Video pipe inspection before buying a home

A video pipe inspection (often called a sewer scope or drain cam) can show issues that home inspectors and open-trench checks can miss—especially inside walls, under slabs, or buried near the property line. If you’re considering a purchase, the goal isn’t just to find “problems,” but to identify what they mean for cost, safety, and how urgently they need attention.



Start by confirming what system the camera covers. Ask whether the scope includes the main sewer line from the house to the city connection (or property line), plus accessible interior drains (like kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms). Limitations matter: some contractors can’t inspect every section due to cleanout placement, access restrictions, or severe blockages. Make sure you understand the coverage area before drawing conclusions.