Sewer Inspections: A Detailed Guide to Maximizing ROI as an Inspector

A sewer line replacement can cost homeowners anywhere from $1,388 to $5,323, with an average of $3,319, depending on factors like line length, depth, and accessibility. ​

As a home inspector, offering sewer inspections is one of the easiest upsells and biggest ROI boosters.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to provide sewer inspections profitably, master the right tools and processes, and dominate your local market.​

What is a Sewer Inspection?

A sewer inspection is a close-up look at a property’s main sewer line using a high-resolution camera. Instead of just checking fixtures and drains like in a standard home inspection, you’re actually getting inside the pipes to find hidden issues before they turn into major problems.

Here’s how it works: you feed a flexible sewer inspection camera through a cleanout or an accessible drain. As the camera snakes through the line, you’re able to spot problems that a surface-level inspection would never catch. Things like:

• Cracks or fractures in the pipes
• Tree roots growing into the line
• Sagging or “belly” sections, where waste can collect
• Corrosion, blockages, or even full pipe collapses
  

For home inspectors, offering sewer inspections is a huge opportunity to protect your clients — and to provide a service most buyers (and even many agents) don’t think about until it’s too late. 

Homes built before the 1980s, homes with big trees nearby, and properties that have had major remodeling are prime candidates for sewer issues.

It’s also worth pointing out: a typical home inspection might catch slow drains or signs of leaks. But it won’t reveal what’s happening underground. 

A sewer scope inspection is the only way to know for sure, and that’s where you can deliver serious value and stand out from the competition.

When is a Sewer Inspection Usually Performed?

Most sewer inspections happen during a home purchase, and for good reason. A sewer line failure can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars to fix. Spotting problems before the sale closes gives buyers a chance to negotiate repairs or walk away from a bad deal.

As an inspector, you’ll want to recommend a sewer inspection in a few key situations:

• Older homes: Properties built before the 1980s often have clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes prone to failure.
• Homes with lots of trees: Big, mature trees and their tree roots mean a higher risk to sewer lines.
• Homes with signs of drainage issues: Slow drains, frequent backups, or bad smells could point to serious underground problems.
• Homes that have been remodeled: Renovations, especially to kitchens and bathrooms, can sometimes lead to damaged or poorly reconnected sewer lines.
  

Sewer inspections aren’t just for buyers either. Homeowners might request one if they notice chronic plumbing issues, are planning a major remodel, or simply want peace of mind about the condition of their sewer line.

Knowing when to suggest a sewer inspection and being able to explain why it’s necessary is a great way to build trust, boost your average ticket size, and set yourself apart from inspectors who don’t offer this specialty.

Essential Tools for Sewer Inspections

If you’re serious about adding sewer inspections to your services, having the right tools is non-negotiable. Good equipment makes your inspections faster, your reports clearer, and your overall service far more professional.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. Sewer Inspection Camera

The heart of every sewer inspection is the camera. A sewer inspection camera is a flexible, waterproof device with a light and high-resolution lens at the end. It lets you navigate long stretches of pipe and spot cracks, blockages, roots, and corrosion in real time.

When choosing a camera, look for:

• Self-leveling video (keeps the image upright)
• Footage counter (shows how far you’ve traveled inside the pipe)
• Recording capability (important for providing video reports to clients)
• Durability (you’ll be pushing this camera through some tough spots)

Entry-level professional systems start around $2,000 to $5,000, while high-end rigs with locators and extra features can run $10,000 or more. 

But the good news is that many inspectors start by renting equipment to test demand before buying their own. You can rent a sewer inspection camera locally for about $100 to $200 a day. Once you’re booking more than one or two sewer scopes a week, investing in your own setup can pay off quickly.

2. Locator and Sonde Transmitter

Some cameras come with built-in transmitters (also called sondes). These allow you to pinpoint the camera’s location underground from above using a locator device. 

It’s a game-changer when you must mark the exact spot of a break, blockage, or belly for repair crews.

3. Reporting Software

Today’s clients expect more than a verbal summary. Good reporting software lets you create polished, professional reports complete with video clips, screenshots, and clear notes about problem areas. 

Some sewer inspection cameras come bundled with software, or you can use standalone apps designed for inspectors.

Pricing Sewer Inspection Services Profitably

One of the biggest advantages of offering sewer inspections is how profitable they can be, if you price them right. Done properly, a sewer inspection can add a few hundred dollars of high-margin revenue to every job with minimal extra time on site.

What Homeowners Typically Pay

Sewer inspection costs run between $270 and $1,734, depending on the market, the complexity of the property, and how the service is packaged. 

Basic sewer inspections cost $270 to $500 and include a standard camera inspection with accessible cleanout points. 

