The condition of a home’s sewer line is one of the most overlooked but critical parts of a real estate transaction. A failing sewer line can cost thousands of dollars to repair — sometimes tens of thousands — and most issues cannot be detected through a standard home inspection alone.

At John Fox Inspections LLC, we provide professional sewer camera inspections that allow buyers to see inside the property’s drain line and detect problems long before they become emergencies.

A sewer scope is one of the highest-ROI inspection add-ons a buyer can perform.

A sewer camera inspection (often called a “sewer scope”) is a video assessment of the home’s main sewer lateral using a high-resolution, waterproof camera fed through the cleanout or a plumbing access point.

This camera allows us to visually inspect:

• The interior condition of the sewer line
   
• Material type (cast iron, clay tile, PVC, Orangeburg, etc.)
   
• Flow and slope conditions
   
• Obstructions or damage
   
• Signs of failure or deterioration
   

The purpose is simple:
find problems early, so you don’t inherit them at closing.

Sewer lines can develop issues from age, soil movement, tree roots, improper installation, corrosion, or decades of wear. During your inspection, we look for:

• Cracks and fractures
   
• Separated joints
   
• Collapsed or sagging pipe sections (“bellies”)
   
• Misaligned connections
   

• Rust and corrosion (especially in cast iron)
   
• Soft, deforming Orangeburg pipe
   
• Clay tile degradation or breakage
   

• Tree root penetration
   
• Grease buildup
   
• Debris blockage
   
• Minerals, sludge, or scale buildup
   

• Reverse slope or inadequate pitch
   
• Standing water
   
• Obstructed flow
   
• Incomplete or improper repairs
   

Every finding is recorded on video and explained clearly in your report.

We run the camera from the home to the municipal tie-in (or septic tank inlet, if applicable). You see the entire length of the line, not just a short segment.

If you attend, we explain what you’re seeing:

• What’s normal
   
• What isn’t
   
• What requires monitoring
   
• What needs repair or replacement
   

Your report includes:

• Still photos of defects
   
• Video footage of the entire scan
   
• Written explanations in simple language
   
• Recommendations and suggested actions
   

If repairs are needed, we outline:

• Severity
   
• Urgency
   
• Type of professional you’ll need
   
• Appropriate repair methods (lining, excavation, spot repair, etc.)
   

This gives you leverage during negotiations and prevents surprise expenses.

Because sewer lines are underground, defects often go unnoticed until there’s a major backup or catastrophic failure. Common problems like root intrusion or collapsing Orangeburg pipe can come with high repair costs.

A sewer scope:

• Protects you from unexpected repair bills
   
• Strengthens your negotiation position
   
• Provides peace of mind about a major system
   
• Confirms the overall condition of older homes
   
• Helps you understand long-term maintenance needs
   

Many buyers consider it one of the most valuable inspection services available.

• High-resolution, commercial-grade camera equipment
   
• Full-line inspections (not partial scans)
   
• Clear, non-alarmist explanations
   
• Same-day findings
   
• Video file delivered directly to you
   
• Honest evaluation — no upsell, no scare tactics
   
• 10+ years inspecting homes in the Capital Region
   

You deserve an inspection that actually shows you what’s happening underground — not guesswork.

John Fox Inspections LLC
518 605-5176

The Capital Region’s go-to choice for thorough, modern, and transparent sewer evaluations.