Sewer Scope: Part III
The Sewer Scope Found a Problem.
Costs and Options
What to do first, what it can cost, and how to work through it whether you're selling or buying
The camera came out of the line, and the news isn't good. A crack, roots, a sag, a section that's partly collapsed. It's a stomach-drop moment, but it's also the moment the scope was for. You now know something you couldn't see, and you know it while you still have choices.
What to do first
• Get the video and the written report. You need both. The video shows exactly where the problem is, and a plumber can use it to bid.
• Don't panic and don't rush. A finding doesn't always mean a full replacement. Many problems are local and can be repaired in one section.
• Get a licensed plumber's written estimate. Ask them to watch the video and tell you what they would do and why.
• Get a second bid. Repair methods and prices vary a lot, and a second opinion can tell you whether the first bid is fair.
• Ask who is responsible for the line. In many places the homeowner owns the pipe from the house to the connection at the main, but rules differ. Check with your city or sewer district.
What does it cost to fix a sewer line problem?
This is where the surprises are. Repair prices vary a lot with pipe length and depth, access (driveways, landscaping, retaining walls), the repair method, and local permits and labor rates.
| Type of work | Commonly cited range |
|---|---|
| Spot repair of one damaged section | A few thousand dollars, roughly $1,500 to $7,500 |
| Trenchless lining or pipe bursting | Often $4,000 to $20,000+, depending on length |
| Full line replacement | Roughly $10,000 to $25,000+ in many markets |
National averages you'll see online are often much lower than what homeowners in higher-cost metro areas pay. In the Seattle area, for example, contractors publishing 2026 pricing put a full replacement anywhere from about $10,000 into the low $30,000s, and permits alone can add hundreds to a couple thousand dollars. Always get more than one written bid.
If you're selling
Sellers commonly take one of three paths:
• Repair before closing. You control the contractor and the timeline, and you can hand the buyer paperwork showing the work is done.
• Offer a credit at closing. The buyer takes over the contractor and the timeline. A written bid helps you set a number everyone can agree on.
• Adjust the price. Often used when the buyer would rather handle the repair themselves.
Disclosure rules vary by state and by type of seller, and a known defect generally needs to be disclosed where disclosure is required. "As is" doesn't stop a buyer from inspecting, asking for credits, or walking away. Ask your agent and, if needed, an attorney how the rules apply to you.
If you're buying
You typically have three options, and your inspection contingency is what makes them possible:
• Ask the seller to repair the line before closing
• Ask for a credit at closing
• Ask for a price reduction
If the problem is severe and the seller won't work with you, your contingency may let you walk away. Real bids from licensed plumbers turn an alarming report into a number you can negotiate with.
Why finding out early matters
Problems found early, with real repair estimates in hand, are much easier to work through, whether that means a repair, a credit, or a price adjustment. That's the real value of a sewer scope: not the report itself, but the time and options it gives you.
Earlier in this series
• Post 1: What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
• Post 2: Who Can Scope Your Sewer Line, an Inspector or a Plumber?
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
Note:
Cost ranges are general estimates drawn from published 2026 cost guides and vary by property, region, and contractor. Get written bids from licensed professionals. This post is general information, not legal advice; disclosure rules differ by state.
