Sewer scope camera view of a new construction sewer line during a professional home inspection in Portland, OR

NEW BUILD, SPIKE IN THE LINE

Sewer scope inspection revealing rocks and debris in an older clay pipe, common sewer defect found in Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA homes

OLD LINE WITH DEBRIS IN THE LINE

New construction sewer scope finds concrete rebar stuck through the pipe in Happy Valley, OR. Found by our inspector at Details Home Inspections

NEW BUILD, OBJECT IN THE LINE

Do septic lines need a sewer scope? Yes, they do. We found this full clog in a spetic pipe in Ridgefield, WA

SEPTIC LINE CLOG

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Sewer Scope - Septic Scope Inspection

Why have a sewer scope done?

Sewer inspections are important because any problems with the main sewer line are the financial responsibility of the owner. In some jurisdictions it can be the responsibility of the city. If there are problems with the sewer line that routine sewer cleaning won’t solve, the repairs will be expensive.

We scope septic plumbing lines from the exterior cleanout to the first main baffle of the septic tank. Septic plumbing lines have the same possible issues as a sewer line.

Common issues include:

Belly (low areas) - Areas in the line that sag and hold water and debris.

Offsets - Two sections of pipe not lined up correctly, can cause root intrusion and leaks.

Roots - Roots cause damage and or clog the line.

Grease Buildup - Buildup of grease sticks to the sides of the pipe and can restrict proper flow.

Cracks/Damage/Corrosion - Older lines are susceptible to these issues.

Obstructions - New or old lines can have items obstructing proper flow.

We are Certified sewer scope inspectors

If you request us to perform a Sewer Scope Inspection we will inspect the properties lateral sewer line from the house at/near the foundation to the city/HOA tap or septic tank in order to evaluate its condition and to identify any components that may be in need of immediate repair or clearing of debris.

This inspection will include accessing the sewer line and inserting a camera device or scope into it to evaluate it. The inspection process will be recorded, and a report will be generated to outline what we’ve found. We will provide you with a link to a copy of the recording.

The report we prepare will be based on our visual observations and the data we collect from the inspection camera equipment. The inspection and evaluation are not intended to be technically exhaustive. We will provide a written Sewer Scope Inspection Report that is a summary of observations and unbiased opinions based on the experience of the inspector.


The Sewer Scope Inspection Report will outline and define the portions of the sewer line that were inspected, as well as any areas that were not inspected and the reason(s) they were not inspected, in addition to general statements of what is commonly included and excluded during such an inspection.

PROVIDING SEWER SCOPE SERVICES TO:

  • Southwest Washington - Clark County, Cowlitz, Lewis and surrounding areas

    Vancouver - Battle Ground - Camas - Washougal - Ridgefield - Woodland - La Center - Longview - Kelso - Kalama - Brush Prairie - Hockinson - Hazel Dell - Salmon Creek - Felida - Cascade Park - Stevenson - Carson - Orchards - Yacolt

  • Portland OR - Clackamas County, Multnomah, Washington and surrounding areas

    Clackamas - Happy Valley - Milwaukie - Oregon City - Boring - Damascus - Gresham - Sandy - Troutdale - West Linn - Lake Oswego - Gladstone - Canby - Estacada - Welches - Beaverton - Tigard - Hillsboro - Tualatin - Sherwood - Wilsonville

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and schedule.

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  • Even in newer PNW homes, sewer scopes are vital to identify construction debris, ground shifting, or “bellies” (low spots) from construction equipment that cause clogs. We find issues in 50% of the sewer lines on a new construction in Vancouver and Portland neighborhoods. A sewer scope is a small investment that prevents a potential $15,000+ excavation repair after closing, it’s better to find it before so the builder can repair any issues giving you the peace of mind.

  • Yes, you still want a sewer scope inspection, even if the home has a septic system.

    If the home has a Septic System: You don’t have a connection to a city sewer main, but you do still have: -Waste lines running from the house to the septic tank.


  • A “belly” (holding water in a low spot) or a collapse can be a major structural concern that requires immediate attention. If we discover these issues in your sewer scope, we provide high fidelity video evidence. This allows you to get an accurate evaluation from a plumber before you close, ensuring you aren’t stuck with a $10,000 to $20,000 surprise repair.

  • While specialists only handle one system, a one-stop home inspector like Details Home Inspections provides a holistic view of the property. Hiring us for your sewer scope ensures that the findings are integrated into your full home report, providing better context for how the plumbing interacts with the rest of the house. Plus, you save the “trip fee” charged by separate plumbing companies.

  • In older Portland neighborhoods, we frequently find root intrusion and collapsed clay pipes. A sewer scope is a small investment that prevents a potential $15,000+ excavation repair after closing.

  • Yes, the primary benefit of a one-stop shop home inspector is transactional speed and accountability. By using Details Home Inspections for sewer, radon, and well pump flow testing, you get a single point of contact, one unified report, and no scheduling conflicts. This prevents “inspection period” expiration — a common risk in the competitive Portland-Vancouver market.