What a sewer scope is
A sewer scope is a camera inspection of the line from the house to the street. It reveals roots, cracks, bellies, offsets and old pipe materials that a standard home inspection cannot see.
When to order one
Buyers should order during the inspection period. Sellers can order before listing to avoid surprises and price confidently. It is especially valuable for homes built before the 1980s and homes with mature trees.
Reading the report
Look for the material, the footage of each defect and a clear summary: acceptable, needs maintenance or needs repair. Video lets you and your agent see exactly what the inspector saw.
Using it in negotiation
Findings can support a request for repairs or a credit, and a repair estimate gives you a number. Sellers can fix problems before listing to keep the deal moving.
After closing
Keep the video as a baseline. Re-scoping every few years tracks changes, and the report helps you plan.
Scope before you close or before you list, because the buried line is the part nobody can see.
