Inspect
We look inside the accessible line and document what is visible.
Home buyers and real estate
Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection
A pre-purchase sewer inspection is a sewer camera inspection arranged during a home purchase. A technician guides a camera through the accessible part of the sewer line and records what it can see, so you can review the line’s visible condition before you close.
We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
- Accessible residential sewer lines
- Inspection video and written findings included
- No repair or replacement work offered
Service
Service: Pre-purchase sewer inspection
Request an inspection
Tell us about the property and your inspection deadline. We will help you choose the right service.
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The short answer
What is a pre-purchase sewer inspection?
A pre-purchase sewer inspection, often called a sewer scope, is a camera inspection of the accessible sewer line serving a home you are buying. A technician advances a camera on a flexible cable through an entry point, watches the live view, and records what it sees.
The line being inspected is the private sewer lateral, the pipe that connects the building's plumbing to the public sewer main. The inspection documents visible conditions in the section the camera reaches, on the day of the visit. It is an inspection and documentation service. It does not repair anything.
A sewer scope is a focused inspection of the sewer line. Ask your home inspector whether their inspection includes one.
Why buyers ask
When buyers add a sewer inspection
An older home
Pipe age is one factor municipal sources list among possible causes of lateral problems. No rule sets an age at which a scope is required, so this is a buyer's judgment.
No record of the line's condition
If nobody can show you what the line looked like, a camera inspection gives you a record of what was visible on the day of the visit.
Drain trouble mentioned during the sale
Slow drains, gurgling, odors, or a past backup may point to a restriction. They do not prove a cause. A camera documents what is visible in the accessible line.
A local sale requirement
Some local programs require a lateral inspection when a property is sold or transferred, and many do not. Ask your agent or the local sewer utility. We do not give legal advice.
A short inspection period
Your purchase agreement sets the window, and it can be short. Request service early and note your deadline.
Plans to dig after you buy
If you plan landscaping, a pool, or other digging, ask whether line locating is part of your visit. Locating shows where a line runs, not what condition it is in.
These are reasons buyers ask for a sewer scope. They do not mean every purchase needs one, and no national rule requires one.
Evidence and its limits
What a pre-purchase sewer inspection may show, and what it cannot confirm
A camera documents visible conditions in the section it reaches, on the day of the visit. Image quality, lighting, flow, and the technician's interpretation all affect what can be seen and how it is described.
A camera inspection may document
Visible conditions in the section the camera reaches
- Roots visible inside the pipe
- Grease, scale, sediment, or other deposits
- Obstructions such as wipes or debris
- Cracks and fractures
- Offset or separated joints
- Standing water
- Collapse or broken pipe, when the camera can reach it. A complete collapse can stop the camera from going further.
- Visible pipe material, when it can be identified
It does not by itself show
Where a camera view stops
- Anything below the waterline. A camera generally cannot see under water.
- Pipe in sections the camera did not reach or could not view
- The condition of the soil around the pipe, or voids outside the pipe wall
- Pipe wall thickness or structural capacity
- Exact slope or depth. Standing water may suggest a low spot, but a camera does not measure it.
- Whether every leak has been found
- How the line will perform in the future
- Whether any repair is needed, or what kind. A camera result documents what is visible and does not by itself prescribe a repair method.
A visibly clear line is not proof that the whole line, or the ground around it, is in good condition.
What happens on the day
How a pre-purchase sewer inspection works
How long a visit takes depends on line length, access, debris, standing water, and what needs to be documented. We do not quote a standard time.
Step 1: Request
Choose your service area, tell us about the property, and note your inspection deadline if you have one.
Step 2: Access
The technician identifies an accessible entry point, commonly an exterior cleanout.
Step 3: Camera run
A camera on a flexible push cable is advanced through the accessible line while the technician watches the live view. Our equipment includes the SeeSnake CS12x and the SeeSnake Standard Camera Reel with TruSense.
Step 4: Video
When a camera is used, you receive the inspection video.
Step 5: Written findings
Written findings are included. Ask whether they note any part of the line that could not be viewed, and why.
Access points and preparing for the visit
- The most common entry point is an exterior cleanout. Whether the property has one, and where, depends on its plumbing layout. Ask what applies to the home you are buying.
- Make sure the technician can safely reach the agreed entry point. Tell us who to coordinate with for property access, such as your agent.
- Note your inspection deadline when you request service, and we will work toward it. Confirm timing with your agent, since inspection periods are short.
Two services, one decision
Inspection and cleaning are separate services
A pre-purchase sewer inspection is a camera inspection. Cleaning is a separate service. If the camera cannot pass, ask what options apply.
Cleaning can improve camera visibility or travel in some lines. It does not repair pipe defects, and it is not an inspection. If what the camera shows goes beyond cleaning, we will say so plainly. Further evaluation may be appropriate outside our cleaning and diagnostic scope.
When the camera may not get through
- A line that is blocked or not draining. A camera generally cannot see under water.
- Roots, debris, or a collapsed or damaged section that stops the camera from traveling.
- Limited access to the line. Ask what part of the line could not be viewed, and why.
Independent by design
Major sewer decisions deserve clear evidence.
