Sewer Scope Inspections in Dallas–Fort Worth
Our Texas Home Inspectors use a high-end camera system called a Sewer Scope to view the interior of a home's main sewer pipe. The inspector begins at the cleanouts and continues out to the city connection. A recording is made during this process to show any issues and how many feet out they are so that repairs can be made.
DISCLAIMER: The inspector will not observe every square inch of the sewer system, and may fail to see or note a defect. Defects may exist that cannot be detected by visual inspection only. The inspection and Inspection Report in no way lessen the risk or likelihood of repairs or replacements being needed at any time in the future. The inspection and Inspection Report DO NOT CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. The inspector and his/her employees or agents shall not be held liable for the cost of repairing any defects or deficiencies, whether present at the time of the inspection or arising in the future, or for any consequential property damage or bodily injury of any nature. The inspector is not responsible for claims relating to conditions that may be altered or repaired without notice or inspection.
What is a sewer scope?
A sewer scope is a video inspection of the home’s main sewer line—from the cleanout near the foundation out to the municipal tap or septic tank. We record HD footage and note depth and distance so you (and a plumber, if needed) can plan repairs accurately.
What We Look For
Root intrusion, cracked/collapsed pipe, offsets, bellies/sags with standing water, corrosion/scaling (cast iron), misaligned or separated joints, debris/obstructions.
What You Receive
HD video file, still images with footage markers, same-day summary of findings, clear next-step recommendations.
Who benefits most in DFW?
Homes Built Before 1980
Cast-iron laterals in many DFW homes are at or beyond typical service life; corrosion and scaling are common.
Areas with expansive clay soils and foundation movement
Soil expansion/contraction can cause pipe settlement and “bellies” that trap waste and water.
Properties with large trees or prior plumbing issues
Roots seek out joints and cracks; repeat clogs merit a camera review.
New construction
We often find construction debris, offsets, or improper slopes even in brand-new builds.
Our DFW Sewer Scope Process
Access & Setup
We scope from an accessible cleanout. If none is accessible, alternate access may be possible (conditions permitting).
Findings and Deliverables
You’ll get the video, marked stills, and a short written summary with plain-English next steps the same day.
Live Video Scan
We advance the camera to the city connection or septic tank, noting material changes, defects, and distance markers.
If a complete scope isn’t possible
Heavy blockages, collapsed sections, or inaccessible cleanouts may limit the distance we can travel; we’ll document exactly where/why and what to do next.
Common Findings We See in North Texas
Root intrusion at joints/seams
Tree roots take advantage of small openings and grow towards moisture, forming "hairy" obstructions that hinder drainage and lead to backups. Depending on the severity, solutions can from clearing methods like hydro-jetting to spot repairs or sectional replacements. We pinpoint exact locations to facilitate targeted repairs.
Bellies” (standing water) from settlement
We scope from an accessible cleanout. If none is accessible, alternate access may be possible (conditions permitting).
Offsets and separations from soil movement
Tree roots take advantage of small openings and grow towards moisture, forming "hairy" obstructions that hinder drainage and lead to backups. Depending on the severity, solutions can from clearing methods like hydro-jetting to spot repairs or sectional replacements. We pinpoint exact locations to facilitate targeted repairs.
Cast-iron corrosion/scaling in pre-1980 homes
We scope from an accessible cleanout. If none is accessible, alternate access may be possible (conditions permitting).