The main sewer line runs underground from the house to the city connection, out of sight. A standard home inspection checks the plumbing you can see. A sewer scope looks at the part you can’t.
During a sewer scope, a specialized camera is run through the main sewer line so the inside of the pipe can be viewed. It is one of the best ways to find out about problems before they become your problem.
What a sewer scope can reveal
- Tree root intrusion
- Cracked, broken or collapsed pipe sections
- Bellies (low spots where water and waste collect)
- Offset or separated joints
- Blockages and buildup
- Changes in pipe material along the line
Who should consider a sewer scope
- Buyers of older homes, where original sewer lines may be made of materials that deteriorate with age
- Homes with mature trees in the yard, whose roots go looking for water
- Any buyer who wants to know the condition of the line before closing
Sewer line repairs can involve digging up the yard, driveway or sidewalk, so it is worth knowing the condition of the line before you commit.
Book it on its own or bundle and save
You can book a sewer scope by itself, or add it to a full home inspection so it happens during the same visit. Bundling it with a home inspection saves you money. Call for a quick quote on either option. As with every Apex inspection, I do the work myself and I’m available to explain what the camera showed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sewer scope if the plumbing works fine during the inspection?
Running water through the fixtures only shows that water drains at that moment. A line can drain today and still have roots, cracks or a belly building toward a backup. The camera shows the inside of the pipe.
Can a sewer scope be done on its own?
Yes. A sewer scope can be booked on its own or with a home inspection. There’s a savings when you bundle it with a home inspection, so call for a quote on both.
What if the house has a septic system?
A sewer scope looks at the line between the house and the public sewer. Homes on septic need a septic inspection by a septic specialist, which is separate from the home inspection.
Will I see the footage?
I’ll walk you through what the camera found.
Call for a quick quote: (757) 354-3528
Book online | Email: brad@apexhomeinspectionpro.com
Serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton and Newport News.