Document
You receive the inspection video and written findings.
Decide
You decide next steps with evidence in hand. The Sewer Pros does not sell repair or replacement.
An independent sewer inspection is not tied to a repair job, because we do not repair or replace sewer lines. If a sewer concern comes up during your purchase, a clear record of the line gives you something to compare written estimates against.
Which service fits
Pre-purchase sewer inspection vs. related services
| Service | What it does | May fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-purchase sewer inspection (this page) | Documents visible conditions in the accessible sewer line during a home purchase | You are buying a home and want a record of the line before you close |
| Sewer camera inspection | Shows visible conditions inside an accessible sewer line | You own the property and want to investigate symptoms, plan a project, or keep a record |
| Sewer cleaning and camera inspection | Reviews visible line conditions and addresses an appropriate restriction when warranted | A problem keeps returning, the cause is unclear, or several fixtures are affected |
| Sewer cleaning | Removes certain blockages and buildup from an accessible line | A blockage or flow issue needs cleaning |
| Sewer line locating | Estimates the route of an accessible underground line. It is not a survey or an exact depth. | You are planning digging or need to know where the line runs |
Before you book
What to ask for, and what to keep
Before you book, ask what you will receive. Keep it with your purchase records.
Inspection video
When a camera is used, you receive the inspection video. Ask how it is delivered and how long you can access it.
Written findings
Written findings are included. Ask whether they note any part of the line that could not be viewed, and why.
Access point and location
Ask which access point was used and where along the line conditions were seen.
Line locating
Ask whether locating is part of your visit and what you will receive.
What to share with your agent
Share the video and written findings with your agent and your home inspector, and ask how the findings fit your purchase agreement. We do not give legal advice.
Keep the original video and written findings
They are a record of what was visible on the day. If someone recommends costly work, you can compare written estimates and ask another company to review the video before you decide.
A camera finding is a visible observation. It is not a repair recommendation, and it does not by itself set a scope of work. Where a finding is unclear or may call for further evaluation, that evaluation is outside our cleaning and diagnostic scope.
See what a sewer camera inspection can reveal
Visible root intrusion
Footage may show where roots are visible and how much of the pipe they appear to affect. It documents what the camera can reach, not the full extent outside the camera's view.
A visible pipe offset
Shows a change in alignment at a joint. It does not determine the cause.
Standing water
The footage can show where it appears. It does not confirm why it is there.
Footage and findings summary
You receive the inspection video and written findings, so you can review what was seen.
These are examples of visible conditions from individual properties, with identifying details removed. Findings vary by line, access, and inspection. A camera cannot show portions of the system it cannot reach or determine every next step on its own.
Who it helps
Who uses a pre-purchase sewer inspection
Buyers are the main reader of this page. Agents and home inspectors can contact the market serving the property to coordinate an appointment.
Real estate agents
Coordinate a sewer inspection around your client's inspection period and share the video and written findings for buyers and sellers to discuss. Findings record visible conditions. They do not guarantee future performance or decide repairs.
For real estate agentsHome inspectors
Refer a sewer camera inspection when your client wants a closer look at the line, and coordinate access for the appointment. Your own inspection keeps its scope.
For home inspectorsHome buyers
Understand the visible condition of the sewer line before you close, with the inspection video and written findings in hand.
For home buyersHome sellers
Find out what a buyer's inspection may see in the sewer line, and have documented findings ready before you list.
For home sellers
Service areas
Pre-purchase sewer inspection service areas
Choose your market for local service details and scheduling options. These are service areas, not office locations.
St. Louis, MO
Home buyers, agents, and home inspectors across the St. Louis area.
San Diego, CA
Home buyers, agents, and home inspectors in the San Diego area.
Las Vegas, NV
Home buyers, agents, and home inspectors across the Las Vegas Valley.
What our customers say
4.9 out of 5from 595 Google reviews · as of
Pre-purchase sewer inspection questions
The basics
What is a pre-purchase sewer inspection?
A pre-purchase sewer inspection is a camera inspection of the accessible sewer line serving a home you are buying. A technician advances a camera through an entry point, views it live, and records what it sees. People often call it a sewer scope.
What is a sewer lateral?
The sewer lateral is the private pipe that connects a building's plumbing to the public sewer main. Owners commonly maintain it, but where the owner's responsibility ends varies by location. Ask your agent or the local sewer utility.
Is a sewer scope included in a regular home inspection?
Ask your home inspector what their inspection covers. A sewer scope is a separate, focused inspection of the sewer line, and a general inspection is not assumed to include one.
Where does the camera go in?
Most often through an exterior cleanout. The right entry point depends on the property's plumbing layout and the line. Ask what applies to the home you are buying.
What if there is no cleanout, and do you have to pull a toilet?
Ask before you book. Most often the camera goes in through a cleanout where one is accessible. Whether other entry points are possible depends on the property and the equipment.
What it can and cannot see
What does a sewer scope look for?
It documents visible conditions in the accessible line: roots, grease or scale deposits, obstructions, cracks and fractures, offset or separated joints, standing water, and collapse when the camera can reach it.
What does a sewer inspection not show?
