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Sewer scope inspection in Clovis
A sewer replacement here runs $5,000 to $15,000 and homeowner's insurance doesn't cover it. A camera down the line shows you what you're buying.
What a sewer scope is
I feed a high-resolution camera on a flexible rod through the sewer lateral, the buried pipe that runs from the house to the city main or septic tank. You see the inside of the pipe on video. It doesn't damage anything and usually takes less than an hour.
What I look for
- Cracks, breaks and collapsed sections
- Tree roots growing into joints
- Bellies, low spots where waste and water sit
- Separated or offset joints
- Corrosion and scale in cast iron
- Blockages and debris left from construction
- The pipe material, which tells you how much life is left
Why it matters more in Clovis
I see sewer problems at both ends of the age range.
- Homes built before 1980 often still have the original clay or cast iron lateral. Many are at or past the end of their service life, with separated joints, roots and corrosion.
- Homes built after 2005 have a different pattern: bellies, breaks and disconnected sections that point to how the pipe was installed, not its age.
- The years in between tend to be more reliable, but no home is exempt.
I recommend a scope on any home over 20 years old and suggest it on newer ones too.
The Complete package adds a sewer scope and crawlspace drone to the home inspection and saves up to $185.
What the scope does not do
A sewer scope reports what the camera can see on the day. It doesn't cover drain lines under the floor or inside the house, and I don't pull toilets to gain access, mark the location of defects in the yard, measure the length of the line or estimate repair costs. If the line can't be reached safely, the report says so and explains why.
Common questions
Do new homes need a sewer scope?
Yes. Some of the worst lines I see are in homes built after 2005, where the pipe was laid with a belly or a joint was never connected properly. Builder inspections rarely include a camera.
Will I get the video?
Yes. You receive the video along with the written findings.
Can I book a sewer scope without a home inspection?
Yes. Add-ons can be combined with any package or booked on their own through the online booking form.
Ready to book your inspection?
Pick a time online in a couple of minutes, or call or text Bob at (575) 763-0001.