Sewer Scope Inspection in Austin, TX
$250 with same-day written report, defect photos and complete narrated footage. $175 when added to a home inspection.
Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
Book online or call 737-259-4413 to schedule.
What's Included
In Your $250 Sewer Scope Inspection
Before using the camera:
- I run all fixtures simultaneously to check for backups.
- I use the best accessible entry point, usually an exterior cleanout, but sometimes an interior cleanout or roof vent.
Use a 100-foot sewer camera to inspect as much accessible line as possible, typically both toward the street and under the house.
Document the entry point, pipe material, and feet scoped.
Evaluate flow and look for roots, offsets, bellies, blockages, breaks, scaling, and material transitions.
Approximate the location of significant underground defects with a sonde and locator when useful.
Provide a same-day Spectora report with defect photos, written findings, and complete narrated footage.
★★★★★ Google Review
Buyer’s inspection included a sewer scope.
“Everything was inspected thoroughly… Was very impressed with the detailed and comprehensive report we received shortly after he left. Highly recommend his service. A++” — Dan S.
Why Add a Sewer Scope Before Buying a House?
In the Austin area, sewer line concerns are common because of older drain materials, mature tree roots, soil movement, slab foundations, prior repairs, and remodels where drain lines may have been altered.
A sewer scope is especially worth considering when the home has:
- Mature trees near the home or expected sewer path
- Cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, or unknown drain materials
- Slow drains, gurgling, backups, or sewer odors
- Foundation movement or evidence of soil movement
- Older construction or limited maintenance history
- Prior plumbing repairs or unusual cleanout locations
- Additions, remodels, or altered plumbing layouts
One clue does not always mean there is a sewer problem. The value of the sewer scope is getting a better look before you own the risk.
What I Look For During the Sewer Camera Inspection
During a sewer scope, I am not just checking whether water flows. I am looking for visible conditions inside the line that may affect performance, maintenance, or future repair costs.
Common findings include:
• Root intrusion entering through joints, cracks, or openings. I find that large mature trees near the drainage path can add risk of root intrusion and separations.
• Offset joints where pipe sections no longer align properly. This is sometimes due to improper installation, foundation movement or physical damage from heavy equipment that disturbed the ground above the drainage lines.
• Bellies or low areas where water and debris can collect. This can be the result of improper installation and soil movement.
• Cracked, broken, deteriorated, or collapsed piping
• Heavy scaling or rough cast iron that may restrict flow is common in homes built before the 1980s. Some homes will need spot repairs, full replacement or careful monitoring and reinspection to ensure the integrity of the degrading lines.
• Improper slope or standing water.
• Signs of prior repairs or transitions between pipe materials
• Obstructions, buildup, or foreign material in the line
Some findings are minor maintenance items. Others may justify further evaluation by a licensed plumber, repair estimates, or negotiation before closing.
Scheduling A Sewer Scope Inspection
If you are scheduling a sewer scope service, you are not required to attend however you are welcome to see the process and discuss findings on-site. With the appropriate authorization, I can coordinate property access through ShowingTime and Supra.
Interior access is required so I can run fixtures and toilets, check for backups, and evaluate drainage flow before inserting the sewer camera.
A sewer scope can be booked as its own appointment or added to a complete home inspection. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available, and the completed report is delivered the same day.
Sewer Scope Inspection FAQs
How Much Does A Sewer Scope Inspection Cost In Austin
A sewer scope inspection with Austin Real Estate Inspections is $250 as a standalone service or $175 when added to a complete home inspection.
The fee includes inspection of the accessible main sewer line, a same-day written report, defect photos, and complete narrated footage.
Is A Sewer Scope Included In A Standard Home Inspection?
No. A sewer scope is a separate service because inspecting the inside of the underground main sewer line requires specialized camera equipment.
It can be added to a complete home inspection for $175 or booked separately for $250.
Should I Get A Sewer Scope Before Buying A House?
A sewer scope is especially worth considering when the home has mature trees, older or unknown drain materials, prior plumbing repairs, slow drains, sewer odors, foundation movement, or an unclear maintenance history.
Newer sewer lines can also contain installation defects or construction debris, so the home’s age should not be the only deciding factor.
Should A New-Construction Home Get A Sewer Scope?
It can be worthwhile. New sewer lines may contain construction debris or have improper slope, separated joints, damage, or installation defects that are not apparent during a walkthrough or standard inspection.
Finding those conditions before closing gives the buyer an opportunity to request builder evaluation or correction.
What Do I Receive After The Sewer Scope Inspection?
You receive a same-day Spectora report documenting the access point, pipe material, approximate footage inspected, limitations, and visible findings.
Defects are shown with photos and explained in writing. The report also includes shareable links to the complete narrated sewer-camera footage so you can hear what I observed in real time.
What Happens If There Is No Accessible Sewer Cleanout?
I first look for another practical access point, such as an interior cleanout or suitable roof vent.
I do not remove toilets to create access. If no safe, usable access point is available, a standalone appointment has a $95 access-attempt fee, credited toward one return visit after access is provided.
If the sewer scope was added to a complete home inspection and cannot be performed, the $175 sewer-scope charge is removed.
How Long Does A Sewer Scope Take, And Do I Need To Attend?
A typical sewer scope takes about 45 minutes when access is straightforward. You do not need to attend, although you are welcome to be present.
With appropriate authorization, I can coordinate access through ShowingTime and Supra.
Interior access is required so I can run fixtures and toilets and check drainage before and during the camera inspection.