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Access Point
I locate the main cleanout inside your home, typically in the basement or utility area. If the home does not have an accessible cleanout, I let you know before we proceed.
Specialty · Sewer Scope Inspection
Sewer Scope Inspection in Saint John, NB: See What is Underground
Find sewer line issues that aren't visible during a standard home inspection. In older neighbourhoods, tree roots love sneaking into sewer pipes. You can't see it from the yard, but my camera can. Bundle with a home inspection when scheduling permits.
Google Rating 4.9 ★
Reviews 550+
Experience 10+ years
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection uses a small camera on a flexible cable. I feed it into your drain line through an interior cleanout. The camera travels through the pipe and sends a live video feed to a monitor. This lets me see the inside of the pipe in real time.
The drain line runs from your home to the street connection or septic tank. It is buried underground, so there is no other way to see its condition. The camera shows cracks, root intrusion, bellies, offsets, and blockages. I record the full video so you have a permanent record of what I found.
Common Conditions Observed
- Root intrusion
- Separated or offset joints
- Standing water ("bellies") and poor slope
- Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections
- Blockages, debris, and heavy buildup
- Corrosion and deterioration
- Evidence of prior repairs or patchwork
Why Sewer Lines Matter in Southern New Brunswick
Many homes across Saint John, Hampton, Rothesay, and surrounding communities were built decades before modern plumbing standards. Clay tile pipes, cast iron drains, and Orangeburg (tar paper) pipe are still common in older neighbourhoods. These materials break down over time, and tree roots are drawn to the moisture at every joint and crack.
Southern New Brunswick's freeze-thaw cycles put additional stress on buried pipes. Ground movement from frost heave can shift pipe joints out of alignment, creating offsets that catch debris and slow drainage. You may not notice a problem for years until a full blockage backs up into your basement.
A sewer scope shows you the real condition of the line before you take ownership. It is one of the only ways to evaluate a system that is completely hidden underground.
What to Expect During Your Sewer Scope
The entire sewer scope typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the length and condition of the line.
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Camera Insertion
A small, waterproof camera on a flexible cable is fed into the drain line. The camera transmits a live video feed so I can see the interior walls of the pipe in real time.
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Full Line Review
The camera travels from the house to the street connection or septic tank. I watch for cracks, root intrusion, offsets, bellies (low spots where water pools), blockages, and signs of deterioration or prior repairs.
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Documentation
I record the inspection and capture images at key points along the line. These go into your report alongside written notes on what I found and where.
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Report Delivery
Your sewer scope report is included with your home inspection report, delivered the same day. If booked as a standalone service, the report is delivered promptly after the inspection.
Who Should Consider a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Buyers
- Helped reduce surprise sewer repairs after possession
- Supported negotiations when significant defects were documented
- Improved decision-making on a critical hidden system
Sellers
- Identified concerns before listing so you could address or disclose
- Reduced surprises during a buyer's inspection
- Supported transparency and buyer confidence with clear reporting
Home Owners
- Useful baseline check on older homes
- Helped explain recurring slow drains or clogs
- Supported maintenance planning and budgeting
What Clients Are Saying
Read reviews from clients I've helped with Sewer Scope Inspections.
Know Exactly What You're Buying
"I would recommend his services to anyone who wants to know exactly what they are buying and whether to complete the deal or walk away."
Eric M
NB · June 2019
What's Included in a Sewer Scope?
- Camera inspection of accessible portions of the drain line
- Photo and video documentation where available and possible
- Reported notes on visible defects and observed conditions
- Summary included in your report
When Should I Get a Sewer Scope?
- At the same time as your home inspection (recommended)
- As a standalone service for an existing home
- Before or after major landscaping, renovation, or foundation work
Many clients choose to bundle a sewer scope with their home inspection so that both the visible and hidden systems are evaluated in one visit.
Common Questions
How long does a sewer scope take?
Most sewer scope inspections take 30 to 45 minutes. If booked alongside a home inspection, it fits into the same visit with no extra scheduling needed.
Can you inspect all sewer lines?
The camera can inspect most residential drain lines. Access depends on having a usable cleanout. Some older homes may not have one, or the cleanout may be buried or inaccessible. I will let you know upfront if access is limited.
What happens if you find a problem?
The report documents exactly what was found, with photos and video where available. If the sewer scope is part of a home purchase, this information supports your negotiation. For existing homeowners, it helps you plan repairs before a small issue becomes a major one.
Is a sewer scope included in a standard home inspection?
No. A standard home inspection evaluates visible and accessible systems. The sewer line is buried underground and requires a camera to inspect. A sewer scope is an add-on service that can be bundled with your home inspection or booked separately.
How much does a sewer scope cost?
Pricing is listed on my pricing page. Many clients bundle a sewer scope with their home inspection for convenience and to get a full picture of the property in one visit.
Do I need a sewer scope for a newer home?
Construction defects, improper grading, and even settling can affect newer sewer lines. While the risk of deterioration is lower, a sewer scope on a newer home can catch installation issues that may not show symptoms for years.
Certified, Experienced, Local
I have completed hundreds of sewer scope inspections across Southern New Brunswick. I am InterNACHI certified in sewer scope inspection and understand the pipe materials, soil conditions, and building patterns common to homes in this region.
Your sewer scope report includes written findings, photo documentation, and video where available. Results are delivered the same day alongside your home inspection report, or promptly after a standalone inspection.
If you have questions after the inspection, reach out any time. Post-inspection support is always included at no extra charge.
Find My Package
Wondering if this is included in your inspection?
Specialty services like this can be bundled with your home inspection or booked standalone. Answer four quick questions and I will recommend the package that fits your property.
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Ready to Book?
A sewer line replacement can cost $10,000+. A sewer scope takes 30 to 45 minutes and can save you from the surprise.