Do You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection? A Guide for Oklahoma Home Buyers

When you buy a home, the problems that cost the most are usually the ones you can't see. Few are more expensive, or easier to miss, than a failing sewer line. A standard home inspection can't evaluate the inside of your sewer pipe, which is exactly why a sewer scope inspection is one of the smartest add-ons an Oklahoma home buyer can make.

What is a sewer scope inspection?

A sewer scope is a specialized camera designed to enter a sewer pipe and look for defects. We feed the camera from a cleanout (or, when needed, through a roof vent) and travel the line from the home to the city main or septic tank, recording video the whole way. It reveals cracks, root intrusion, bellies (low spots that trap waste), corrosion and blockages, problems a visual home inspection simply cannot detect.

Why does it matter so much?

Sewer pipes cost roughly $200 to $400 per foot to replace, and the price depends on what's above the pipe, a concrete driveway costs far more to dig up and restore than a lawn. A single failed line can easily run into five figures. For a few hundred dollars, a sewer scope tells you the true condition of the line before you close, so a hidden problem doesn't become your problem.

Which homes should be scoped?

We recommend a sewer scope for just about any home purchase, but it is especially important for:

• Older homes, where the sewer line has had decades to deteriorate
• Homes with cast iron sewer lines, which corrode and crack from the inside out
• Homes with large trees growing near the sewer line, where roots invade joints and pipes
• Homes where the seller has mentioned past backups or slow drains

Why use Sooner Home Inspections for your sewer scope?

We are certified and trained through InterNACHI, and we use only high-end equipment. Just as important: we have no monetary interest in replacing your sewer line. We don't sell repairs, so you get an honest, unbiased opinion on the true condition of the line, not a sales pitch.

You can add a sewer scope to your inspection when you book online, and it's discounted when bundled with a home inspection, see the details on our pricing page or learn more about all of our inspection services.