What to Expect During a Sewer Scope Inspection

A Complete Walkthrough of the Inspection Process

If you've never had a sewer scope inspection before, you might be wondering what's involved. The good news is that it's a straightforward, non-invasive process that typically takes less than an hour. Here's exactly what to expect at each step.

Step 1: Booking Your Inspection

Scheduling is simple. You can book online or call us directly. When booking, we'll ask about your property's access point — most homes have an outdoor cleanout, which is a capped pipe sticking up from the ground near your foundation. If you're not sure where yours is, don't worry — we can help you locate it.

We offer flexible scheduling, including same-day availability for urgent needs like real estate transactions with tight deadlines.

Step 2: Arrival and Setup

Our certified inspector arrives at your scheduled time with all necessary equipment. The first step is locating and accessing the cleanout. For standard cleanout access, no preparation is needed on your part.

If your home doesn't have an accessible cleanout, we can access the sewer line through alternative methods: roof vent access, toilet pull (we remove and reinstall the toilet with a new wax ring and supply line), or crawl space access. We'll confirm the access method and any additional costs before beginning work.

Step 3: The HD Video Inspection

This is where the real work happens. Our inspector feeds a professional-grade HD camera into your sewer line through the access point. The camera travels the entire length of your main sewer line — from your home all the way to the city connection.

As the camera moves through the pipe, it captures high-definition video of every inch. Our self-leveling camera head ensures you get a clear, properly oriented view regardless of the pipe's angle or direction.

You're welcome to watch. Many homeowners and real estate agents choose to watch the inspection in real-time on our high-resolution monitor. This lets you see exactly what we're seeing and ask questions as we go. That said, watching isn't required — you'll receive the complete video regardless.

During the inspection, our inspector is looking for:

• Root intrusion and root damage
• Cracks, breaks, and fractures
• Pipe bellying (sags or low spots)
• Offset joints and misalignments
• Scale buildup and mineral deposits
• Blockages and debris
• Pipe material and overall condition
• Connection points and transitions

If we find an issue, our built-in sonde transmitter allows us to mark the exact location and depth above ground, so you know precisely where any problems are.

Step 4: Report Delivery

Within 24 hours of your inspection (or same-day if you selected that option), you'll receive an email with:

• HD Video Recording — The complete video of your sewer line inspection, available to view and download
• Written Report — A detailed document including condition ratings for different sections, screenshots from the video highlighting key findings, and a clear summary of the overall assessment
• Plain-English Explanations — Every finding is explained without industry jargon, so you understand exactly what was found and what it means

Your video and report are yours to keep and share. Many clients share them with contractors, real estate agents, or home insurance providers.

How to Prepare

Preparation is minimal:

• Confirm the location of your cleanout before the appointment
• Ensure someone is available to provide access if needed
• Clear any obstructions around the cleanout area

That's it. The inspection itself is completely non-invasive — no digging, no damage, no mess.

Ready to see what's in your pipes? Precision Sewer Inspection serves all of Central Indiana with honest, evidence-based inspections. Book your inspection today or check our pricing.