Meanwhile, mid-range sewer inspections cost around $500 to $1,000 and usually involve longer sewer lines, minor obstructions, or limited access requiring additional effort. 

Comprehensive sewer inspections range from $1,000 to $1,734+ and include complex scenarios, such as multiple access points, significant obstructions, or the need for advanced equipment.

Inspection costs also vary significantly based on geographic location because of local labor rates, cost of living, and demand. Here are sewer inspection costs in major cities in the U.S.:

• Seattle, WA: $430 to $2,970
• Los Angeles, CA: $460 to $2,745 
• New York City, NY: $260 to $760 
• Orlando, FL: $155 to $
• Houston, TX: $220 to $655
• Pittsburgh, PA: $520 to $4,110 

How to Set Your Pricing

As an inspector, you have a few options when it comes to pricing:

• Flat fee add-on to a standard home inspection (for example, + $270 for sewer scope)
• Bundled package including sewer inspection, radon, and mold for a higher total fee
• Stand-alone sewer inspections marketed directly to homeowners or realtors
  

For most inspectors just getting started, offering sewer inspections as a simple add-on to a home inspection works best. It’s a quick upsell that feels logical to clients. If you’re already inspecting the home, why not double-check the sewer line, too?

Profit Margin Example

Let’s run a quick example:

• Equipment rental for the day: $150 (or $0 if you own your camera)
• Sewer inspection charge to client: $250
• Time to perform sewer inspection: 30 to 45 minutes
  

That’s $100+ profit per inspection, even when renting equipment, and $250+ pure profit once you own your gear.

Book just four sewer inspections a week and you’re looking at $1,000+ in extra income, almost entirely profit after the initial investment.

Mastering the Sewer Scope Inspection Process

Performing a sewer inspection isn’t complicated once you know the steps. But doing it well takes practice, attention to detail, and clear communication with your client. 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Prepare Your Equipment

Before you start, check your sewer inspection camera system. Make sure the battery is charged, the lens is clean, and the recording system is ready to capture footage. 

Always have backup gloves, wipes, and a protective drop cloth for cleanout areas.

2. Locate an Access Point

The easiest access is usually through an exterior cleanout. If that’s not available, you might need to access a drain inside the home (often a laundry sink or floor drain). Make sure to get client permission first if entering through an interior access point.

3. Insert the Camera and Begin Inspection

Feed the camera slowly and steadily through the pipe. As you move forward, keep an eye out for:

• Cracks, fractures, or displacements
• Tree root intrusion
• Standing water (which could signal sagging pipes)
• Grease build-up or blockages
• Corrosion or collapsed pipe sections

Talk through the inspection out loud if you’re recording. It adds credibility and helps clients understand the video when you review it later.

4. Document Problem Areas

Take screenshots or video clips of any defects. If your camera has a distance counter, note how far into the pipe each issue appears. This makes repairs easier for plumbers and helps your reports look polished and detailed.

5. Identify the Pipe Material

Being able to recognize materials, like cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, or PVC, gives extra value to your report. Certain materials (like Orangeburg) are immediate red flags for replacement.

6. Deliver a Clear Report

After finishing, put together a simple but thorough report. Include video or photos of any findings, note the location and severity of problems, and explain in plain language what the next steps should be using a professional inspection report template. 

How to Market Sewer Inspections Locally

You can be the best sewer inspector in town. But if no one knows you offer the service, it won’t grow your business. 

The good news? Because most home inspectors don’t market sewer inspections effectively, you have a real opportunity to stand out with just a few smart, local-focused strategies.

1. Claim and Optimize Your Google Business Profile

If you haven’t already claimed your Google Business Profile, do it now. It’s free, and it’s the #1 tool for showing up when local buyers search for “sewer inspection near me.”

Once you’ve claimed it, optimize it to highlight sewer inspections specifically:

• List it as a service. Add both “Sewer Inspection” and “Sewer Scope Inspection” under your services tab.
• Use service-area keywords. Include your city and surrounding areas in your description.
• Add media. Post real photos of your sewer inspection camera, screenshots of reports, and behind-the-scenes shots of jobs.
• Post updates. Google favors businesses that keep their profiles active. Even a short weekly post or job recap helps.
• Ask for reviews that mention “sewer inspection.” These keywords in reviews help boost your local rankings.

Many inspectors also create a shortlink to their Google review page (e.g., bit.ly/YourBusinessReviews) to make it easier for clients and agents to leave feedback.

Want tips tailored to your trade? We’ve written guides full of marketing strategies you can adapt to your sewer inspection services: 

• Painter Marketing: 7 Fresh Ideas to Build Your Business in 2025
• Carpenter Marketing: How to Get More Leads for Your Business in 2025
• HVAC Marketing: 19 Fresh Ideas to Build Your Business in 2025
• Roofing Marketing: 8 Fresh Ideas to Build Your Business in 2025

2. Partner with Real Estate Agents and Property Managers

Agents are your most powerful referral source, and most of them don’t know the full risks of skipping a sewer inspection.

