01
May
When it comes to buying a home in the Pacific Northwest, most buyers focus on what they can see—the roof condition, kitchen upgrades, or that beautiful backyard. But beneath your dream home could be a costly nightmare waiting to happen, one that’s completely hidden from view until it’s too late.
We’re talking about your sewer line—that critical pipeline that quietly carries waste away from your home. While it’s easy to overlook during the excitement of a home purchase, a failing sewer line can quickly turn into one of the most expensive and disruptive repairs a Washington homeowner will ever face.
The truth is, most Washington homeowners don’t realize they have sewer issues until they’re dealing with a backed-up toilet, sewage in their basement, or a completely collapsed line. By then, the damage is done, and the repair bills are staggering.
That’s where a sewer scope inspection comes in. This simple, non-invasive procedure can spot potential problems before they become catastrophic failures, potentially saving you thousands in emergency repairs and giving you incredible peace of mind about your investment.
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is exactly what it sounds like—we use a specialized waterproof camera attached to a flexible rod to visually inspect the inside of your home’s sewer line from the house all the way to the city connection. The camera is inserted through a cleanout access point or through a toilet opening after removing the toilet.
As the camera travels through the pipe, our trained inspectors watch a video monitor in real-time, looking for issues like cracks, breaks, root intrusion, bellies (low spots where waste collects), or improper connections. The entire process typically takes about 30-45 minutes, and you’ll get to see exactly what we see.
“About 1 in 3 homes we inspect in the Seattle area has some type of sewer issue that the homeowner was completely unaware of,” says Brian Dodds, owner of Titan Inspection Services. “Many of these problems can be addressed for a few hundred dollars if caught early, versus thousands if they’re allowed to worsen.”
The best part? Unlike many plumbing services, a sewer scope is completely non-invasive. There’s no digging, no mess, and at just a fraction of what a repair would cost, it’s one of the most valuable inspections you can invest in. You can see an example of what we look for in our sample home inspection report.
Why Sewer Issues Are So Common in Washington Homes
Living in Washington state comes with countless perks, but our unique climate and housing stock create the perfect storm for sewer line problems.
First, there’s our famous rainfall. All that moisture creates constantly shifting soil conditions that put pressure on underground pipes. Over time, this movement can cause pipes to crack, separate at joints, or develop bellies where waste collects.
Then there’s our magnificent trees. Those beautiful Douglas firs, western red cedars, and maples that define our neighborhoods have powerful root systems that are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients in sewer lines. According to Bob Oates Sewer & Rooter, tree root systems in the Pacific Northwest can be double the size of the tree they support, making them particularly invasive to sewer lines. Once roots find even the tiniest crack in a pipe, they’ll work their way in and expand, creating major blockages and breaks.
Age is another critical factor. In established neighborhoods throughout Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, many homes still have their original clay or concrete sewer pipes from the early-to-mid 1900s. These materials degrade over time and are particularly vulnerable to cracking and root intrusion. The Washington State Department of Health notes that aging systems require regular maintenance to prevent failures.
But don’t assume newer construction is safe either. As we explain in our article on what home inspectors actually look for, we regularly find issues in homes built within the last decade, including:
- Construction debris accidentally left in the line
- Improperly sloped pipes that prevent proper waste flow
- Pipes crushed by heavy equipment during landscaping
- Cheap materials that deteriorate prematurely
All these factors combine to make Washington homes particularly susceptible to sewer issues that often go undetected until they cause significant damage.
The True Cost of Undetected Sewer Problems
When sewer problems aren’t caught early, the financial impact can be devastating. Let’s break down what Washington homeowners typically face:
Minor Spot Repairs:
- Small crack or hole repair: $1,500 – $3,000
- Root removal and cleaning: $500 – $1,500
- Bellied pipe section repair: $2,000 – $4,000
Major Repairs:
- Partial line replacement: $5,000 – $12,000
- Complete sewer line replacement: $8,000 – $20,000+
- Foundation repair due to leakage: $5,000 – $15,000+
- Interior water damage restoration: $1,000 – $5,000 per room
According to Angi’s 2025 cost data, sewer line installation costs can run anywhere from $500 to $20,000 depending on local requirements and the complexity of the job. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also acknowledges these high costs, which is why they’ve established funding programs to assist with major septic and sewer repairs.
These costs don’t even account for landscaping restoration, driveway repairs if the line runs underneath, or emergency service premiums when you’re dealing with raw sewage backing up into your home at 2 a.m.
