This guide explains what a sewer scope inspection can reveal about a property, why those findings matter, and how homeowners and buyers can use this information to make better decisions.
Sewer lines are one of the most important systems in a home, yet they are also one of the least understood. Because they are buried underground, problems often go unnoticed until drains back up, sewage odors appear, or wastewater enters the home.
A professional sewer scope inspection helps uncover hidden conditions inside the main sewer line before those problems become emergencies.
For homes in Ohio and Michigan, where many properties have older plumbing materials and experience seasonal soil movement, sewer scope inspections can reveal issues that a standard home inspection cannot see.
What a Sewer Scope Inspection Is
A sewer scope inspection uses a waterproof, high-resolution camera to inspect the interior of a home’s main sewer line. The camera is inserted through an accessible cleanout and guided through the pipe toward the municipal sewer connection or septic system.
As the camera moves through the line, it sends live video to the inspector. This allows the inspector to evaluate pipe condition, joints, slope, and overall flow. The inspection focuses on visible conditions inside the pipe at the time of the inspection.
Because sewer lines are underground, this camera inspection is the only practical way to see what is happening inside the pipe without excavation.
Why Sewer Lines Are a Common Hidden Risk
Many homes throughout Ohio and Michigan were built decades ago using sewer pipe materials such as cast iron or clay.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, much of the nation’s wastewater infrastructure is more than 50 years old, and aging pipes are a growing concern across the Midwest.
In addition to age, regional conditions play a major role. Freeze and thaw cycles cause soil to expand and contract throughout the year. Over time, this movement can stress underground pipes, leading to cracking, shifting, or sagging.
Tree-lined neighborhoods are also common in both states. While mature trees add curb appeal, their root systems are one of the most frequent causes of sewer line damage.
Because these factors develop underground, homeowners often have no indication of a problem until it becomes disruptive or expensive.
What a Sewer Scope Inspection Can Reveal
A professional sewer scope inspection can uncover several categories of issues. Each finding has different implications for homeowners and buyers.
Pipe Damage and Deterioration
Older sewer pipes naturally degrade over time. Cast iron pipes often develop internal corrosion and scaling that narrows the pipe diameter. Clay pipes are prone to cracking or shifting at joints.
A sewer scope inspection can reveal:
- Cracks or fractures in the pipe walls
- Heavy corrosion or scaling inside cast iron lines
- Collapsed or partially collapsed sections
- Misaligned or separated joints
These conditions may not cause immediate backups but can worsen quickly if left unaddressed.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots are one of the most common issues found during sewer scope inspections. Roots seek moisture and can enter sewer lines through small cracks or loose joints.
Once inside, roots continue to grow. They can slow drainage, catch debris, and eventually block the line entirely. In some cases, root intrusion also worsens existing cracks or separations in the pipe.
A sewer scope inspection shows exactly where roots are entering and how much of the line is affected, which helps homeowners understand the severity of the issue.
Blockages and Flow Restrictions
Blockages are not always sudden. Grease buildup, debris, and foreign materials can accumulate gradually inside sewer lines.
During a sewer scope inspection, inspectors can identify:
- Partial blockages that restrict flow
- Areas where debris consistently collects
- Patterns that suggest recurring problems
These findings help explain slow drains, frequent clogs, or gurgling sounds that homeowners may experience.
Sagging Pipes and Improper Slope
Sewer lines rely on gravity to move waste away from the home. When soil shifts, sections of pipe can sag and create low spots where water and waste collect.
These low spots, often called bellies, increase the risk of backups and accelerate pipe deterioration. They may not cause constant problems at first, but often worsen over time.
A sewer scope inspection can identify sagging sections and document their location along the line.
Evidence of Past Repairs or Modifications
Some sewer lines show signs of previous repairs or alterations. These may include mismatched pipe materials, patchwork fixes, or poorly aligned sections.
While not all past repairs are problematic, improper or temporary fixes can increase the risk of future failure. Identifying these areas helps homeowners and buyers understand the system’s history and potential long-term reliability.
Why These Findings Matter for Buyers
Sewer line repairs can be expensive and disruptive, and they are not covered by a standard home inspection.
For buyers, a sewer scope inspection provides valuable information before closing. It can uncover hidden defects, help avoid unexpected repairs after move-in, and support informed negotiations.
Knowing the condition of the sewer line allows buyers to plan realistically and avoid inheriting problems they were unaware of during the purchase.
Why These Findings Matter for Homeowners
Homeowners benefit from sewer scope inspections even when a sale is not involved.
An inspection can:
- Explain recurring drainage issues
- Identify developing problems early
- Help plan maintenance or monitoring
- Reduce the risk of emergency repairs
According to EPA guidance on wastewater systems, early detection of sewer line issues helps reduce long-term repair costs and environmental risks associated with system failures.
Sewer Scope Inspection vs Septic Inspection
Understanding whether a property uses a sewer system or a septic system is critical, as each requires a different type of inspection.
A sewer scope inspection evaluates the main sewer line that connects a home to a municipal wastewater system. The focus is on the condition of the underground pipe that carries waste away from the property.
A septic inspection evaluates a private septic system. This includes components such as the septic tank, distribution box, and drain field. Septic inspections assess system condition, capacity, and signs of failure.
InsideOut Inspections Plus offers both sewer scope inspections and septic inspections, depending on how a property handles wastewater.
Signs a Sewer Scope Inspection Is Worth Scheduling
A sewer scope inspection is especially valuable when certain risk factors or warning signs are present.
Common reasons include:
- The home is several decades old
- Sewer lines are original to the property
- Mature trees are located near the sewer path
- Drains clog frequently or drain slowly
- Gurgling sounds occur when water is used
- Sewage odors are present
Even without visible symptoms, older homes in Ohio and Michigan often benefit from inspection due to pipe age and soil movement alone.
What a Sewer Scope Inspection Includes and Its Limits
A professional sewer scope inspection typically includes:
- Camera inspection of the accessible sewer line
- Real-time video review
- Documentation of visible conditions
It is important to understand the limits. Sewer scope inspections show visible conditions at the time of inspection. They cannot predict future failures or see through solid blockages. They also do not include repairs or repair recommendations.
How InsideOut Inspections Plus Helps
InsideOut Inspections Plus provides professional sewer scope inspections across Ohio and Michigan. Their inspections focus on clarity, accuracy, and helping clients understand what they are seeing inside underground sewer systems.
By offering both sewer scope and septic inspections, the team at InsideOut Inspections Plus helps buyers and homeowners gain a complete picture of a property’s wastewater setup while staying within the scope of inspection services.
Other Questions Homeowners Ask
Is a sewer scope inspection required?
No. Sewer scope inspections are optional, but they are strongly recommended for older homes or properties with known risk factors.
How long does a sewer scope inspection take?
Most sewer scope inspections take under an hour, depending on access and pipe length.
Can a sewer scope inspection guarantee no future problems?
No inspection can guarantee future performance. A sewer scope inspection provides insight into current visible conditions.
Sewer Scope Inspection | InsideOut Inspections Plus
Conclusion
A professional sewer scope inspection reveals issues that remain hidden beneath the ground. In Ohio and Michigan, aging pipes, tree roots, and seasonal soil movement make these inspections especially valuable.
Understanding what a sewer scope inspection can reveal helps homeowners and buyers make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises tied to underground sewer systems.
