Sewer Scoping: What Edmonton Home Buyers Need to Know
While buying a home, most people look at the obvious things: the kitchen layout, the shape of the roof, or the floors. But there are things not in plain sight — things such as what is happening below the earth's surface. That is where sewer scoping comes in.
A sewer scope inspection will reveal big problems lurking in the home's sewer line—problems which, if not found, would cost thousands of dollars to repair. We provide sewer inspection services as an added part of the full Edmonton home inspection at Emerald Property Inspections to prevent the loss of your investment to unwanted (and expensive) surprises.
What Is Sewer Scoping?
Sewer scoping is the process of passing a high-definition camera through the home's main pipe to look inside its condition. The camera is carried through the pipes and sends a live video to the inspector so that he or she can see blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and pipe sag issues, which cannot be uncovered in a standard home inspection in and of itself.
In older neighborhoods in the Edmonton area and its vicinity, many of the sewer lines are decades in age and are at risk of failure. Even newer homes can have construction material in the lines or an adverse line slope. This is why home inspectors are currently recommending sewer scoping on the purchase of any home.
Why Is Sewer Scoping So Important?
Your sewer line is one of the most expensive systems in your home to repair or replace. A cracked line can cause water damage, unpleasant odors, sewage backups, and even poisonous mold. Underground lines are especially vulnerable to Edmonton's unstable soils and freezing temperatures.
Common Issues Revealed by a Sewer Scope:
Tree root intrusion: The roots scour for water and tend to enter small openings in aging pipes.
Pipe misalignment: Settling of the soil or improper installation can create sags (or "bellies") in the line.
Grease buildup or clogs: Typical in the kitchen or in older residences with improper use.
Leaky, corroded, or burst pipes: Especially common with clay pipe or cast-iron pipe.
Faulty sewage backup valves: A major problem in the spring thaw, as well as with heavy rains.
Early identification of such issues can prevent homeowners from enduring a disastrous sewage backup that overflows the basement and spoils personal possessions.
How Does Sewer Scoping Work?
If you have a sewer scope inspection booked with Emerald Property Inspections, here is what you can expect:
Access Point Identification: There is an open cleanout typically in the basement or in the yard.
Camera Insertion: A waterproof camera is inserted into the main sewer line.
Live Video Recording & Assessment: Our sewer inspector is monitoring the line as the camera travels along, searching for damage, blockages, or irregular buildup.
Report & Recommendations: You will also receive a full video recording of the inspection and written detailed findings of the issues that were encountered and if further action is needed.
The majority of our customers use our reports in negotiations—if there are costly repairs required, the sellers may agree to fix the issue or reduce the purchase price.
What’s the Role of House Inspectors in Sewer Scoping?
While standard home inspectors inspect the structure, roof, HVAC, and electrical systems, a sewer scope is an added specialty that gives a more thorough overview of the condition of a home. At Emerald, our certified Edmonton home inspection professionals are qualified to carry out sewer scopes with the same level of attention and professionalism as the remainder of our inspection services.
Combining the home inspection in Edmonton with a sewer scope provides a more comprehensive picture of the home— from rooftops to under the ground. It is especially important in homes built before the 1980s, where clay or cast iron piping was used.
Sewer Backup Valves: A Small But Highly Important Feature
A key part of our inspection is checking sewer backup valves. One-way valves serve to block raw sewage from backing up into your home in the event of a flood or storm. If a backup valve is absent, outdated, or faulty, it can jeopardize your basement—and your well-being.
We will inspect the availability, accessibility, and function of these valves by a qualified sewage inspector in the scope. We'll recommend the installation of one if none are already there—a minimal cost in comparison to the cleanup of a backup!
When Should You Get a Sewer Scope?
We recommend sewer scoping during:
- Any inspection before buying
- Before selling a home (to avoid surprises during buyer negotiations)
- After repeated clogging, sluggish drainage, or unpleasant smells
- By purchasing older homes or infill lots in older neighborhoods
- After a major storm or flood
Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Sewer Scope
Missing a sewer scope inspection can save you money in the short term but cost you thousands to repair in the long term. We have seen, as seasoned home inspectors in Edmonton, far too many people purchasing homes with faulty sewer lines only to make this discovery too late.
We at Emerald Property Inspections want to help you make well-informed, solid choices. We offer sewer scoping as part of our comprehensive inspection packages. It's one of the smartest things you can do before buying a home.
