Why We Scope the Sewer Line on Homes 20 Years Old and on Brand New Builds

The main sewer line runs from the house out to the city tap or septic tank, buried where nobody can see it. A standard property inspection checks the drains inside the home, but it can't see down that buried line. A sewer scope can.

What a sewer scope is

We run a waterproof camera through a cleanout and down the main line, recording the whole run. You get the video along with our findings. We're looking for problems like:

• Tree root intrusion

• Cracked, broken or separated pipe

• Offsets where pipe sections don't line up

• Low spots that hold standing water (often called bellies)

• Blockages and debris

• Collapsed or crushed sections

Why homes 20 years and older

Pipes age. Older lines in Middle Tennessee may be clay, cast iron or other materials that crack, rust or let roots in at the joints. Tree roots go looking for water and can grow right into a small crack until they block the line. None of that shows up on a walkthrough. That's why we recommend a sewer scope on every home 20 years or older.

Why brand new homes too

This one surprises people. During construction, a lot of trades work around open drains. Concrete, drywall mud, grout and other debris can end up in the lines before everything gets closed up. Lines can also be damaged or shifted during grading and backfill. A new home often comes with a builder warranty, and a sewer scope before closing or before the warranty runs out puts any problem on the builder's list while it's still covered.

Cheap to check, expensive to dig up

Repairing or replacing a damaged sewer line often runs into the thousands, especially if the yard, driveway or landscaping has to be dug up. Our sewer scope is $350 when added to your property inspection. It's one of the best values in the whole inspection.

The bottom line

Whether the home is brand new or decades old, residential or commercial, the sewer line is worth a look before it becomes your problem. We are not code inspectors. We show you what's there so you can decide with confidence.

Call or text (615) 916 7264 to book.

We are grateful for you.

Sources: InterNACHI Sewer Scope Standards of Practice (nachi.org/sewer-scope-sop.htm); HomeAdvisor, Sewer Line Repair Cost.