Sewer Scope Inspection: Protect Your Home From Costly Repairs
Avoid the Nightmare of Sewage Backup + Unexpected Sewer Repair Costs
Sewage backup is one of the worst disasters a homeowner can face. Fortunately, HomeKey’s Sewer Scope Inspection can save you thousands in potential damage and repair costs.
Replacing a sewer lateral pipe can be far more expensive than replacing a roof. Sewer lateral pipes are often buried 10-15 feet below grade, making them costly to repair or replace, and requiring heavy equipment to excavate, in the event of problems. On average, this repair can cost between $10,000 – $15,000, with some cases exceeding $30,000. Identifying problems early can help you avoid this hefty expense.
What Our Clients Say
What is a Sewer Lateral Pipe?
The sewer lateral pipe is the large pipe connecting your home’s drainage system to either the public sewer or a private septic system. It’s essential for safely removing waste from your home.
Properties with cast iron sewer lateral pipes are especially vulnerable, as these pipes typically have a lifespan of around 75 years. Most homes with a cast iron sewer lateral pipe are approaching, at, or past 75 years old. If your home has this type of piping, a sewer scope inspection is highly recommended.
Common Sewer Lateral Problems
New constructions are not immune—improper installations can lead to serious flow issues.
Caused by ground settlement or heavy equipment, bellies in the pipe result in stagnant water and potential soft blockages.
Roots can invade pipes through breaks or loose joints, causing severe damage.
Deterioration of old metal pipes can lead to hazardous leaks and sharp edges that catch debris, causing blockages.
Sediment accumulation can narrow pipes, restricting flow. In severe cases, descaling may be required at a cost of $2,000 – $4,000.
Misaligned seams can cause water flow issues and allow root intrusion or leaks.
Often the result of inadequate backfill or heavy equipment, this can lead to serious failure.
A known defective material that should be flagged for replacement.
For homes with septic systems, pipes filled with water before reaching the tank could signal a septic issue.
Certified Inspections with Video Evidence
Our Sewer Scope inspections are performed by trained Sewer Scope Certified Inspectors (InterNACHI) and can help protect you from purchasing a failed or failing sewer lateral pipe.
We put a professional camera, with video recording capabilities, through the sewer lateral pipe to inspect the condition of the pipe at the time of your inspection. The inspector will access the pipe through a clean-out in the house or yard, or possibly from a roof plumbing vent (we do not remove toilets).
Sample Footage of Sewer Line Inspections + Commentary
60-70 year old cast iron sewer lateral failure
This video was taken during the inspection of a home built in the 1950s. We discovered a complete failure in the sewer lateral pipe, directly below the slab, observed using our camera just a few feet into the sewer scope. As a result, water was pooling underneath the slab, posing an environmental and health hazard. This could have eventually led to wastewater backing up into the home. The current homeowners had been completely unaware of this condition prior to the sewer line inspection.
New construction PVC sewer lateral failure
This video was taken during the sewer line inspection of a brand new, custom-built home as part of an 11-month warranty inspection. Four significant, major issues were discovered during this sewer inspection despite the fact that this home was less than one-year old AND had supposedly passed county inspections. As a result of our findings within the warranty period, our client was able to have the builder dig up and repair/replace the issues.
Schedule your sewer scope inspection with us today !
Cost-effective
Early detection of sewer issues can save you from expensive repairs, potentially costing tens of thousands of dollars. Our inspections help identify problems before they escalate, making them a smart investment for any homeowner.
Professional certification
Our inspections are conducted by InterNACHI-certified professionals, ensuring that you receive a reliable assessment of your sewer system. You can trust that your home is in capable, experienced hands.
Video documentation
We provide high-quality video footage of your sewer inspection, allowing you to see the condition of your pipes firsthand. This visual evidence helps clarify any concerns and provides peace of mind when deciding on necessary repairs.