Sewer Scope Inspection in Southeast Michigan
What is a Sewer Scan Camera Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection uses a waterproof camera to examine the main sewer line from the home toward the public sewer connection. It can reveal root intrusion, blockages, cracks, damaged joints, and collapsed sections that cannot be seen during a standard home inspection. Total House Inspection provides sewer scope inspections throughout Southeast Michigan, including a written report, photos, and inspection video.
3 Signs Your Main Sewer Line is Clogged
The sooner you recognize the warning signs of main sewer line blockage and call for a sewer line inspection, the better. Clogs in the main sewer line that go ignored or unnoticed can lead to costly repairs, but can also expose your family to contaminated water. Here are a few signs of possible issues:
Multiple backed-up drains.
If more than one drain is slow-moving, gurgling, smells bad, or has water backing up, this most likely indicates a main sewer line clog.
Water overflows into different plumbing fixtures.
This happens because water from one branch line tries to drain away, but the main sewer clog blocks it and forces it to back up into other smaller drains.
Drainage in sewer clean out.
Remove the clean out cap. if there is sewer water flowing out of the pipe or standing in the pipe, this also indicates you have a sewer line clog.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are a common cause of clogged sewer lines, especially in an older home. Lots of homeowners have broken-down drains in the ground that have tree roots in them. Experts say slow flowing drains and gurgling noises from your toilet bowls are the first signs that your sewer system is being affected by tree roots. If you don’t take some action to remove the roots, a complete sewer line block will occur. Call a sewer inspection company to find out if tree roots truly are your problem.
- SewerScan Pictures
- SewerScan Video Inspection – issues
Cracked / Collapsed Sewer Lines
During a sewer scope inspection in Southeast Michigan, we frequently uncover cracked sewer pipes, collapsed sewer lines, root intrusion, and failing clay or cast-iron pipes hidden underground. These common sewer line defects can cause slow drains, sewage backups, and costly pipe failures in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, and Genesee counties. A professional Southeast Michigan sewer scope inspection helps identify these issues early and can save homebuyers thousands of dollars in sewer repair or full sewer line replacement.
Sewer Scan Report
A written report with pictures of all the issues will be emailed. We also provide a link to the video recording of the inspection. This will help a plumber evaluate, confirm and provide the client with an estimate for the work that needs to be provided.
How much does it cost for a main sewer inspection?
A sewer scope inspection is a small investment that can help you avoid major, unexpected repair costs. This sewer inspection can reveal hidden issues such as blockages, root intrusion, cracks, or collapsed lines—problems that often cost thousands of dollars to repair if left undiscovered. For the peace of mind and potential savings it provides, a main sewer scope inspection is well worth the cost.
2026 Pricing for a Sewer Camera Inspection
| Service Option | 2026 Price |
|---|---|
| With a home inspection | $235 |
| Standalone sewer scope inspection | $355 |
Home Inspection Service Areas
Located in Troy Michigan, we inspect homes and commercial buildings in the following counties:
Please call us even if you are outside the area. We will make an effort to accommodate you, and your house inspection needs.
Curious What a Real Inspection Report Looks Like?
Take a look at a real sample report before you book — clear, photo-backed, and easy to read.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
A sewer scope inspection is a video camera examination of the main sewer line that runs from your house to the public sewer. An inspector inserts a specialized waterproof camera into the sewer cleanout and views the inside of the pipe on a monitor to check for clogs, cracks, root intrusion, and collapsed sections.
The main sewer line is buried and isn't covered by a standard home inspection. Repairs or replacement can cost thousands of dollars, so scoping the line before you buy reveals hidden problems while you still have room to negotiate or walk away.
When added to a home inspection, the fee is $235. As a standalone service, the fee is $355. Compared with the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged sewer line, it's a small investment for peace of mind.
Common findings include tree root intrusion, clogs and blockages, cracked pipes, collapsed sewer lines, and deteriorating clay or cast-iron pipe. Any of these can cause slow drains, sewage backups, and expensive repairs if left undiscovered.
Warning signs include multiple slow or gurgling drains, water backing up into other fixtures when you use a sink or toilet, and sewage standing in or flowing from the sewer cleanout.
Yes. Tree roots are the leading cause of clogged sewer lines, especially in older homes. Roots grow into small pipe cracks or joints seeking water and gradually block the line. Slow drains and gurgling toilets are often the first sign.
You receive a written report with photos of any issues found, plus a link to the recorded video of the inspection. This documentation lets a plumber evaluate the problem and give you an accurate repair estimate.
Most sewer scope inspections take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the length of the line and any obstructions found. It's commonly done at the same visit as a home inspection.
An accessible cleanout is the ideal access point for the camera. If your home doesn't have one, let us know when scheduling so we can advise on other access options.
We provide sewer scope inspections across Southeast Michigan, including Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, and Genesee counties and surrounding cities.
Yes. It's most economical when bundled with a home inspection ($235). You can add it when you schedule online or by phone.
No. A sewer scope inspection is diagnostic — it identifies and documents issues so a licensed plumber can provide a repair estimate. It does not repair the line.