While a standard inspection covers the visible plumbing inside the home, it cannot see the condition of the main line buried deep underground. A sewer line inspection uses a high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable to "scope" the path from the house to the city tap or septic tank, revealing blockages, breaks, or root intrusions that could cost thousands to repair.

What’s Included in a Sewer Line (Scope) Inspection

A sewer scope inspection uses a high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable inserted into the main clean-out or other accessible entry point. As the camera moves through the pipe, it captures video that helps identify both current problems and future risks.

  • Access and entry point: Locate and clear the main clean-out or alternative access point.

  • Line condition: Inspect for cracks, breaks, offsets, or collapsed sections.

  • Blockages and buildup: Identify roots, grease, or debris that may cause backups.

  • Pipe material and age: Note whether the line is clay, cast iron, Orangeburg, or modern PVC, and assess its condition.

  • Slope and drainage: Detecting low spots (“bellies”) that can hold water and increase clog risk.

  • Documentation and recommendations: Provide video or images along with a summary and suggested next steps, such as cleaning, repair, or replacement.

Why It’s Important for Austin Homes

Austin, Round Rock and broadly, Central Texas homes face unique challenges that make sewer inspections especially valuable. Our region’s expansive clay soils act like a sponge—expanding when wet and contracting when dry. This constant ground movement stresses underground pipes, often leading to "bellies" or snapped connections.

On top of that, the area’s trees—while wonderful for shade in the summer—can send roots deep into sewer lines seeking moisture, creating blockages or structural damage over time. Whether it's an older home in Hyde Park with cast iron or a new build in Hutto, a sewer scope offers peace of mind in a market where shifting soil and roots are common concerns.

It’s a Dirty Job… But Someone’s Gotta Do It

Let’s be honest—inspecting sewer lines isn’t glamorous. It’s dark, it’s smelly, and most people would rather not think about what’s happening beneath their floors or after they flush 💩. That’s where First Responding Home Inspections comes in. We’re the team willing to snake the camera and capture the full picture so you don’t have to. Think of it as peace of mind you can watch on video (or not)—without ever touching a thing. It’s a dirty job, but someone’s gotta do it, and we can handle it.

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Sewer scope in Central Texas

Key Terms for Texas Home buyers & Real Estate Agents

Belly

A sag in the sewer line where water and waste pool instead of flowing out. In Central Texas, bellies are often caused by expansive clay soil shifting beneath the pipe. If a belly is deep enough, it leads to recurring clogs and soft blockages.

Root Intrusion

When tree roots enter the sewer line through small cracks or joints in search of moisture. Once inside, they grow into a root ball that catches debris and can eventually shatter the pipe. This is especially common in older neighborhoods with large oak or pecan trees. Remember that Hutto has a Tree USA designation? So pretty… so requiring a sewer scope inspection.

Offset Joint

A condition where two sections of pipe have shifted out of alignment. This creates a lip that catches waste, leading to backups. Significant offsets are usually a sign of ground movement or poor installation during the initial build.

Clean-out

The access point for your sewer line, usually located in the yard or near the foundation. This is where the camera is inserted. Knowing the location of your clean-out is vital for emergency plumbing services.

Hydro-jetting

A high-pressure water cleaning process often recommended when an inspection reveals heavy grease or root blockages. It effectively scrubs the inside of the pipe clean to restore full flow.

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