Specialty inspection
Sewer Camera Inspection for Phoenix Homes
A sewer camera inspection sends a flexible, high-resolution camera through your home's main sewer line to show exactly what condition it is in before you buy. That buried line is invisible during a standard home inspection, yet a break, root intrusion, or blockage down there can become a costly repair the moment the house is yours. Our team gives you a clear, firsthand look at the pipe so a hidden problem does not turn into a surprise after closing.
Why it matters
The stakes for the buyer
The main sewer line is one of the few major systems a normal home inspection cannot reach, and it is almost always the buyer's responsibility once you own the home. A failing line does not announce itself. It stays hidden underground until waste backs up into the house or the yard has to be dug open. Repairs range from a small spot fix to trenchless lining to full excavation and replacement, and the bill can run into the thousands. Knowing the true condition of the line before closing lets you negotiate, budget, or walk away with the facts in hand instead of learning them the hard way later.
What the inspection covers
What our team looks at
Root intrusion
We look for tree and shrub roots that have worked into the pipe through joints and cracks, the single most common cause of sewer failure in older Phoenix neighborhoods.
Bellies and low spots
We check for sags where the pipe has settled and holds standing water, a section that collects waste and leads to recurring backups.
Cracks, breaks, and collapse
We scan for fractures, split sections, and collapsed pipe that let soil in and let waste escape.
Offset and separated joints
We inspect each joint for sections that no longer line up, which snag debris and leak at the seam.
Pipe material and interior condition
We identify whether the line is clay, cast iron, Orangeburg, or newer plastic pipe, and flag corrosion or scale that narrows the pipe from the inside.
Blockages and buildup
We note grease, debris, mineral scale, and foreign objects that are restricting flow through the line.
Flow toward the connection
We follow the line as far as access allows toward the municipal connection or septic tank to confirm waste is actually moving freely.
How it works
On the day
A sewer scope uses a flexible cable with a waterproof camera on the tip. Your inspector feeds it into the line through an existing access point, usually a cleanout, and guides it along the pipe while watching a live video feed. As the camera travels, we document what the interior looks like, note any defects and roughly where they sit along the run, and explain in plain terms what each finding means for you. The inspection is non-destructive and does not require digging.
Bob is knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly thorough. Your home is a big investment, and Bob can help you feel confident as you’re making this major decision. I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Straight about scope
What this covers, and what it does not
- A sewer camera inspection is a visual assessment of the accessible sewer line, not a guarantee that the pipe will never fail in the future.
- It covers the main sewer lateral, not the smaller branch drains inside the walls or under individual fixtures.
- It is not a repair or cleaning service. If we find a problem, the work is handled by a licensed plumber or sewer contractor.
- A camera cannot see through standing water, heavy blockage, or a fully collapsed section, so a blocked line may need to be cleared before the entire run can be viewed.
- It does not test water or gas lines, and it is separate from the standard home inspection of the visible structure and systems.
Questions
Common questions
Is a sewer camera inspection included in a standard home inspection?
No. A standard home inspection covers what the inspector can see and reach, and the main sewer line is buried underground, so it falls outside that scope. A sewer camera inspection is a separate service that runs a camera into the line to reveal its actual condition. Because the sewer line is one of the most expensive systems to repair, many buyers add it, especially on older homes.
Which homes really need a sewer scope?
Any home old enough to have an aging sewer line benefits most, though it is worth considering on any purchase. Homes built before the 1980s often have clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe that cracks, corrodes, or deforms with age, and Phoenix properties with mature ficus, citrus, or mesquite trees are prime targets for root intrusion. Even newer homes can have bellies or debris left from settling or construction. If the line has never been scoped, a sewer camera inspection is the only way to know its real condition.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
You get documented evidence you can act on before closing. The camera footage and our findings show what is wrong and roughly where it sits, which you can take to a licensed sewer contractor for repair estimates and use to negotiate the price or ask the seller to make repairs. Catching it now keeps the cost of an expensive underground repair from landing on you after the sale.
Add Sewer Scope to your inspection
Tell us about the property and what prompted the concern, and you get a quote back. Residential inspections start at $285.