What is a Sewer Scope and Do I need one? 
A sewer scope is recommended for all pre-1970 homes connected to city sewer and has the original sewer line connections. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, you have much to do during the process but it’s easy to forget about another crucial checkup: a sewer scope inspection. This can be overlooked in the process but if the sewer line fails it can be a costly repair
A sewer scope can help identify the following issues
* Offset Joints * Broken Pipes * Protruding Lateral * Off Grade Pipe * Leaking Joints * Recessed Taps * Cracked Pipe * Root Obstruction * Blockages * Corrosion * Infiltration * Collapsed Pipe
* House and Service Laterals * House Clean-outs * Drain Lines * Vent Stacks * Floor Drains * Water Lines * Yard Drains * Utility Ducts * Service Conduits * HVAC Ducts * Chimneys, Flues and Boilers
Who should do the sewer scope?
We highly recommend using a licensed plumber. Although some home inspector’s advertise doing sewer inspections we have found out that in many cases that are not actually able to do it due to missing clean-outs, cannot safely access the vent stack from the roof, rusted sewer line caps or rusted bolts on the toilet. If some of the plumbing gets broken creating access for the sewer scope, then a plumber can fix it easily and is licensed to do repairs. Home Inspectors are not.
What Is A Sewer Scope?
A sewer line scope inspection, or plumbing scope inspection, is fairly simple. A professional inspector will use a flexible bore-scope camera, which will allow them to see and record video of your pipes.
Signs You Need A Sewer Scope
If you currently buying home, consider looking for the following to see if you need a sewer scope inspection:
– Older Homes (Pre-1970) – Older homes are more likely to have sewers that are degraded and damaged. Homes constructed prior to 1950 have sewer lines made of a tar paper substance called Orangeburg pipes. Over time, these pipes disintegrate and collapse. The only way to determine if an older home (60+ years) still has Orangeburg pipes is with a sewer scope inspection.
– Signs of Water Back Ups – This could indicate damage or breakage to the sewer line, or a significant clog.
– Large Trees & Roots – One of the most common causes of sewer pipe damage is the growth of roots around the pipe. Roots can grow around and constrict the pipe, breaking it, or grow into small cracks in the pipe, clogging it or causing leaks.
– Structural Movement – If the soil around a house seems to have shifted, the pipe may have been affected. If it has moved, it could have broken or become bent and damaged, which may require a costly repair.