See What’s Underground: Sewer Scope Inspection
Find sewer line issues that aren't visible during a standard home inspection.
In older neighbourhoods, tree roots love sneaking into sewer pipes. You can’t see it from the yard, but our camera can. Let’s make sure you aren't inheriting a plumbing disaster. Bundle with a home inspection when scheduling permits.
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What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection uses a small camera on a flexible cable. I feed it into your drain line through an interior cleanout. The camera travels through the pipe and sends a live video feed to a monitor. This lets me see the inside of the pipe in real time.
The drain line runs from your home to the street connection or septic tank. It is buried underground, so there is no other way to see its condition. The camera shows cracks, root intrusion, bellies, offsets, and blockages. I record the full video so you have a permanent record of what I found.
Common Conditions Observed
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Root intrusion
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Separated/offset joints
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Standing water (“bellies”) / poor slope
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Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections
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Blockages, debris, heavy buildup
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Corrosion/deterioration
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Evidence of prior repairs or patchwork
Why Sewer Lines Matter in Southern New Brunswick
Many homes across Saint John, Hampton, Rothesay, and surrounding communities were built decades before modern plumbing standards. Clay tile pipes, cast iron drains, and Orangeburg (tar paper) pipe are still common in older neighbourhoods. These materials break down over time, and tree roots are drawn to the moisture at every joint and crack.
Southern New Brunswick's freeze-thaw cycles put additional stress on buried pipes. Ground movement from frost heave can shift pipe joints out of alignment, creating offsets that catch debris and slow drainage. You may not notice a problem for years until a full blockage backs up into your basement.
A sewer scope shows you the real condition of the line before you take ownership. It is one of the only ways to evaluate a system that is completely hidden underground.
What to Expect During Your Sewer Scope
Access Point
I locate the main cleanout inside your home, typically in the basement or utility area. If the home does not have an accessible cleanout, I will let you know before we proceed.
Camera Insertion
A small, waterproof camera on a flexible cable is fed into the drain line. The camera transmits a live video feed so I can see the interior walls of the pipe in real time.
Full Line Review
The camera travels from the house to the street connection or septic tank. I watch for cracks, root intrusion, offsets, bellies (low spots where water pools), blockages, and signs of deterioration or prior repairs.
Documentation
I record the inspection and capture images at key points along the line. These go into your report alongside written notes on what I found and where.
Report Delivery
Your sewer scope report is included with your home inspection report, delivered the same day. If booked as a standalone service, the report is delivered promptly after the inspection.
The entire sewer scope typically takes 30-45 minutes depending on the length and condition of the line.
Who Should Consider a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Buyers
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Helped reduce surprise sewer repairs after possession
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Supported negotiations when significant defects were documented
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Improved decision-making on a critical hidden system
Sellers
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dentified concerns before listing so you could address or disclose
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Reduced surprises during a buyer’s inspection
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Supported transparency and buyer confidence with clear reporting
Home Owners
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Useful baseline check on older homes
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Helped explain recurring slow drains or clogs
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Supported maintenance planning and budgeting
Summary included in your report
Photo/video documentation where available/possible
Reported Notes on visible defects and observed conditions
Camera inspection of accessible portions of the drain line
What's Included in a Sewer Scope?
When Should I Get a Sewer Scope
At the same time as your home inspection (recommended)
As a stand-alone service for an existing home
Before or after major landscaping, renovation, or foundation work
Many clients choose to bundle a sewer scope with their home inspection so that both the visible and hidden systems are evaluated in one visit.
Common Questions
How long does a sewer scope take?
Most sewer scope inspections take 30-45 minutes. If booked alongside a home inspection, it fits into the same visit with no extra scheduling needed.
Can you inspect all sewer lines?
The camera can inspect most residential drain lines. Access depends on having a usable cleanout. Some older homes may not have one, or the cleanout may be buried or inaccessible. I will let you know upfront if access is limited.
What happens if you find a problem?
The report documents exactly what was found, with photos and video where available. If the sewer scope is part of a home purchase, this information supports your negotiation. For existing homeowners, it helps you plan repairs before a small issue becomes a major one.
Is a sewer scope included in a standard home inspection?
No. A standard home inspection evaluates visible and accessible systems. The sewer line is buried underground and requires a camera to inspect. A sewer scope is an add-on service that can be bundled with your home inspection or booked separately.
How much does a sewer scope cost?
Pricing is listed on our pricing page. Many clients bundle a sewer scope with their home inspection for convenience and to get a full picture of the property in one visit.
Do I need a sewer scope for a newer home?
Construction defects, improper grading, and even settling can affect newer sewer lines. While the risk of deterioration is lower, a sewer scope on a newer home can catch installation issues that may not show symptoms for years.
Certified, Experienced, Local
I have completed hundreds of sewer scope inspections across Southern New Brunswick. I am InterNACHI certified in sewer scope inspection and understand the pipe materials, soil conditions, and building patterns common to homes in this region.
Your sewer scope report includes written findings, photo documentation, and video where available. Results are delivered the same day alongside your home inspection report, or promptly after a standalone inspection.
If you have questions after the inspection, reach out any time. Post-inspection support is always included at no extra charge.