Find a home inspector you can trust with True North Inspection Services
Check your sewer line for blockages and damage.
The pipe that runs from a property's plumbing to the city sewer system or septic tank, often called a sewer lateral, is a critical component that must not be overlooked. Blockages or damage to the sewer lateral are not visible during a regular home inspection and might not present any evidence on the surface. Because the sewer lateral is an underground system, repairs to the piping are typically very expensive.
A sewer scope inspection involves sending a high-tech, flexible camera through the piping to visually inspect for any kind of blockage or damage, including root penetration or separation of the pipes.
Due to the high cost of repair, it is important to understand the condition of the sewer lateral when you are considering the purchase of a new property. As a seller, a sewer scope inspection can help speed up the transaction and make sure you aren't caught by surprise if the buyer's inspection discovers a problem.
A sewer scope inspection is critical for assessing the situation if there are any other indicators of a problem such as a damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line, backflow into the property, or contamination of the water supply. However, there may be problems with the sewer lateral that are not yet affecting the performance of the system but will cause failure later on.
Homes built before 1975 often have aging sewer lines made of clay, cast iron, or other materials that naturally deteriorate over time. While these issues are rarely visible during a standard home inspection, they can hide expensive surprises beneath the surface—root intrusion, cracks, blockages, and corrosion that may lead to backups or full system failure. A sewer scope inspection gives buyers and homeowners a clear, real-time look at the true condition of the main sewer line so they can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected repair bills.
A sewer scope inspection is a specialized service that uses a high-resolution camera to visually examine the condition of a home's main sewer line. This inspection reveals issues that can't be seen during a standard home inspection—such as cracks, blockages, corrosion, or root intrusion—especially common in older lines made from clay or cast iron. For homes built prior to 1975, a sewer scope provides a clear, real-time look at the integrity of the system and helps identify problems before they become costly repairs.
If you're purchasing a home built before 1975, a sewer scope inspection is strongly recommended due to the age and materials of the original plumbing. Signs like slow drains, recurring clogs, unusual odors, or large trees near the property can also indicate a potential issue below ground. Even if no symptoms are present, older sewer lines are far more susceptible to deterioration, meaning a sewer scope is one of the best ways to avoid unexpected and expensive surprises.
A sewer scope inspection is quick, non-invasive, and highly informative. A trained inspector inserts a small camera through an accessible clean-out or drain line and records a detailed video of the sewer line's interior. You'll receive visual documentation, a professional assessment of any defects, and clear explanations about the severity of any findings. This information gives buyers greater peace of mind, helps guide negotiations if repairs are needed, and ensures you fully understand the condition of a major part of the home's infrastructure.
True North Inspection Services provides sewer scope inspections in Carlsbad, Hobbs, Roswell, Artesia, and surrounding areas. Not sure if that's you? Give us a call at (575) 361-3785 or send us an email.