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Why Clark Hill Inspections
Our sewer scopes are conducted by a licensed plumber using advanced camera technology. Clark Hill provides clear video documentation, expert assessment, and practical repair recommendations — ensuring nothing underground is overlooked.
Importance of this Inspection
Our sewer scopes are conducted by a licensed plumber using advanced camera technology. Clark Hill provides clear video documentation, expert assessment, and practical repair recommendations — ensuring nothing underground is overlooked.
Benefit to Customer
You get transparency into the condition of an expensive, hidden system and the opportunity to negotiate repairs before closing — protecting your investment and preventing surprise breakdowns.
When To Get A Quote
A. Buying a home (especially older homes)
Case Study: The 1920s Home With a Hidden Sewer Collapse
When Olivia placed an offer on a 1920s home in Melrose, her realtor recommended adding a sewer scope. The camera revealed a major blockage caused by decades-old deterioration in the original cast iron line. Repairs would have cost over $12,000. Thanks to the inspection, Olivia negotiated a seller credit and avoided inheriting a failing sewer system.
B. Large trees near sewer lines
Case Study: Root Intrusion From a Maple Tree
The Daniels family loved the shade from the huge maple tree in their new front yard — until slow drains and occasional gurgling raised concerns. A sewer scope found that tree roots had pushed through tiny cracks in the sewer line, causing a growing blockage. With early detection, the Daniels repaired the section before a full backup occurred, preventing an emergency flooding situation.
C. Slow drains, backups, or foul odors
Case Study: The “Normal Clog” That Wasn’t Normal
When Mark kept experiencing slow drains and a persistent sewer smell in his basement, he assumed it was a simple plumbing issue. Clark Hill’s sewer scope showed a sagging section of pipe — known as a “belly” — where waste was collecting. Fixing the issue prevented a major backup and saved Mark from repeated plumbing bills.
D. Unknown sewer line material (Orangeburg, clay, or cast iron risk)
Case Study: Buying a Home With Unknown Pipe Material
Sierra was under contract for a charming mid-century home in Arlington but had no information about the sewer line. A sewer scope revealed that the home still used Orangeburg pipe, a paper-based material from the 1940s known to collapse. With this discovery, Sierra negotiated a $10,000 concession and planned a proactive replacement — avoiding a costly and unexpected failure after move-in.
