When most homeowners think about the health of their property, they focus on visible systems—the roof, siding, windows, and even landscaping. But some of the most critical components of a home's infrastructure are hidden from view, working quietly in the background. Your plumbing system, and especially your sewer line, is one of them.
Over time, plumbing and sewer lines can develop problems that go unnoticed until they cause costly damage. Whether it's a small leak that slowly undermines a foundation or a sewer backup that requires emergency repairs, these issues can be disruptive, expensive, and even hazardous to your health. That's why LunsPro Inspection Group recommends incorporating plumbing and sewer scope inspections into your regular Carolina home inspections routine—especially for properties in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh and across the Triad and Triangle Areas where soil conditions, tree growth, and seasonal weather can accelerate wear and tear on underground pipes.
A plumbing inspection evaluates the performance and condition of visible pipes, fixtures, and water systems inside the home. A sewer scope inspection, on the other hand, uses specialized cameras to examine the main sewer line that carries wastewater from your home to the municipal system or septic tank. Together, these inspections provide a complete picture of your property's plumbing health.
Why Sewer Scope Inspections Are So Important
Unlike interior plumbing fixtures, which are relatively easy to repair or replace, the main sewer line is buried underground and can be difficult to access without excavation. Problems in this line—such as cracks, blockages, or tree root intrusions—can cause backups, slow drainage, and even structural damage to your home if left unchecked.
In the Triad and Triangle Areas, older homes often have sewer lines made from materials like clay or cast iron, which are more susceptible to deterioration over time. Newer homes aren't immune either—shifting soil, construction defects, and landscaping issues can all affect sewer performance. A sewer scope inspection offers a proactive way to spot problems before they become emergencies.
The 5 Signs It's Time for a Plumbing & Sewer Scope Inspection
While routine inspections are a smart preventive measure, there are certain red flags that indicate you should schedule one sooner rather than later.
1. Slow Drains Throughout the Home
A single slow drain—like a clogged sink or shower—is often a simple fix. But when multiple drains are sluggish, it can be a sign of a larger problem in the main sewer line. Wastewater may be struggling to flow freely due to grease buildup, collapsed sections of pipe, or obstructions such as tree roots.
A professional sewer scope inspection allows LunsPro Inspection Group to identify the exact cause of the blockage. This prevents unnecessary guesswork and ensures that any repairs are targeted and effective. For homeowners in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, slow drains should never be ignored—especially if your home is surrounded by mature trees whose roots can invade sewer lines.
2. Unexplained Odors or Sewer Smells
If you notice a persistent foul odor inside or outside your home, particularly near drains or in the yard, it could indicate a cracked or leaking sewer pipe. Sewer gas contains harmful bacteria and gases like methane, which can be dangerous to inhale over time.
In the Carolina home inspections we conduct, sewer smells are often a key indicator of an underground leak or venting problem. A sewer scope inspection pinpoints the exact location of the leak, allowing repairs to be made before the issue worsens and creates health hazards.
3. Frequent Backups or Gurgling Toilets
Repeated plumbing backups are a clear sign that something isn't right with your sewer system. While occasional clogs happen, backups that occur in multiple fixtures—or gurgling sounds coming from toilets when other drains are in use—may indicate a blockage or a misaligned pipe.
During Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh Residential and Commercial Inspections, our team often finds that repeated backups are caused by structural issues within the sewer line. A sewer scope inspection provides a visual confirmation of the problem, helping homeowners choose the right repair approach.
4. Unusually Lush Patches of Grass in the Yard
While a green lawn is generally a good thing, one patch that grows faster or appears more vibrant than the rest can be a sign of a leaking sewer line. Wastewater contains nutrients that can over-fertilize grass, creating uneven growth patterns.
In the Triad and Triangle Areas, where clay-heavy soils can hide pooling water for long periods, this symptom is often overlooked. By adding a sewer scope inspection to your Carolina home inspections or Carolina inspection plan, you can catch and fix leaks before they cause soil erosion or attract pests.
5. Aging Pipes or a Home Over 20 Years Old
Even if you haven't noticed any performance issues, the age and material of your sewer line can be reason enough to schedule an inspection. Clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipes (a type of bituminous fiber pipe) are all prone to deterioration over time.
Homes built more than two decades ago in Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh may have sewer lines that are approaching the end of their useful life. A sewer scope inspection documents the current condition of the pipes and helps you plan for future repairs or replacement before a failure occurs.
What to Expect During a Sewer Scope Inspection
When you schedule a sewer scope inspection with LunsPro Inspection Group, our certified inspectors use a high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable to examine the inside of your sewer line. The camera is fed through a cleanout point and transmits real-time video to a monitor, allowing both you and the inspector to see the condition of the pipes.
We look for:
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Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections
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Tree root intrusion
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Blockages from debris, grease, or foreign objects
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Corrosion or scaling on pipe walls
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Standing water or "bellies" in the line where waste can collect
Once the inspection is complete, you'll receive a detailed report with photos or video stills highlighting problem areas and recommended next steps.
The Benefits of Proactive Plumbing & Sewer Scope Inspections
For homeowners in the Triad and Triangle Areas, incorporating plumbing and sewer scope inspections into your Carolina home inspections schedule offers several long-term benefits:
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Early Detection: Identify problems before they cause damage or require emergency repairs.
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Cost Savings: Avoid expensive excavation by catching issues early when they're easier to fix.
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Peace of Mind: Know that your home's plumbing system is functioning properly.
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Informed Decisions: If buying or selling a home, use the inspection results to negotiate repairs or price adjustments.
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Longevity: Extend the life of your plumbing system with timely maintenance.
Sewer Scope Inspections in Real Estate Transactions
In competitive housing markets like Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, buyers are often tempted to skip certain inspections to speed up closing. However, omitting a sewer scope can be a costly mistake. Sewer line repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor cleanouts to tens of thousands for full replacements.
As part of Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh Residential and Commercial Inspections, LunsPro Inspection Group often advises buyers to include sewer scopes in their due diligence. Sellers can also benefit by conducting an inspection in advance, addressing any issues before listing, and using the clean bill of health as a selling point.
Why Choose LunsPro for Plumbing & Sewer Scope Inspections?
LunsPro Inspection Group combines advanced technology with extensive experience in Carolina home inspections to deliver accurate, thorough results. Our inspectors are trained to recognize early signs of trouble and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
We understand the unique environmental factors in the Triad and Triangle Areas, from heavy clay soils to mature tree root systems, and we tailor our inspection approach accordingly. Whether you need a standalone sewer scope or a complete plumbing evaluation as part of a full home inspection, we have the tools and expertise to protect your property investment.
Don't Wait for a Plumbing Emergency
Your home's plumbing and sewer systems may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. By recognizing the signs of potential trouble—slow drains, foul odors, frequent backups, uneven lawn growth, or simply the age of your system—you can schedule an inspection before small issues escalate into costly emergencies.
In Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh, and throughout the Triad and Triangle Areas, LunsPro Inspection Group provides the detailed, reliable inspections homeowners need to keep their plumbing systems healthy. A plumbing and sewer scope inspection is a small investment that can prevent major headaches, save you money, and give you peace of mind.