What a Sewer Scope Shows
The camera travels through the entire length of your sewer line, typically 50-100 feet. The technician records video and looks for:
- Root intrusion: Tree roots entering through pipe joints, eventually causing blockages
- Bellies: Low spots where the pipe has settled, causing waste and water to pool
- Offsets: Misaligned pipe sections where joints have shifted
- Cracks and breaks: Damage to the pipe wall
- Pipe material: Type and condition of the pipe (clay, cast iron, Orangeburg, PVC)
- Connections: Where other drains connect and whether they're properly sealed
Pipe Materials and Their Issues
Clay Pipe
Common in homes built before 1970. Clay is durable but the joints are vulnerable to root intrusion and shifting. Many clay pipes still function after 80+ years, but problems at joints are common.
Cast Iron
Used from 1900s through 1970s. Cast iron eventually corrodes from the inside out, creating rough surfaces that catch debris and restrict flow. Severely corroded sections may need replacement.
Orangeburg
A fiber-based pipe used from 1940s-1970s. Orangeburg has a limited lifespan (50 years max) and tends to deform and collapse. Finding Orangeburg is typically a significant concern.
PVC
Modern plastic pipe used since the 1970s. PVC is durable and root-resistant at joints. Finding PVC in good condition is the best possible result.
When to Get a Sewer Scope
Consider a sewer scope inspection when:
- The home is more than 30 years old
- Large mature trees are near the sewer line path
- The home has had previous plumbing issues
- You're buying in an area with known sewer problems
- The standard inspection mentions slow drains or sewage odors
Sewer scopes cost $150-400 depending on your market. Given the potential cost of repairs, it's worthwhile insurance for most home purchases.
Interpreting Results
Not every finding is a deal-breaker:
- Minor root intrusion: Can often be cleared with hydro-jetting and monitored
- Small bellies: May not cause problems if they're draining
- Old pipe in good condition: Age alone isn't the issue, condition is
More serious findings:
- Significant root intrusion: Will require ongoing maintenance or pipe replacement
- Major offsets or bellies: Cause chronic backups and require repair
- Orangeburg or severely deteriorated pipe: Replacement likely needed within years
- Collapse or break: Immediate repair required
Repair Costs
Sewer line repair costs vary widely:
- Spot repair: $1,500-4,000 for a small section
- Traditional replacement: $5,000-15,000 (requires excavation)
- Trenchless replacement: $6,000-25,000 (pipe bursting or lining methods)
Factors affecting cost include pipe length, depth, landscaping to restore, and whether the line runs under structures like driveways.