Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection Before Buying a Flagstaff Home?

Do I need a sewer camera inspection when buying a home?

It is not required, but it is one of the smartest checks a buyer can order. A general home inspection tests the drains inside the house. It does not look inside the buried sewer line from the house to the street. A sewer camera inspection shows that pipe on video, so you know its condition before you close.

The sewer lateral is usually the homeowner's responsibility, so its problems become yours on closing day. Finding a root-filled or broken line during your inspection period gives you time to ask questions and plan, instead of finding out from a backup after you move in.

What can a sewer camera inspection find?

A sewer camera can show tree roots, cracks, broken or offset joints, sags called bellies that hold standing water, heavy scale or grease, collapsed sections and the type of pipe material. It also shows the depth and distance to any problem, so a repair can be planned at the exact spot.

Which Flagstaff homes need a sewer scope most?

Older homes, homes with large trees near the sewer line, and homes that sat empty are the top candidates. In Flagstaff, that includes many houses in Downtown, Sunnyside and Southside, where older cast iron, clay or fiber pipe is common, and tree-lined areas like Fort Valley and Cheshire.

• The home is several decades old or has its original sewer line
• Large pines, aspens or other trees grow near the sewer path
• The home was a rental, especially a busy student rental near NAU
• The home sat vacant or was a seasonal cabin
• The seller mentions past drain cleaning or backups
• You notice slow drains or gurgling during your walk-through

Newer homes can have problems too, such as construction debris or a poorly sloped section, but the risk goes up with age and trees. Learn more about why Flagstaff homes get clogged drains and how tree roots get into sewer lines.

How does a sewer camera inspection work?

A technician opens the outside cleanout, or another access point, and feeds a small waterproof camera on a flexible cable into the sewer line. Live video shows on a monitor as the camera travels toward the street. The inspection itself usually takes about an hour for a typical home.

1. Find access. We locate the cleanout. Ask the seller's agent where it is ahead of time.
2. Run the camera. The camera travels the line while we watch for roots, cracks and sags.
3. Mark problem spots. We note the distance to any issue so it can be found later.
4. Explain the results. We tell you plainly what we saw and what, if anything, it needs.

If the line is too blocked for the camera to pass, it may need to be cleared first. A main sewer line cleaning opens it so the camera can see the rest of the pipe.

How much is a sewer camera inspection in Flagstaff?

A sewer camera inspection in Flagstaff costs about $200 to $450. Price depends on access, the length of the line, and whether the line has to be cleared before the camera can pass. We confirm the exact price before we start.

Compared with the cost of a surprise sewer repair after closing, a camera inspection is a small step for a lot of peace of mind. See our full Flagstaff drain cleaning price guide for other services.

What if the camera finds a problem?

Share what you learned with your real estate agent. Depending on your contract, you may be able to ask the seller to clean or repair the line, give a credit, or adjust the price. If the issue is roots or buildup and the pipe is sound, a cleaning may be all it needs.

We give you a plain answer about what we saw. If the line is in good shape, we will say so. If it needs more than cleaning, we explain why and what your options are, so you can make a calm decision before closing.