What this service solves
A standard home inspection usually does not check the underground sewer line, even though a bad sewer line can become one of the most expensive surprises a new owner faces. A homebuyer sewer camera inspection sends a video camera through the line so roots, cracks, bellies, offsets, and pipe-material problems can be found before closing, not after you own them.
The best time to scope the sewer is before the purchase agreement is signed whenever possible. That gives you the most leverage. If the camera finds a problem, you may be able to ask the seller to repair it, negotiate the purchase price, request a credit, or decide the house is not the right one.
We provide footage and a clear report of what the camera shows so you, your real estate agent, and the seller have a practical record for the decision.
Why a drain-cleaning company should perform the sewer scope
A general home inspector can tell you that a sewer scope is a good idea, but the actual sewer camera inspection is best handled by a drain-cleaning company. A drain specialist works with roots, blockages, pipe defects, cleanouts, and main sewer lines every day.
That matters because reading sewer camera footage is a judgment call. The difference between a minor condition and a serious problem is not always obvious on video. When the person inspecting the line also understands cleaning, hydro jetting, locating, and repair options, the explanation is usually clearer and more useful.
It can also prevent paying for the same camera work twice. If a home inspector scopes the line and then recommends a drain company anyway, you may end up paying for another inspection so the drain company can diagnose the issue, record the footage properly, clean the line if needed, and explain the real repair options.
Same-day cleaning and the seller's permission
If the inspection finds a clog, roots, or heavy buildup, same-day cleaning may be possible. The important part is permission. Until closing, the seller still owns the property, so cleaning or working on the sewer line requires the seller's written approval. We can coordinate that when everyone agrees, but we will not work on a line the buyer does not yet own without the owner's consent.
Some cities require an INI inspection at sale
Separate from protecting yourself as a buyer, a number of Twin Cities metro cities require an inflow and infiltration inspection of the private sewer service before a property can change ownership. It is commonly called an INI inspection, and it checks whether clear water — from rain or groundwater — is getting into the sanitary sewer where it does not belong.
That is a different reason for looking at the line than buyer protection, but for buyers, sellers, realtors, and title companies the two often overlap. A single sewer inspection by a drain-cleaning company may help document both the line's condition and a city property-transfer requirement, instead of paying once for a general scope and again for a drain company to inspect, clean, or diagnose the line.
Some INI inspections lead to required repairs before a sale can move forward. Requirements vary by city, so it is worth confirming the rule for the specific property and hiring someone who can explain what the camera shows, whether cleaning may help, and what repair options make sense.
Maki Sewer and Drain can inspect the sewer line, record the video, walk you through what the camera shows, and help you sort out the next steps — whether that is cleaning, a repair, or meeting a city requirement before closing.
Signs you should call
- You are making an offer or preparing to sign
- The home is older or has mature trees
- You want leverage before the purchase agreement is signed
- The seller's disclosure is unclear about the sewer
- You want a record of the line's condition before closing
How the service call works
- Schedule the scope before the purchase agreement is signed when possible
- Access the cleanout and camera the sewer line
- Show you roots, breaks, bellies, offsets, or clean pipe
- Provide footage and a report for your decision
- Arrange same-day cleaning only with the seller's written permission
Why homebuyers should hire a drain company for the sewer scope
A standard home inspection rarely gives you the full picture underground. A home inspector may be able to run a camera, but if the line is blocked, full of roots, or needs cleaning before the camera can pass, you may end up paying twice. A drain cleaning company can inspect, explain, clean when authorized, and record what was found.
If a problem is discovered before closing, the inspection can support a repair request, price negotiation, seller credit, or a decision to walk away. When the current owner still owns the property, any same-day cleaning or repair work should be approved in writing.
Related: INI inspection, sewer camera inspection, and trenchless pipe repair.