Sewer & Drain Scope

What Is a Sewer Scope?
At American Quality Home Inspections, a sewer scope is one of the most valuable inspections we offer—because the sewer line is something most buyers never see and rarely think about until it fails. A sewer scope uses a specialized camera to inspect the underground sewer line that runs from the home to the city sewer connection, HOA tap, or septic system.

This portion of the sewer line is privately owned, which means repairs are typically the homeowner’s responsibility. When problems occur, they can be expensive and disruptive, which is why we strongly recommend evaluating the sewer line before purchasing a home.

During a sewer scope, we visually inspect the interior of the pipe to check for conditions that are impossible to identify during a standard home inspection. This includes blockages, damaged or collapsed sections, root intrusion, improper slope, standing water, and signs of past or ongoing leakage.

In some cases, homeowners may already notice warning signs such as slow drains, sewer odors, damp or sunken areas in the yard, or sewage backing up into the home. In other cases, the line may appear to function normally while hidden defects are developing underground. A sewer scope allows us to confirm the condition of the line and identify issues before they turn into major repairs.

For homebuyers, this inspection provides critical information before closing. At American Quality Home Inspections, our goal is to help you understand what you’re buying so you can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected sewer line repairs after the purchase is complete.

Need your home or building scoped?
Call
505-991-1700