Build relationships by:

• Hosting a quick lunch-and-learn at a local brokerage office
• Offering free sample inspections on vacant listings
• Giving agents a branded one-pager that explains the value of a sewer scope (with your contact info and pricing)
  

Position the inspection as a risk-reduction tool that protects buyers from post-sale issues, which also protects the agent’s reputation.

Property managers are another great fit. Offer flat-rate sewer inspections for rental properties that have recurring plumbing complaints. You can often build long-term B2B relationships here.

3. Promote in Local Facebook Groups and Nextdoor

Local Facebook groups and Nextdoor neighborhoods are often filled with people asking for home service advice.

Rather than spamming the group with a sales pitch, use these tactics:

• Answer questions helpfully. If someone mentions slow drains or backups, comment with a short, friendly tip and mention that you do sewer inspections.
• Share before/after footage. Some groups allow you to post visuals. A short clip of roots invading a pipe is compelling proof of what you do.
• Be consistent. It’s not about pitching but being a helpful local expert who becomes a go-to resource.
  

This kind of local engagement works and builds trust way faster than Google ads ever will.

4. Use Physical Touchpoints in the Community

Don’t underestimate how powerful local visibility can still be, especially in blue-collar and trades-heavy communities.

• Leave business cards or one-sheets at plumbing supply stores, hardware stores, or local builder supply shops.
• Sponsor a local event or real estate expo. Even a small booth gives you visibility and a way to educate buyers or agents.
• Offer printed inspection checklists or magnets that explain when to get a sewer inspection, with your branding and contact info front and center.

This is old-school marketing that works especially well for inspectors because it positions you as present and available in the area.

5. Add a Dedicated “Sewer Inspection” Page to Your Website

Even if your website isn’t getting a ton of traffic, you still want a dedicated page that:

• Explains what a sewer inspection is
• Highlights why clients should care
• Includes your pricing and service area
• Uses keywords like “sewer inspection,” “sewer scope inspection,” and your city name

This page can rank locally on Google and be a helpful link to send agents or clients who want more info.

Marketing doesn’t have to be flashy, but it does have to be consistent. Mention your sewer inspections in every client email, every quote, and every job follow-up. You’d be surprised how often people say, “Oh, I didn’t know you offered that!”

How to Build Trust Fast in Your Sewer Inspections

If you’re new to offering sewer inspections, you’ll need to build client trust quickly. After all, homeowners and agents are trusting you with something they can’t see for themselves.

Here’s how to position yourself as the obvious, trustworthy choice:

1. Show, Don’t Just Tell

Sewer problems are invisible to the naked eye, but your sewer inspection camera footage makes them real. Always include:

• Screenshots or video clips of any defects you find
• Distance measurements showing exactly where problems are located
• Clear labeling (“root intrusion at 27 feet,” “standing water at 38 feet”)
  

When clients can see the issue, they’re far more likely to trust your findings and refer you to others.

2. Offer Sample Reports

When marketing to real estate agents or new clients, offer to show a sample sewer inspection report (with any private details removed).

A clean, professional report with images, simple descriptions, and next-step recommendations shows you’re organized, credible, and client-focused. It also helps set expectations, so clients know exactly what they’re paying for.

3. Communicate Like a Pro

How you explain your findings matters just as much as what you find. Stick to clear, non-alarmist language.

For example, instead of saying the whole line is a disaster, say that you found moderate root intrusion that should be addressed soon by a plumber.

Remember: you want to inform, not scare. Your role is to document conditions accurately, not diagnose or estimate repairs unless you’re licensed to do so.

4. Handle Objections with Confidence

Not every client or agent will immediately understand why a sewer inspection is important. Be ready with friendly, low-pressure responses. Being ready with calm, helpful answers shows you’re a pro, not a pushy salesperson.

5. Follow Up After the Job

After you deliver your report, send a short follow-up email:

• Thank the client for choosing you.
• Offer to answer any questions about the report.
• Invite them to leave a review (with a link to your Google profile).

A simple follow-up shows you care about service, and encourages happy clients to spread the word about your inspections.

Final Thoughts

Adding sewer inspections to your service lineup isn’t just about earning extra income. It’s about offering real protection to your clients and strengthening your reputation as a trusted home inspection professional. 

With the right tools, pricing strategies, and a smart marketing plan, you can confidently offer sewer inspections that add value to every job.

Workyard supports contractors and inspectors across a wide range of construction project types, giving you the tools to scale smarter, no matter your specialty.

If you’re ready to grow your business with high-ROI services like sewer inspections, Workyard is ready to help you make it happen.