Know the condition of your sewer line.
Problems with the main sewer line are the owner’s financial responsibility, and repairs that routine cleaning won’t fix are expensive. Whether you’re buying a home or already own one, a sewer scan shows you where the line stands.
A camera scan of the main line.
We run a camera through the main sewer line to look for problems that aren’t visible from inside the house.
Video of the whole scan
Every sewer scan includes a digital video file of the scope, so you can see exactly what we saw.
A written report
You also get a written report of our findings to share with your agent and a plumber if needed.
Nothing left behind
A sewer inspection isn’t considered intrusive. We leave the property in the same condition we found it.
Older homes carry more risk.
No age of home is immune to sewer problems, but the risk goes up as a house gets older. There’s no clear dividing line, so it comes down to your tolerance for risk.
- Own or buying an older home? A sewer scan is a smart move, especially for a house that’s a century old.
- Newer home? You probably don’t need one. Problems with the main building drain are possible, but unlikely.
- Somewhere in between? Think about what a surprise repair bill would mean for you, and decide from there.
$225 for a sewer inspection
Buying a home? We’ll schedule your sewer inspection along with your home inspection. Already own your home? Call our office to set one up. We cover Minneapolis, St. Paul and the rest of the Twin Cities metro.
Watch a sewer scan.
Sewer scans across the Twin Cities.
Find out what’s happening in your sewer line.
A camera scan of your main line, with video and a written report.
Sewer Inspection FAQs
Quick answers from the Structure Tech team. Don’t see your question? Call (952) 915-6466.
What is a sewer scope inspection?
A sewer scope is when we run a camera through the main sewer line to look at the inside of it.
It lets us find problems that are buried underground and impossible to see during a standard home inspection.
How much does a sewer scope inspection cost?
A sewer inspection is $225.
That includes the camera scan of the main sewer line, a digital video file of the scope, and a written report of what we found.
What can a sewer scope find?
The most common problems we find are tree root intrusion, cracks, breaks and offsets in the line, bellies, and debris buildup.
A belly is a low spot where the line has sagged and waste can collect. An offset is where two sections of pipe have shifted out of line with each other.
How long does a sewer scope take?
A typical sewer scope takes 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish.
If you’re buying a home, we do our best to schedule it before your home inspection or at the same time.
How often should you scope your sewer line?
For most homes with a sewer line that’s working normally, we recommend a sewer scope every 3 to 5 years as a preventive check.
Scope it every 1 to 2 years if the home has clay tile, cast iron or Orangeburg piping, or large, mature trees near the line.
Is a sewer inspection included in a home inspection?
No. A sewer camera inspection is a separate service from the home inspection.
Ask us to add it when you book, and we’ll coordinate the timing and access.
Should I scope the sewer at an older house?
Yes. An older house is one of the best reasons to scope the sewer.
Sewer lines can have problems that never show up when you run the sink or flush the toilet, and sewer repairs can get really expensive.
Can newer homes have sewer problems?
Yes. Newer homes can have sewer problems too.
A young house doesn’t rule out a defect. Whether you scope the line comes down to the property and how comfortable you are with not knowing.
Will I receive the sewer inspection video?
Yes. Every sewer inspection comes with a written report and a digital video file.
Hang on to both. They’re really handy if you need to talk with a sewer contractor.
How do I schedule a sewer inspection?
Ask for a sewer inspection when you book your home inspection, or call us to set up a separate appointment.
Let us know your inspection deadline and any access issues we should know about.
Can normal sink and toilet operation prove the sewer is clear?
No. Sinks and toilets that drain fine don’t prove the main sewer line is in good shape.
A camera can find problems that are just getting started or only show up once in a while, and normal fixture use won’t reveal those.
Does a sewer scope damage the property?
No. Our sewer camera inspections are non-intrusive and use the access that’s already there.
We leave the property the way we found it. If access is unusual, tell us before the appointment.
Does the inspection include sewer cleaning or repairs?
No. A sewer scope is an inspection with a report and video. We don’t clean or repair sewer lines.
If the camera shows the line needs cleaning or repairs, you’ll want to talk with a qualified sewer contractor.
Will the report tell me what a sewer repair costs?
No. Our sewer report tells you what we found, not what it’ll cost to fix.
A qualified sewer contractor can look at your repair options and give you a price based on the location, access, and work involved.
Is a sewer scope the same as a septic inspection?
No. A sewer scope and a septic inspection are two different things.
If the property has a private septic system, let us know so we can talk about the right evaluation.
What if the camera cannot inspect the whole line?
If a blockage or some other problem in the line stops the camera, we’ll tell you what we found and give you recommendations for next steps in the report.
Our findings only cover the part of the line the camera could reach, so go over those recommendations with a qualified sewer contractor.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help.
Schedule Your Inspectionor call (952) 915-6466 · Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm