The sewer line is buried, invisible, and one of the most expensive systems in a home to repair — a sewer scope puts a camera inside it and reveals root intrusion, cracks, breaks, and low spots before you buy.
A sewer scope inspection runs a specialized, waterproof video camera down the home's main sewer line — the pipe that carries waste from the house out to the city sewer or septic tank. Dawson feeds the camera in from an accessible cleanout and records the condition of the line all the way to its connection, so you can actually see what's happening inside a pipe that's otherwise buried and out of sight.
Because that line runs underground, it's completely outside the scope of a standard home inspection — a visual walkthrough simply can't reach it. A scope is the only way to know its true condition before you commit to a home. That's why sewer scope inspections are a specialty at Ivy League, and one of the smartest add-ons a buyer can request.
Dawson Nitcholas performs sewer scopes throughout Sherman, Denison, and all of North Texas and Southern Oklahoma. Licensed in both Texas (TREC #25341) and Oklahoma (#70002742), he delivers a detailed, plain-language report — usually within 24 hours — with the recorded video so you have a clear, honest read on the line.
A camera pass down the main line uncovers the hidden problems that lead to backups, damage, and costly repairs.
A waterproof camera runs the length of the main sewer line to its connection, revealing pipe material and overall condition.
Tree roots that invade pipe joints and seams — a leading cause of restricted flow, blockages, and backups.
Structural damage, separations, and shifted joints that let waste escape or debris collect.
Low spots ("bellies") that trap standing waste, plus grease and debris clogs that slow or stop drainage.
The sewer line is buried underground and completely outside a standard home inspection — and it's also one of the most expensive systems in a home to repair. A full line replacement can easily run into five figures, and it almost always lands on the new owner.
Older homes, properties with large trees, and homes with cast-iron or clay pipes are especially prone to root intrusion, cracks, and bellies. A scope tells you the line's real condition before you own the problem — giving you the leverage to negotiate a repair, plan for it, or walk away.
Whether you're buying a home and want to rule out a hidden repair, or you're a homeowner dealing with recurring slow drains or backups, a sewer scope gives you the facts so you can act before a small issue becomes a major one.
Your sewer scope is delivered in a detailed, easy-to-understand report — usually within 24 hours — complete with the recorded camera footage.
From your first phone call to final report delivery, here's exactly what to expect.
Call or text 903-815-2560 or use our contact form. We'll answer your questions and book a time that fits your timeline — often alongside your home inspection.
Dawson locates an accessible cleanout and runs the camera the length of the main line, using methods that meet and exceed TX & OK Standards of Practice.
You receive a detailed report — usually within 24 hours — with the recorded video, clear findings, and recommendations you can actually use.
Questions after the report? Dawson reviews the findings with you and gives honest, straightforward advice on your next steps.
A sewer scope is a video inspection of the home's main sewer line. Dawson feeds a specialized waterproof camera into the line through an accessible cleanout and records its condition from the house to the connection — revealing problems inside a pipe you otherwise can't see.
No. A standard home inspection is a visual evaluation of the accessible parts of the home, and the main sewer line is buried underground — well beyond what a visual inspection can reach. A sewer scope is a separate, specialized add-on, and it's the only way to actually see the condition of that line.
Any time you're buying a home it's worth doing, but it's especially important for older homes, properties with large trees near the line, and homes with cast-iron or clay pipe. Homeowners with recurring slow drains, gurgling, or backups should also consider one to find the source.
Root intrusion, cracks, breaks, and separations, shifted or offset joints, low spots ("bellies") that trap waste, grease and debris blockages, and signs of a collapsing or failing line — the kinds of issues that lead to backups and expensive repairs.
Ivy League Home Inspections is based in Sherman and serves communities across North Texas and Southern Oklahoma — including Denison, Whitesboro, Whitewright, Bells, Bonham, Tioga, Van Alstyne, Collinsville, and up into Durant, Oklahoma. Give us a call to confirm your area.
Call or text Dawson today • Licensed TX #25341 & OK #70002742 • Reports in 24 Hours • Serving North Texas & Southern Oklahoma