It does not show anything below the waterline, sections the camera did not reach, soil or voids outside the pipe, wall thickness or structural capacity, exact slope or depth, or whether every leak has been found. It also does not predict how the line will perform.
What does a clear sewer scope mean?
It means the camera did not record a visible problem in the section it reached on that day. It does not prove that the whole line, or the ground around it, is in good condition, and it does not predict future performance.
What happens if the camera cannot get through the line?
The part the camera did not reach is not documented. Roots, debris, standing water, a collapsed or damaged section, or limited access can stop the camera. Ask what part of the line could not be viewed and why, and ask what options apply.
Can a sewer camera see through standing water?
No. A camera generally cannot see under water. A line that is blocked and not draining may not be viewable until flow is restored.
Can a sewer camera find a belly or sag?
A camera can record standing water or an apparent low area. It does not measure slope, so footage alone does not establish exact grade or the cause of the low spot.
Can a sewer camera find a leak?
It may record visible infiltration or a visibly open defect. It cannot confirm that no leaks exist, because it does not see outside the pipe wall or below the waterline.
Can a sewer scope tell what kind of pipe I have?
Sometimes the camera shows the visible pipe material, but a camera view is not always enough to identify it with certainty. Ask whether pipe material is noted in the written findings.
Does a sewer scope tell me if the pipe needs to be replaced?
No. A camera result documents visible conditions. It does not by itself decide whether any repair or replacement is needed, because it cannot show wall thickness, structural capacity, or the soil around the pipe. The Sewer Pros does not repair or replace sewer lines.
What happens if the scope finds roots?
Roots are a maintenance-type condition. The footage records where they appear and how much of the pipe they seem to affect. It does not decide a fix. Cleaning can remove roots that are accessible. It does not repair the opening they entered through.
Cleaning and locating
Do I need to clean the sewer before a camera inspection?
Not always. If standing water or debris keeps the camera from traveling or seeing, cleaning may be needed first. There is no universal order. It depends on the line.
Does a sewer scope include cleaning or hydro jetting?
No. A pre-purchase sewer inspection is a camera inspection. Cleaning is a separate service. If the camera cannot pass, ask what options apply. See sewer cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer cleaning and camera inspection.
Can a sewer scope tell where a problem is in the yard?
A camera shows what is inside the pipe, not where the pipe sits in your yard. Sewer line locating can estimate a position from the surface, and a locate is an estimate, not a survey. Ask whether locating is part of your visit.
Buying and timing
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house?
It is your decision. Inspections happen during the contingency period set by your purchase agreement, and no national rule requires a sewer scope. A scope gives you a record of the accessible line's visible condition before you close. It does not decide whether you should buy.
Is a sewer scope required when buying or selling a house?
No national rule requires one. Some local programs require a lateral inspection when a property is sold or transferred, and many do not. Check with your agent or the local sewer utility. We do not give legal advice.
Is a sewer scope worth it for an older house, or one with no plumbing problems?
No rule sets a home age at which a scope is required. Pipe age is one factor municipal sources list among possible causes of lateral problems, and drains that work during a showing do not show what is inside the line. Some local utilities recommend periodic inspection even when there are no symptoms.
When should I schedule a sewer scope during the inspection period?
Your purchase agreement sets your inspection window, and it can be short. Note your inspection deadline when you request service, and we will work toward it. Confirm timing with your agent, since inspection periods are short.
How long does a sewer scope take?
It depends on the entry point, the length and condition of the line, and what needs to be documented. We do not quote a standard time. Ask when you request service.
How much does a sewer scope cost?
Pricing depends on the scope of work, so we do not publish a standard price. Ask when you request service.
Do I need to be there for the appointment?
Ask when you request service. Whether someone needs to be present can depend on the property and the service requested.
Records and next steps
Do I get a video of the sewer inspection?
Yes. When a camera is used, you receive the inspection video. Ask how it is delivered and how long you can access it.
Do I get written findings from a sewer inspection?
Written findings are included. Ask whether they note any part of the line that could not be viewed, and why.
What should a sewer inspection record include?
Ask for the inspection video and written findings, which access point was used, where along the line conditions were seen, what part of the line could not be viewed and why, and whether locating was performed. Local programs set their own requirements. These are questions to ask any provider.
What should I ask before approving major sewer work?
Ask for the proposal in writing, including the work, materials, schedule, and price. Ask which inspection evidence it relies on, such as video and findings, and whether the camera reached all sections. Compare written estimates when the work is significant, and ask why they differ. The Sewer Pros does not perform repair or replacement.
Keep reading
Sewer Camera Inspection
What a camera may show, and what it cannot confirm.
Sewer Cleaning & Camera Inspection
Review visible line conditions and address an appropriate restriction when warranted.
Sewer Cleaning
Remove certain blockages and buildup from an accessible line.
Request service
Request a pre-purchase sewer inspection
Choose your service area, tell us about the property, and note your inspection deadline if you have one. We will tell you what we can do and what is included.
This service is designed for accessible residential sewer and drain lines. Equipment selection and available service depend on the entry point, pipe size, line condition, and scope of work. We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
Request service
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