When buying a home in Arizona, you might think the inspection ends with the roof, HVAC, and structure — but what about what’s under your feet?
At Checklist AZ, we always recommend adding a sewer camera inspection to your home inspection — especially if the property is 20+ years old. It’s a simple, affordable upgrade that could save you thousands in future repairs.
Sewer Lines: Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Not Part of a Standard Home Inspection
A standard home inspection doesn’t include looking inside your sewer lines. That’s because it requires a specialized camera system that travels through the main drainpipes from the house to the street (or to the septic tank, if applicable).
But what we find during those inspections is often surprising — and occasionally serious:
- Tree roots invading joints and cracking pipes
- Collapsed or separated pipes (even in brand-new homes!)
- Corrosion or buildup from years of wear and tear
- Obsolete materials like Orangeburg that deteriorate over time
Even New Homes Can Have Hidden Problems
You’d be shocked how many brand-new homes we inspect that already have issues with their sewer lines. From poorly installed connections to crushed pipes during construction, problems can exist before the first toilet has even been flushed.
Don’t assume “new” means “perfect.”
What a Sewer Camera Inspection Reveals
A sewer scope allows us to run a flexible camera down your home’s main sewer line. We inspect for:
- Blockages and obstructions
- Cracks or offsets in the line
- Water pooling, which can signal poor slope or sagging
- Materials used, especially in older homes
This service provides peace of mind, especially if you’re seeing:
- Recurrent slow drains
- Gurgling noises from toilets
- Unpleasant odors outside or near the drains
Knowing what’s happening underground helps you avoid big surprises later.
Especially Important for Older Homes
If the home was built before the 2000s — or has large trees nearby — a sewer camera inspection is critical.
We’ve found:
- Tree roots busting into cast iron lines
- Entire sections of pipe missing or collapsed
- Orangeburg pipes deteriorating into mush
These issues aren’t visible until it’s too late — unless you look now.
Small Investment, Big Protection
Sewer repairs can range from $3,000 to $10,000+, depending on the damage. Compare that to the cost of a sewer scope (usually a few hundred dollars), and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the highest-ROI inspections you can order.
At Checklist AZ, we’re here to protect your investment and your peace of mind.
👉 Call 480-361-8120 today to schedule your home inspection and ask about adding a sewer camera inspection.
Serving Arizona with reliable, no-stress home inspections that help you make informed decisions — above and below the surface.
