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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
Sewer failures can cost $10,000–$25,000+ to repair. Most issues remain invisible during standard home inspections. Early identification prevents unexpected backups, emergency repairs, and health hazards caused by sewage exposure.
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.
