Sewer Scope Inspection
Get Service Now
We’re here to help! Please call 505-296-3188 or fill out this quick form:
"*" indicates required fields
Not sure what’s really going on beneath your yard? Sunshine Plumbing & Heating has been keeping Albuquerque’s sewer lines running smoothly since 1973, and a sewer scope inspection is one of our most valuable tools for catching trouble before it becomes an expensive emergency. Whether you’re buying a home, dealing with a stubborn drain issue, or just staying ahead of problems, we bring the same commitment that’s guided Sunshine for over 50 years: do the right thing, every time.
What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?
A sewer scope inspection, sometimes called a sewer camera inspection, is a visual assessment of your sewer line performed with advanced camera technology. Our trained technician feeds a waterproof camera through the lateral sewer line, and the real-time video feed shows the interior condition of the pipe, from the cleanout all the way to the municipal connection.
Why It’s Different From a Standard Home Inspection
A standard home inspection covers what a home inspector can see above ground and inside accessible areas of the house. It does not include what is happening underground in your sewer line. Home inspectors are trained to spot visible red flags, but a full sewer inspection requires a specialized camera to see inside the pipe itself. That’s why a sewer scope is treated as a separate, more targeted service.
No Digging Required
One of the biggest advantages of a sewer scope inspection is that it’s non-invasive. There’s no excavation and no disruption to your landscaping to find out what’s going on. The camera does the work, and you get a clear picture of your sewer system’s condition before any repair decisions are made.
How to Know You Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
- Sinks, showers, or toilets that drain more slowly than usual
- Recurring or unusual odors coming from your drains
- Gurgling sounds when water runs through your pipes
- Sewer backups, where water or waste flows back into your fixtures
- Buying or selling a home and wanting a pre-purchase look at the sewer line
- Moving into a property with an unknown sewer history
- Simple, routine preventative maintenance to stay ahead of problems
What the Inspection Can Reveal
Buildup and Blockages
A sewer camera inspection routinely uncovers grease buildup, debris, and root intrusion, which are some of the most common causes of slow drains and backups.
Structural Issues
The camera can also identify breaks, cracks, and corrosion in the pipe wall, along with misaligned joints that let water and waste escape where they shouldn’t.
Low Points and Pipe Material
Low points in the line, often called bellies, cause standing water and repeat clogs even after clearing.
We also assess pipe material during the inspection, since older sewer systems in our service area may still use PVC, cast iron, Orangeburg, or transite asbestos pipe, each of which comes with its own repair considerations.
Our Sewer Scope Inspection Process
- Step One: Consultation and Scheduling: We start with a conversation about what’s prompting the inspection, whether that’s a symptom you’ve noticed, a home purchase, or routine maintenance, and get a time on the schedule that works for you.
- Step Two: Camera Run Through the Line: Our technician runs the camera through the sewer line and monitors a real-time video feed, documenting the full length of the pipe as it goes.
- Step Three: Identifying Problem Areas: We flag every issue the camera turns up, from buildup to structural damage, and note exactly where in the line it’s located.
- Step Four: Written Assessment: You receive an accurate, honest inspection report outlining the condition of your sewer system and what, if anything, needs attention.
- Step Five: Repair Recommendations: If repairs are needed, we walk you through your options, including trenchless solutions where they’re viable, so you can make an informed decision.
Why an Inspection Saves You Money
- A Reliable Estimate: Since the inspection gives us a direct look at your sewer line’s condition, the estimate we provide is based on what we see, not assumptions.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Excavation: Identifying trenchless-eligible repairs early can mean the difference between a quick, minimally invasive fix and a full excavation project. A sewer scope inspection is what makes that determination possible.
- Catching Small Problems Early: Addressing root intrusion or minor cracks now is almost always less expensive than waiting for a full backup or collapse later.
- Protecting a Real Estate Purchase: For home buyers, a sewer camera inspection can uncover costly issues before closing, giving you leverage in negotiations or peace of mind before move-in day.
What Happens After the Inspection: Repair Options
If your inspection turns up an issue, Sunshine offers a full range of repair and rehabilitation methods matched to what the pipe needs.
Trenchless Sewer Repair
Our trenchless methods rehabilitate damaged pipes with little to no digging, protecting your yard, driveway, and landscaping. This includes seamless epoxy spray lining and UV spot repair for localized cracks or holes up to 5 feet, without replacing the entire line.
Pipe Bursting
When a full replacement is needed, trenchless pipe bursting pulls a brand-new line through the old one using just two small access points, minimizing disruption to your property.
Pipe Lining
Our Perma-Liner CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe) process relines your existing sewer line to like-new condition with a seamless, jointless liner, backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Hydrojetting
High-pressure water jetting clears grease, debris, and root intrusion, while descaling removes hardened scale buildup that accumulates over time in cast iron pipe, keeping your line flowing like new.
Excavation
When a sewer line has extensive damage or trenchless methods aren’t feasible, traditional excavation remains a reliable option for complete access and a lasting repair.
Service Area
Sunshine Plumbing & Heating provides sewer scope inspections and sewer line repair for residential and commercial properties throughout:
- Albuquerque
- Bernalillo
- Bosque Farms
- Cedar Crest
- Corrales
- Edgewood
- Los Lunas
- Placitas
- Rio Rancho
- Tijeras
Why Choose Sunshine Plumbing & Heating
- Family Owned Since 1973: Sunshine has served Albuquerque for over 50 years. Under second-generation owner Joseph Santangelo, the company still operates on the same principle his father built the business on: do the right thing.
- Honest, Accurate Assessments: Every sewer scope inspection results in a straightforward report and a recommendation you can trust.
- Decades of Experience: We combine trenchless technology with traditional excavation expertise, so you get the right repair for your specific sewer system rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Rise & Shine with Sunshine
A sewer scope inspection is the clearest way to know what’s happening in your sewer line before it becomes a bigger problem. Sunshine Plumbing & Heating has been the trusted, family-owned choice in Albuquerque since 1973. Call (505) 296-3188 or request your sewer camera inspection online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sewer scope inspection cost?
Cost depends on the length and accessibility of your sewer line. Contact Sunshine Plumbing & Heating for a quote specific to your property.
Do I need one before buying a house?
A sewer scope inspection is strongly recommended before buying a home, especially an older property. It can reveal issues a standard home inspection won’t catch underground.
How often should I get my sewer line inspected?
For routine maintenance, a sewer inspection every 18 to 24 months is a reasonable schedule. Homes with older pipe materials or a history of root intrusion may benefit from more frequent checks.
Can you fix the problem the same day?
In many cases, minor issues like drain clearing or hydro jetting can be handled the same day. Larger repairs are scheduled once we’ve reviewed the inspection findings with you.