Save You Thousands"},"content":{"rendered":"

A standard home inspection covers a lot, but not everything. One important system that often gets overlooked is the sewer line. That\u2019s where a sewer scope inspection comes in. This specialized inspection involves using a small camera to check the condition of your home\u2019s underground sewer system, revealing issues that aren\u2019t visible during a regular walkthrough.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re buying a home in places like <\/span>Portland<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Denver<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>Seattle<\/span><\/a> – especially one that\u2019s more than 20 years old – or if you’re already a homeowner noticing slow drains or foul smells, it might be time to schedule a sewer scope. In this Redfin article, we\u2019ll explain what a sewer scope inspection is, why it matters, how it works, and what signs might mean you need one.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"sewer<\/p>\n

What is a sewer scope inspection?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A sewer scope inspection is a video inspection of a home\u2019s main sewer line. It allows a professional inspector to check for hidden issues like clogs, cracks, tree root intrusion, or pipe collapse. Using a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable, the inspector feeds the scope through the home\u2019s cleanout or drain, capturing real-time footage of the sewer line all the way to the city connection or septic tank.<\/span><\/p>\n

This type of inspection helps identify problems that aren\u2019t visible during a standard <\/span>home inspection<\/span><\/a>, and can save buyers from costly surprises after move-in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"inspecting<\/p>\n

Why is a sewer scope inspection important?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A sewer scope inspection helps uncover hidden problems in a home\u2019s sewer system, issues that could cost you thousands and pose serious health or safety risks if left undetected. Even if everything seems fine on the surface, the sewer line beneath your home could be damaged, clogged, or on the brink of failure. A sewer scope inspection can:<\/span><\/p>\n