Sewer Scopes

Buying a home in Lewiston, Clarkston, Moscow or Pullman? K&K Consultants is here to help! A sewer scope inspection uses a camera to look inside the main sewer line so you know its condition before you close. Add a sewer scope to your home inspection and save $25.

A sewer scope inspection is a camera inspection of the main sewer line, the pipe that carries waste from your house to the city sewer or to your septic tank.

A small waterproof camera on a flexible cable is fed into the line through a cleanout or other access point. The camera shows the inside of the pipe as it travels.

This shows the pipe as it really is. We look for damage, blockages, roots and problems with how the line was installed, and in most cases we can tell what the pipe is made of.

A standard home inspection covers the plumbing inside the house. It does not follow the main line out under the yard. A sewer camera inspection fills that gap.

Nothing is dug up and nothing is repaired. It is a visual look inside the line so you can make decisions with confidence. Most sewer scopes take 30 to 60 minutes on site.

You receive the findings in a written report with still photos from the camera, available within 24 hours. If we find a problem, you will have what you need to get an estimate from a licensed plumber.

Once you own the home, the sewer line is yours. Repairing or replacing a damaged line can mean digging up the yard, driveway or sidewalk.

A sewer scope before closing gives you time to ask for repairs or credits, and helps you avoid a surprise backup after you move in.

Most sewer line problems give no warning. Drains can run fine on inspection day while roots or a cracked joint slowly get worse underground.

We recommend a sewer scope for older homes, homes with mature trees near the line, homes that have sat vacant, and any home with slow drains or past backups.

Homeowners can also schedule a sewer scope on its own, before a remodel, after a backup, or as a check on an older line.

Common Findings:

• Tree roots growing into the pipe
• Cracked, broken or crushed pipe
• Bellies or sags that hold standing water
• Offsets where pipe sections no longer line up
• Separated or disconnected joints
• Blockages from grease or debris
• Older pipe materials such as clay tile, cast iron and Orangeburg

How much does a sewer scope inspection cost? A stand-alone sewer scope is $175. Bundled with a home inspection, it is $150.

How long does it take? Most sewer scopes take 30 to 60 minutes on site.

Can I be there? Yes. You are welcome to attend.

Does it cover the whole line? The scope covers what the camera can reach from the access point. If there is no cleanout or the camera cannot pass a blockage, the report notes what could not be seen and why.

Will you fix problems you find? No. A sewer scope is an inspection, not a repair.

Sewer line repairs are among the costliest surprises a new homeowner can face. K&K Consultants offers sewer scope inspections throughout the Quad Cities of Lewiston, Clarkston, Moscow, Pullman and all outlying communities. Add a sewer scope to your home inspection or schedule one on its own. Contact us anytime.