Do I Need a Sewer Scope Inspection? Why It’s Often Worth Doing for Atlanta Homebuyers and Homeowners

Meta Description: Wondering if you need a sewer scope inspection in Atlanta or Marietta? Discover when it's worth it, what it finds, and how it can save you thousands on plumbing repairs.

Introduction:

You’re under contract on a beautiful house in Marietta. It’s everything you wanted—open floor plan, great backyard, and that perfect Atlanta suburb vibe. The general home inspection is scheduled, and you're feeling confident. Then your inspector asks: “Would you like to add a sewer scope inspection?”

Your first thought might be: “What even is that... and do I really need it?”

Short answer: yes—you probably do. And if you’re buying or selling a home in Atlanta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Roswell, or anywhere with older sewer lines, a sewer scope inspection can be a deal-saving (and wallet-saving) decision.

This post breaks down everything you need to know:

• What a sewer scope inspection is

• What problems it can find

• When you should absolutely get one in Georgia

• How much it costs versus what it can save

• Local soil, age, and tree root issues that make Atlanta homes especially at risk

Let’s dig in.

What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection is a specialized plumbing inspection using a high-resolution waterproof camera attached to a long flexible cable. The inspector feeds this camera through your home’s main sewer line (usually via a cleanout access or sometimes a pulled toilet) and visually examines the condition of the pipe.

The camera travels from your house to the city sewer or septic tank connection. The entire thing is recorded and narrated, so you (and your inspector) can watch in real time what’s happening underground.

Why this matters: Most sewer problems are invisible until it’s too late. By the time you notice backups, odors, or soggy spots in the yard, you're potentially facing a $5,000–$20,000 repair bill.

What Can a Sewer Scope Inspection Reveal?

The scope can detect a wide range of serious issues that won’t be visible in a standard home inspection:

✅ Tree root intrusion – Atlanta and Marietta are full of older homes surrounded by mature trees. Roots are one of the top causes of cracked and blocked sewer lines.✅ Pipe cracks, offsets, and collapses – Often caused by soil movement, aging pipes, or improper installation.✅ Clogs and grease buildup – A common problem in flipped or rented homes that haven’t been properly maintained.✅ Sagging or bellied pipes – Where the line has settled unevenly, causing waste to collect.✅ Corrosion and disintegration – Especially in older homes with cast iron or clay pipes.✅ Unpermitted repairs or improper pipe materials – We've seen everything from duct tape patches to PVC buried inside clay.

Why Sewer Scope Inspections Matter in Atlanta and Surrounding Suburbs

Atlanta is a hotspot for sewer line problems. Here's why:

1. Age of Homes

Many homes in Marietta, Decatur, and Roswell were built in the 1950s–1970s. These homes likely still have cast iron or clay pipes, which corrode, crack, and break over time—especially under pressure from tree roots or poor drainage.

2. Expansive Georgia Clay Soils

Georgia’s red clay expands when wet and contracts when dry. This movement stresses buried pipes and causes cracks, bellies, and disconnections—especially if grading and drainage around the home is poor.

3. Mature Trees Everywhere

Beautiful old neighborhoods like Druid Hills or East Cobb are full of trees—and those roots love your sewer line. Even newer neighborhoods in Kennesaw or Sandy Springs aren't immune.

4. High Rainfall and Flood Risk

Atlanta’s summer downpours can overwhelm old sewer lines. If yours is already cracked or partially blocked, that extra water is a recipe for disaster (and sewage backups).

When Should You Get a Sewer Scope Inspection?

If any of the following are true, you should absolutely get one:

• The home is more than 20 years old

• It has large trees near the foundation

• You’ve noticed slow drains, bad smells, or soggy yard spots

• The home has clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes

• You’re buying a home with a history of flips or heavy use (rental, multi-family, etc.)

• You’re about to renovate or add on to the home

• The home is on a sloped lot or in an area with poor drainage

Even if none of those are obvious, sewer issues are hidden by nature. You won’t know there’s a problem until it’s costly.

What Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Cost in Atlanta?

Prices vary, but here’s what to expect:

• Stand-alone inspection: $250–$400

• As an add-on to a home inspection: $175–$300

• With full home inspection package (from pros like us): Often discounted

Compare that to average sewer line repair costs:

• Tree root clearing: $500–$1,500

• Pipe lining/repair: $3,000–$7,000

• Full replacement: $8,000–$25,000+

It’s not even close. One scope could save you tens of thousands of dollars.

Real-Life Example: Hidden Sewer Disaster in a Marietta Crawl Space

We inspected a charming 1960s brick ranch in East Marietta. It looked great—new floors, fresh paint, updated fixtures. But something smelled... off.

During the sewer scope, we found a hidden backup that had leaked into the crawl space. No one knew it was there. It had soaked into the insulation and was promoting mold. Seller didn’t know. Buyer would’ve never known.

The fix? Over $12,000 in repairs. Luckily, the buyer had opted for a sewer scope. Without it, they would’ve inherited a toxic mess.

FAQs: Sewer Scope Inspections in Georgia

Do I need a sewer scope if the house is new? Yes—especially in new subdivisions. Construction debris, improper slope, or bad connections can exist even in brand-new systems.

Can a regular plumber do this? Some can—but many don’t offer recorded footage or detailed documentation for real estate. Use a home inspector certified in sewer scoping (like us).

Will the city fix a broken sewer line? Only if the break is in the city’s portion (usually past the sidewalk or in the street). Anything on your property is your responsibility.

Do sellers need to provide sewer scope results? It’s not legally required in Georgia, but disclosing known issues is. Sellers can also benefit from getting ahead of problems before listing.

Local Georgia Codes and Standards to Know

• Georgia Plumbing Code Section 708: Requires cleanouts and proper pipe slope for all building sewers.

• International Residential Code (IRC): Adopted statewide; improper pipe materials or slope can violate code.

• Marietta Municipal Code 6-8-050: Local ordinances can require specific permits for sewer repairs.

• Georgia EPD & EPA Standards: Regulate discharge and environmental impact of faulty systems.

You can read more on these topics at Georgia.gov or InterNACHI’s plumbing inspection standards.

Why Buyers AND Sellers Should Consider a Sewer Scope in Marietta

For buyers: A sewer scope gives you peace of mind, negotiation leverage, and avoids post-move-in nightmares.

For sellers: It protects you from post-sale lawsuits and helps you list your home confidently—with a clean bill of health below ground.

Final Thoughts: Sewer Scope = Smart Move

It might not be glamorous. It might not feel urgent. But a sewer scope inspection is one of the most important add-ons you can schedule during a home inspection—especially in Georgia’s aging, root-heavy, clay-rich neighborhoods.

Don’t leave thousands of dollars (and the smell of sewage) lurking beneath your dream home.

Schedule Your Sewer Scope Inspection Today

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we specialize in home inspections in Atlanta, Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, and all surrounding areas. Our sewer scopes are clear, HD, and fully narrated so you get the whole story—before it’s too late.

👉 Book your inspection today at www.reynoldshomeandpropertysolutions.com or call us to ask about our bundled home + sewer scope discounts.