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Sewer Inspection Checklist
What to line up before, during and after a sewer scope when you're buying or checking an older home.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
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The part people forget is that the pipe from your house out to the city connection is the homeowner's responsibility. A basic home inspection may not check it, so ask whether a sewer scope is included. A camera goes in at the cleanout, and Spectora says the visit usually runs 30 to 60 minutes. This list follows a scope when you're buying, or when an older house starts giving you warning signs. It doesn't cover repair methods or local prices.
Why these items are on the list
- Decide if a scope fits. Spectora recommends one for nearly every purchase, and more so if the house is over 20 years old.
- Ask if your inspection includes it. A basic home inspection may not check the sewer line, so ask before you book.
- Flag homes built before 1980. Inspect360 highly recommends a scope for these, though newer homes can have hidden sewer problems too.
- Note large trees near the line. Roots are a top cause of cracks and blockages, so big trees are worth mentioning.
- List slow drains and gurgling toilets. Tell the inspector about recurring clogs, slow drains or smells. Those are reasons to scope the line.
- Ask for sewer repair history. No documented repair history is one of the reasons to scope, so ask the seller for records.
- Find the cleanout. It's usually near the foundation or in a basement, and the inspector needs access to it.
- Book a licensed inspector. They run the camera from the cleanout out to the city connection or septic tank.
- Confirm the full run is scoped. The camera should travel from the house all the way out to the city connection.
- Watch the live feed. You can usually watch the camera as it goes, so ask your questions on the spot.
- Look for cracks and collapsed pipe. Broken, offset or collapsed sections are among the things a camera can find.
- Look for bellies. A belly is a low spot where waste collects instead of flowing on.
- Ask about clay or cast-iron pipe. Older homes often have these lines, and they can corrode or collapse over time.
- Check for roots and grease. Root intrusion, grease buildup and foreign objects all show up on camera.
- Get the video and written report. Photos, clips and recommendations are what you'll show a plumber or the seller.
- Get repair quotes if needed. Inspectors can pass their findings to plumbing providers so estimates match the actual problem.
- Budget for possible repairs. HTown Home Inspections says most major sewer repairs cost $3,000 to $15,000, so set money aside.
- Use findings to negotiate. A documented scope can support repair requests, credits or price adjustments before closing.
- Set a re-scope reminder. HTown suggests every 5 to 10 years, especially in older neighborhoods or where there are lots of trees.
It's easy to keep this open on your phone while you're standing in the yard with the inspector. Tick as you go and the open questions stay in view.
When to use it
Use it when you're under contract on a house, or when an older home starts showing slow drains.