Sewer inspections are important because any problems with the main sewer line are the financial responsibility of the owner. If there are problems with the sewer line that routine sewer cleaning won’t solve, the repairs will be expensive.
No age of a home is immune to sewer problems. While it’s unlikely, even new homes can have problems with the main building drain. As you might imagine, the potential for problems increases with the age of the home. If you’re buying a new home, you probably don’t need to spend your money on a sewer scan. If you’re buying a century-old home, it’s smart to have a sewer scan done. There is no clear dividing line between homes that should and shouldn’t have a sewer scan performed. The decision will ultimately come down to the new home buyer’s tolerance for risk.
Sewer inspections are not considered to be intrusive inspections, as the property will be left in the same condition as it was when we arrived. Every sewer scan includes a written report of our findings, as well as a digital video file of the scope. The fee for a sewer inspection is $225. Sewer inspections are scheduled through our office when the home inspection is scheduled.
Buying an older house in the Twin Cities?
Everything above comes down to one thing: the main line becomes your financial responsibility the day you take ownership, and the repairs are expensive. A sewer scan is how you find out before that happens rather than after.
Sewer inspection — $225, added through our office when your home inspection is booked. We cover Minneapolis, St. Paul and the rest of the Twin Cities metro.
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.
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