The financial cost is just the beginning. Imagine dealing with sewage backing up into your basement just weeks after moving into your dream home. Or having to temporarily move out while contractors dig up your yard and driveway. Or discovering you need to come up with $15,000 immediately for a repair you never budgeted for.
For sellers, undetected sewer issues can lead to legal headaches too. Many states now have disclosure laws, and a buyer who discovers major sewer issues after purchase may have grounds for legal action if they can prove the seller knew or should have known about the problem. This is why our pre-sale inspections are so valuable for sellers looking to avoid post-sale complications.
How Sewer Scope Inspections Prevent These Costs
A sewer scope inspection functions like an early warning system for your home’s most expensive underground asset.
When we detect minor issues like small root intrusions or early cracks, you can address them before they expand into major problems. Think of it like treating a cavity before it requires a root canal—a small investment now prevents a much larger expense later.
For home buyers, a sewer scope inspection is invaluable leverage. If issues are found, you have several options:
- Ask the seller to fix the problems before closing
- Negotiate a reduction in the home price to cover future repairs
- Walk away if the issues are severe and the seller won’t address them
Many of our clients have negotiated $5,000-$15,000 reductions in home prices based on sewer scope findings—more than paying for the inspection hundreds of times over.
For sellers, being proactive with a pre-listing sewer scope can prevent unpleasant surprises that might derail a sale at the last minute. If issues are found, you can either address them before listing or price your home accordingly, preventing delays and renegotiations during the closing process.
At Titan Inspection Services, we can perform a sewer scope as a standalone service or as an add-on to our comprehensive home inspection services.
💡 Pro Tip: A sewer scope costs only $200-$350 and can save you thousands in unexpected repairs. It’s the definition of money well spent.
Who Needs a Sewer Scope Inspection?
Is Your Home at Risk?
While we recommend sewer scope inspections for almost every property transaction, they’re absolutely essential in these situations:
First-time homebuyers: You’re making the biggest purchase of your life—don’t skip this crucial inspection that could save you from a financial nightmare just as you’re settling into homeownership.
Buyers of homes over 20 years old: The older the home, the higher the risk of sewer issues, especially in Washington’s climate. Homes built before 2000 are particularly vulnerable.
Properties with mature trees near the sewer line route: Those beautiful 30-year-old maple trees could have roots extending far into your sewer line. According to Express Sewer & Drain, certain tree species are notorious for aggressive root systems that seek out sewer pipes, including willows, poplars, aspens, maples, and American elm trees—all common in the Pacific Northwest.
New construction buyers: Don’t assume a new home means a perfect sewer line. Construction debris, improper installation, or damage during landscaping are surprisingly common in new builds. The Washington State Plumbing Code sets standards for proper installation, but enforcement can vary.
Sellers wanting to build confidence: Providing a clean sewer scope report to potential buyers builds trust and can help your home sell faster. If issues are found, addressing them before listing prevents last-minute negotiation headaches. Our What We Inspect page details how we approach these pre-listing inspections.
Don’t Assume It’s Just an Older Home Problem
Even homes built in the last 5-10 years can have serious sewer issues. Construction quality varies widely, and we’ve found everything from improper connections to completely collapsed lines in relatively new homes. When it comes to sewer lines, age is just one factor among many.
How to Schedule a Sewer Scope with Titan
Getting your sewer line inspected is simple:
- Contact us at (206) 451-1120 or book online through our website
- Schedule your inspection—we typically have availability within 1-3 days
- Prepare by ensuring access to a cleanout (if you know where it is) or a toilet
- Attend the inspection if possible so you can see the findings in real-time
- Review your detailed report, which includes video footage and our recommendations
You can book a sewer scope as a standalone service or add it to your complete home inspection for a discounted package rate. Our combo deals are detailed on our services and pricing page. Either way, you’ll receive the same thorough inspection and detailed reporting.
What to expect on inspection day:
- Our technician will arrive with specialized equipment
- The inspection typically takes 30-45 minutes
- You’ll receive your report within 24 hours
- We’ll clearly explain any issues found and recommend next steps
Professional inspections are recommended by organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), which sets rigorous standards for inspection practices in Washington state.
Protect Your Investment the Smart Way
When you’re making one of the biggest investments of your life, a few hundred dollars for a sewer scope inspection delivers incredible peace of mind and potential savings.At Titan Inspection Services, we’ve performed thousands of sewer scope inspections across the Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia areas. Our experienced inspectors know exactly what to look for in Washington homes and provide clear, honest assessments you can trust. Check out our customer reviews to see what others are saying about our services.