Follow Us x
Sewer Scoping
Know What Runs Below Your Property
Sewer Scoping in Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Albuquerque & Gallup, NM & surrounding areas.
Fireman Home Inspections offers sewer scoping to give you a clear view of what is happening inside your underground sewer lateral before problems reach the surface. A flexible camera is fed through a cleanout or toilet drain and pushed through the full length of the pipe that connects your home to the municipal main or septic tank. The video feed shows cracks, root intrusion, settled joints, collapsed sections, and buildup that could lead to backups or costly repairs. In Rio Rancho, where older neighborhoods have clay and cast iron laterals and newer developments use PVC, the condition of your sewer line depends heavily on soil movement, tree placement, and the age of the installation.
The inspection involves inserting a waterproof camera with LED lighting into the sewer line and recording video as the camera travels downstream. The inspector watches for bellies, offsets, grease buildup, and signs of deterioration that affect flow. Depth and location markers help identify problem areas relative to the foundation and property boundary. The recording is reviewed with you, and any areas of concern are explained in terms of severity and what typically needs to happen next.
If you are buying a home or have noticed recurring backups, scheduling a sewer scope in Rio Rancho provides documentation of the line's current state before you invest in repairs or negotiate sale terms.
What the Camera Finds and What It Means
You provide access to a cleanout or allow the inspector to remove a toilet to access the drain. The camera is fed into the line, and the video feed is displayed on a monitor in real time. The inspector notes the pipe material, diameter, and any visible defects such as cracks, root penetration, standing water, or sagging sections. The camera can travel up to several hundred feet, depending on blockages and the length of your lateral.
After the scope is complete, you receive a video file and a written summary from Fireman Home Inspections that identifies each issue by distance from the entry point and includes still images of any defects. You will see whether the line is clear, partially obstructed, or in need of repair or replacement. If tree roots have infiltrated the pipe, you will know how far the damage extends. If there is a belly or backfall, the report will note where water is pooling and why it is not draining properly.
The inspection does not include clearing blockages, cutting roots, or repairing the line. It is a diagnostic service that documents the condition of the pipe so you can make informed decisions about maintenance, budgeting for repairs, or requesting concessions during a home sale. If the line is damaged, you will need to hire a licensed plumber or excavation contractor to perform the repairs.
