How Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Work?

Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber, Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825.

A sewer scope inspection works by sending a high-resolution waterproof camera through the sewer line to inspect the inside of the pipe. Instead of guessing what is underground, the camera gives buyers, sellers, Realtors, investors, and homeowners real video evidence of the sewer line condition.

During the inspection, The Sewer Inspection Company carefully navigates a professional sewer camera through the accessible sewer line while monitoring the footage in real time. This allows us to identify blockages, roots, cracks, offsets, standing water, pipe separations, bellies, cast iron deterioration, and other hidden sewer problems.

Step 1: We Find the Best Sewer Access Point

Most sewer scope inspections start at an accessible cleanout. If a cleanout is not available, another approved access point may be needed. Access matters because the better the entry point, the better the inspection.

The goal is to inspect as much of the sewer line as possible without unnecessary demolition, digging, or disruption to the home.

Step 2: We Insert the Sewer Camera

A waterproof sewer camera is carefully pushed through the sewer line. As the camera travels through the pipe, it captures real-time video footage of the interior condition.

This is where the inspection becomes valuable. The camera may show whether the sewer line is clean, damaged, blocked, holding water, deteriorated, or improperly sloped.

Step 3: We Watch the Sewer Line in Real Time

Real-time monitoring allows us to identify problems as the camera moves through the pipe. We look for visible defects, flow problems, structural concerns, and signs of past or future sewer failure.

I have personally inspected homes where everything looked fine above ground, but the camera showed standing water, roots, or a separated pipe underground. That is why video evidence matters. Without the camera, everyone is guessing.

Step 4: We Identify the Location of Concerns

When conditions allow, locating equipment can help identify the approximate underground location of the camera head or visible defect area. This helps homeowners and buyers understand whether the issue is under the yard, driveway, slab, sidewalk, or near the city connection.

Location matters because a small defect in the yard may be very different from a defect under a slab or garage floor.

Step 5: You Receive a Certified Master Plumber Report

After the inspection, you receive a Certified Master Plumber Report from a Licensed Texas Master Plumber, Texas License #45825. This report explains the sewer line findings in plain English.

You also receive a narrated YouTube video so you can review the condition of the sewer line, share it with your Realtor, discuss it with a seller, or use it during negotiations.

What a Sewer Scope Inspection Can Find

• Root intrusion
• Broken sewer pipe
• Cracked pipe
• Offset joints
• Pipe separations
• Sewer bellies
• Standing water
• Collapsed pipe sections
• Cast iron deterioration
• Clay pipe separation
• Grease, sludge, wipes, or debris
• Construction debris
• Improper previous repairs

3 City References

• Dallas, TX: Older homes, mature trees, long sewer runs, and cast iron systems make sewer camera inspections important before closing.
• Plano, TX: Mature neighborhoods, foundation movement, and older sewer laterals can create hidden underground sewer concerns.
• Richardson, TX: Aging cast iron systems, root intrusion, sewer bellies, and under-slab drain issues are common inspection concerns.

DFW Service Area Map

Tools and Equipment Used

1. RIDGID SeeSnake Sewer Camera: Used to visually inspect and record the inside of the sewer line.
2. RIDGID SeekTech Locator: Used to help locate the camera head and identify approximate underground defect locations when conditions allow.
3. Line Transmitter and Locating Equipment: Used to support sewer path tracing, cleanout evaluation, and repair planning.

Watch Real Sewer Inspection Videos

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Helpful Internal Links

• The Ultimate Guide to Sewer Inspections Before Buying a Home
• What Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Find?
• Sewer Inspection Checklist for Home Buyers
• Real Home Buyer Success Stories
• Testimonials
• Contact Us

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