Why a Sewer Scope Inspection is a Crucial Add-On to your Home Inspection:

There are many types of add-ons that home inspectors offer, from pool and spa inspections, to mold or radon inspections. The most important of them all though, hands down, by far, is the sewer scope inspection. When buying a home, this will be one of your biggest unknown expenses that you will come across. If the home is slab on grade, busting up the concrete to replace a broken sewer line under the home can be tens of thousands of dollars.

A sewer scope, is a very expensive video camera (around $7,000) that goes into the main sewer line of the home. It is going to look for any abnormalities in the main line. These can include

• Separations in the joints: Joint separation can happen over time, especially with the movement of water and debris, or if the proper sealant/glue was not applied to the joints. We see this very commonly with PVC pipe.

• Tree root invasion: Tree roots seek out moisture and can enter the pipe through tiny cracks. Once inside, they can grow and cause significant blockages or even collapse the pipe.

• Pipe damage: Cracks, corrosion, or collapsed sections can occur due to age, ground shifting, or poor installation. Older homes, especially those with clay or cast iron pipes from before 1980, are particularly vulnerable.

• Pipe sagging (belly): A "belly" is a low spot in the pipe where waste and water collect, which can eventually cause blockages.

• Serious blockages: A sewer scope can identify obstructions caused by built-up grease, debris, or foreign objects. This is crucial for new construction as well, where construction materials may be left behind in the line.

So, lets go over these now. I have uploaded some pictures of what some of these deficiencies look like:

Corroded Cast Iron Sewer Line

Roots in Sewer Line

Cracked Clay Sewer Line

This camera is great, in the fact that it is universal. There are many different types of sewer lines, from PVC, cast iron, Orangeburg, and even clay or concrete. This camera does a fantastic job at looking at all types and determining if there are any problems with the sewer line. We have seen numerous times, where clients decline a sewer scope inspection, only to have major issues shortly after closing. Don't let this be you or your client. The typical sewer scope inspection price ranges from $250-$500. This is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it brings. A typical repair/replacement of a broken sewer line ranges from $2,500 for a small repair, to upwards of $20,000 for a replacement. That is why it is something very beneficial to know before you make one of the biggest investments of your life.

Your options of a broken sewer line is found during the sewer scope inspection are:

1. Ask the sellers to complete the repairs before closing

2. Request a credit for the cost of the repair

3. Back out of the deal entirely, if the issue is too extensive

Did you know that the average home inspector recommends to their client around 60-70% of the time that they need to hire someone to get a sewer scope done on the property? This is typically due to the age of the house or the conditions around the home, such as large trees in the yard, that could have caused problems to the line. Having a licensed plumber come out to do this can cost around $800 alone, so most people just decide to risk it. Don't be that person. We are here to help!

At Top Notch Home Inspections, LLC we are certified through INTERNACHI to perform these sewer scope inspections. With that being said, we are proud to offer sewer scopes to our clients to help give them peace of mind, making that big purchase decision. If you book a home inspection with our company we offer a $50 bundle discount to add a sewer scope inspection to your standard home inspection. Right now we are running a sale, where our standalone sewer scope inspections cost $250. If you book your home inspection through us, it will only be an additional $200 added on to the standard home inspection price.

I am so excited about this option that we are now able to provide for our clients. Our company name was designed with providing the best possible service we can to our clients. Taking it up a notch, Top Notch Home Inspections, LLC is bound and determined to go the extra mile for you. We are always learning and advancing our practices, helping you find everything you need in a home inspector all in one place. Give us a call/text/email today to book your next home inspection with us. Don't forget to add on the sewer scope to give you peace of mind, purchasing your investment.

Call/Text: 936.332.4554

Email: topnotchinspections.louisiana@gmail.com