A sewer scope inspection is a camera inspection of the sewer line that runs from your house to the municipal system or septic tank. It is the only way to see problems in a pipe that is buried and out of sight, which is why a sewer scope is one of the most useful add-ons to a home inspection in Eugene. Jeremy Moody of HomeCheck Inspection Service has been inspecting Lane County homes since 2001, and this guide explains what a sewer scope finds, how it works, and how often to schedule one.
What Does A Sewer Scope Inspection Find?
A sewer scope inspection identifies common issues in the sewer line, and the five most common are listed below. These are problems that can go unnoticed for some time because waste keeps passing through the problem area, until it can’t.
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- Roots in the line
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- Partial blockage
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- A low spot
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- Shifting or settling pipes
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- Damaged pipes
Replacing a sewer line is often a cost of thousands of dollars, and the cost may be much higher if the sewer backs up into the home. Finding a problem on the day of a sewer scope, before closing, lets a buyer negotiate or plan instead of discovering it during an emergency. Jeremy brings an Oregon residential general contractor background (CCB #200742) and 10 years in construction to reading what the camera shows.
How Does A Sewer Scope Work?
A sewer scope involves inserting a camera into the sewer line to visually inspect the lateral sewer line from the house to the municipal system or septic system. The camera records as it travels, so you get a video of what is actually inside the pipe.
The scope of any sewer scope inspection is to document problems in the main sewer line from the main clean out, or, if the main clean out is inaccessible, from the main plumbing vent on the roof, to the street or septic tank. The findings are documented with a video of the sewer scope. It is a non-destructive test and, like HomeCheck’s other inspections, is intended to provide a visual snapshot of this system on the day of the inspection. With nearly 7,500 inspections since 2001, Jeremy has seen how much easier a decision is when you can watch the footage yourself.
Why Is A Sewer Scope The Only Way To Detect These Problems?
It is the only way because the lateral sewer line is underground, and the only way to detect these problems is through a sewer scope inspection. A slow drain or a gurgle may hint that something is wrong, but only the camera shows where and what.
Roots are one of the problems a scope is designed to find, so tree-lined properties are a good reason to scope. Older plumbing is more susceptible too. If you are buying in an older Lane County neighborhood, a scope is a practical way to learn what the whole-house inspection cannot see from the surface. For what that base inspection does cover, read What Is a Home Inspection?.
Does A Home With A Septic System Need A Sewer Scope?
Yes, a home with a septic system, even one with a septic tank that was recently pumped, should have a sewer scope inspection. Pumping a septic tank does not include an inspection of the sewer lateral.
That can surprise buyers, including those shopping in Veneta, Creswell, Marcola or Oakridge. The tank may have just been serviced, but the pipe between the house and the tank is a separate matter, and the scope is how you check it.
How Often Should A Sewer Scope Be Performed?
How often depends on the age of the home, the trees on the property and the history of the line. Regular sewer scope inspections help you find issues early, before they become costly repairs and disruptions. These are the recommended time frames.
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- Newer homes: every 5 to 10 years, as a preventive measure, for relatively new homes with modern plumbing systems.
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- Older homes: every 1 to 2 years, because aging plumbing is more susceptible to tree root intrusion, pipe corrosion and blockages.
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- Tree-lined properties: every 1 to 2 years, especially with large trees that have extensive root systems.
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- Previous issues: as needed, if you have had sewer line problems or repairs in the past, so they don’t recur.
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- Signs of trouble: immediately. Slow drains, gurgling noises, sewage odors or recurring blockages mean you should not wait.
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- Property purchase: as part of the inspection, to uncover hidden issues.
Should You Get A Sewer Scope When Buying A New Home?
Yes, you should consider it, because even new construction can have sewer line defects. Examples include a crushed lateral line, or a line that was not connected to the city sewer.
This is why a sewer scope fits naturally into the buying process, whether the house is 5 years old or 80. Add it to your whole-house inspection so the result arrives with the rest of the report. Because no home is perfect, the aim is to know about major problems before you close. HomeCheck also offers new construction and 11th-month warranty inspections, and you can see them all on the services page.
What Should You Do After A Sewer Scope Finds A Problem?
After a sewer scope finds a problem, review the video and the report, then get a bid from a qualified plumber or sewer contractor before you decide how to proceed. The inspector documents what is there. Repairs are for a specialist.
That separation is deliberate. Jeremy is an Oregon Certified Home Inspector (OCHI #504), and Oregon Certified Home Inspectors are not allowed to bid on or perform repairs on homes they inspect, so the report is unbiased. To verify a contractor you are considering, check the Oregon Construction Contractors Board at oregon.gov/ccb. If you are also thinking about air quality, HomeCheck tests for radon too, and the EPA has guidance at epa.gov/radon; see What Is Radon?.
Why Choose HomeCheck For A Sewer Scope In Eugene and Springfield?
Choose an inspector who is independent, experienced and clear about what the video shows. Jeremy is an InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector (#NACHI05051998), and InterNACHI publishes consumer information at nachi.org. He also holds Oregon Pest Control Association certification for wood destroying organism inspections (OPCA #165737), and has personally renovated 11 homes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Scope Inspections In Eugene
What is a sewer scope inspection?
A sewer scope inspection inserts a camera into the sewer line to visually inspect the lateral sewer line from the house to the municipal system or septic system. Findings are documented with a video.
What problems can a sewer scope find?
It can identify common issues such as roots in the line, partial blockage, a low spot, shifting or settling pipes and damaged pipes.
Does a home with a septic system need a sewer scope?
Yes. Even a septic tank that was recently pumped should have a sewer scope inspection, because pumping a septic tank does not include an inspection of the sewer lateral.
Does a new house need a sewer scope?
It can. Even new construction can have sewer line defects, such as a crushed lateral line or a line that was not connected to the city sewer.
Does a sewer scope damage anything?
No. It is a non-destructive test, and like other inspections, it is intended to provide a visual snapshot of the system on the day of the inspection.
How often should a sewer scope be performed?
It depends on the home. Newer homes may be scoped every 5 to 10 years, while older homes and tree-lined properties should consider every 1 to 2 years, and any home with signs of trouble should be scoped right away.
Ready To Schedule A Sewer Scope In Eugene?
HomeCheck Inspection Service has served Lane County since 2001. Jeremy Moody brings nearly 7,500 inspections over 25 years, InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector #NACHI05051998, Oregon Certified Home Inspector OCHI #504, Oregon Pest Control Association #165737, and an Oregon residential general contractor background (CCB #200742) with 10 years in construction. Call or schedule online: call (541) 914-0559 or schedule online at hchomeinspections.com.