Sewer Scope: Part II
Who Can Scope Your Sewer Line, an Inspector or a Plumber?
Booking a sewer scope sounds simple until you start making calls. Some inspectors say yes, some say no, and some say they can do it only if there's a cleanout. And the person who does it may or may not be the one you'd want to hire if the news is bad.
Here's how it works, who can do it, and what to ask before you book.
Not every inspector offers sewer scope Services
A sewer scope takes specialized camera equipment and training, so some inspectors offer it as an optional add-on and others don't. Those who don't will usually refer you to a plumber or a company that only does sewer cameras. When you book, ask:
• Do you perform sewer scopes?
• Will I get the video and a written report?
• What happens if there's no accessible cleanout?
How does the camera get into the line?
The scope is more hands-on than the rest of an inspection, because the technician needs a way into the main sewer line. In order of how disruptive they are:
• An accessible cleanout. Outside the house, in a garage, or in a basement. This is the easiest route: the cap comes off, the camera goes in, and nothing else is disturbed.
• A roof vent. Some inspectors can feed the camera down a plumbing vent pipe. This only works if the roof is safe to access, and bends in the pipe can keep the camera from reaching the main line.
• Pulling a toilet. When there's no cleanout, the toilet may need to be removed to reach the drain, then reset. It works, but it's more invasive, and in some places only a licensed plumber is allowed to do it.
• Installing a cleanout. A plumber can add a permanent cleanout, often roughly $500 to $2,000. It's an added cost, but it makes this scope and future maintenance easier, and it can be a smart upgrade before you sell.
Should You Hire An Inspector or A plumber?
Plumbers can do sewer scopes too, and of course there are trade-offs:
| Home inspector | Plumber | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | Usually lower, especially as an add-on to the home inspection | Often higher than an add-on |
| Focus | Doesn't sell repairs, so there's no stake in the result | May also be the one who bids the repair |
| You Get | Video and a written report, then a recommendation to see a plumber | Video, a diagnosis, and often a repair price on the spot |
| Simple Fixes | Generally not done at the visit | Sometimes, such as a clog or minor root intrusion |
| Best When | You want the lowest-cost look, bundled with the inspection | You suspect a problem or want a price right away |
Does the person scoping need to be licensed?
It depends on where you live. In many places, a camera-only inspection doesn't require a plumber's license, but pulling toilets, installing cleanouts, and making repairs often do. Check with your state or local licensing board, and use a licensed contractor for any repair work.
Licensed, bonded, and insured mean three different things:
• Licensed: the state or local authority has approved the contractor to do the work.
• Bonded: the contractor has bought a surety bond that can compensate you if they fail to meet their obligations.
• Insured: the contractor carries liability and workers' comp insurance that covers accidents and property damage.
Ask for proof of all three, and verify the license through your state's database.
Next in this series
• Post 3: The Sewer Scope Found a Problem. Costs and Your Options
If something turns up, we can help
Hopefully you'll never need to reline or replace a sewer line. For most homeowners, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event. For us, as agents, it isn't. We see situations like this and have experience helping people through them.
We work with contractors, suppliers, and vendors regularly. We can't recommend specific companies, but we can help you work out what kind of professional you need, what questions to ask, and how to compare bids, so you find the right fit for your situation.
Whether you're selling soon or someday, we're glad to be a resource.
Kelly Azzarello Real Estate | Compass
kelly@kellyazzarello.com | (425) 830-6457 | www.kellyazzarello.com
This post is general information, not legal advice. Cost ranges are general estimates drawn from published 2026 cost guides and vary by property, region, and contractor. Licensing rules differ by state.
