When you’re buying or selling a home, what lies beneath the surface can be just as important as what’s inside. One of the most expensive — and least visible — systems in any property is the main sewer line. It’s out of sight, out of mind… until it backs up into the home or requires thousands of dollars in emergency repairs.
That’s why a sewer camera inspection should be part of every real estate transaction. It’s quick, non-invasive, and provides critical information that can protect your clients from costly surprises — or give them powerful leverage in negotiations.
At Villa Property Inspections, our licensed team has been inspecting sewer systems across Southern California for over 27 years. We’ve seen it all — from tree roots strangling old clay lines to collapsed cast iron pipes hiding beneath newly landscaped yards. Below, we’ll break down the most common defects we find, explain why they matter, and review the repair options available today.
Why a Sewer Camera Inspection Matters
A home’s sewer lateral (the pipe that runs from the house to the city connection or septic tank) is the homeowner’s responsibility — not the city’s.
Replacing or repairing this line can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the depth, material, and location.
A sewer camera inspection uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera fed through the main cleanout or a roof vent. The camera transmits live video to the inspector, allowing us to see the condition of the pipe, the type of material, and any defects, blockages, or damage.
Realtors who recommend this inspection show clients they’re protecting their investment — and themselves — from liability down the road.
Common Defects Found During Sewer Camera Inspections
1. Root Intrusion
Roots are the most frequent cause of sewer damage, especially in older neighborhoods with mature trees. Roots naturally seek moisture, and even a hairline crack or unsealed joint can attract them.
Once inside, they expand and grow, creating blockages that can eventually break the pipe apart.
What We See on Camera:
Thin white roots pushing through joints or dense root balls filling sections of the pipe.
Potential Issues:
- Slow drains or recurring backups.
- Pipe fractures or joint separation over time.
Repair Options:
- Hydro-jetting: High-pressure water clears roots and debris.
- Chemical root treatment: Slows regrowth temporarily.
- Pipe relining or pipe bursting: Provides a long-term fix by sealing the line and preventing future infiltration.
2. Cracked, Broken, or Collapsed Pipes
Age, shifting soil, or heavy traffic above the line can cause pipes to crack or collapse. Older homes with clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (fiber-based) piping are especially vulnerable.
What We See on Camera:
Sections of pipe that are offset, crushed, or visibly broken apart.
Potential Issues:
- Sewage leaks into soil.
- Major blockages leading to backups.
- Risk of total line failure.
Repair Options:
- Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining: A resin-soaked liner creates a new, jointless pipe within the old one — no trenching required.
- Pipe Bursting: A new HDPE pipe is pulled through the old one, breaking it apart as it goes.
- Traditional Excavation: Required when the collapse is severe or near the foundation where trenchless methods aren’t possible.
3. Offset or Misaligned Joints
Pipes settle over time due to soil movement, earthquakes, or poor initial installation. Misalignment creates edges where debris collects, causing recurring blockages.
What We See on Camera:
A visible lip or step between pipe sections, often with standing water or trapped debris.
Repair Options:
- Spot repair using trenchless technology if the offset is isolated.
- Complete line replacement if misalignment runs through long sections.
4. Pipe Corrosion and Scaling
Older cast iron pipes naturally corrode from the inside out. The internal walls become rough, flaking, and scaly, reducing water flow and catching debris. Eventually, corrosion eats through the pipe entirely.
What We See on Camera:
Dark, pitted pipe walls or narrowed sections where rust and scale have built up.
Repair Options:
- Hydro-jetting and descaling to remove buildup.
- Epoxy pipe lining to smooth and seal the interior, extending the life of the pipe.
- Replacement for advanced corrosion or structural thinning.
5. Bellies (Low Spots)
A “belly” is a section of the pipe that has sagged or settled, causing wastewater to collect instead of draining properly.
What We See on Camera:
Standing water for long stretches of the line, even when flow is paused.
Why It Matters:
Water that sits in the line can lead to sludge buildup, corrosion, and eventual blockages.
Repair Options:
- Routine maintenance and snaking if minor.
- Pipe re-grading or replacement if the belly is significant or growing.
6. Construction Debris or Foreign Objects
During remodels or additions, it’s not uncommon to find debris — concrete, tile fragments, even tools — left in the line. These restrict flow and create recurring backups.
Repair Options:
- Mechanical augers or hydro-jetting to remove loose debris.
- Sectional repair if debris is embedded or hardened inside the pipe.
7. Material Defects (Orangeburg, Clay, Asbestos Cement)
Many homes built before the 1970s used materials that were never intended to last this long. Orangeburg pipe, for example, is made of tar paper and has a lifespan of roughly 50 years — most have long exceeded that.
What We See on Camera:
Oval-shaped, collapsing sections or blistered, distorted pipe walls.
Repair Options:
- Full pipe replacement is typically the only safe and lasting solution.
Modern Repair Technologies: Non-Invasive and Cost-Effective
Gone are the days when sewer repair meant tearing up an entire yard. Modern trenchless technologies have transformed how damaged lines are restored:
- Cured-in-Place Pipe (CIPP) Lining: Creates a seamless, watertight lining within the existing pipe, adding decades of service life.
- Pipe Bursting: A new pipe is pulled through the old one, replacing it without open trenching.
- Sectional Spot Repair: Targets only the damaged portion, minimizing cost and disruption.
- Epoxy Coating: Used on small-diameter lines to restore interior smoothness and prevent corrosion.
These methods are typically 50–70% less invasive than traditional excavation and can be completed in as little as a day.
How Sewer Inspection Benefits Realtors and Homebuyers
For realtors, recommending a sewer inspection demonstrates due diligence and builds trust with your clients. It’s also a smart risk management move — preventing post-closing disputes over costly plumbing failures.
For homebuyers, a sewer inspection provides peace of mind. If issues are discovered, the findings can often be used to negotiate repairs or credits before closing.
For sellers, a clean sewer inspection can add confidence and value to the listing.
Your Partner in Property Due Diligence
At Villa Property Inspections, we combine advanced camera technology with decades of licensed general contracting experience. We don’t perform repairs or sell plumbing work — our findings are 100% unbiased. That means our clients get clear, honest results they can rely on.
Whether you’re representing a buyer, seller, or investor, our inspections give you the clarity you need to make informed decisions.
Schedule Your Sewer Camera Inspection Today
Protect your clients and your transaction from hidden underground surprises.
Visit www.inspectaproperty.com or call (800) 465-0153 to schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection with Villa Property Inspections.
Villa Property Inspections — We Inspect, You Decide with Confidence.
