WA Sewer Scope Guide: What Buyers Should Expect (2025 Buyer Guide)
If you’re buying a home in Washington—especially anywhere in Pierce County, Tacoma, Puyallup, Spanaway, Lakewood, or older JBLM-area neighborhoods—the sewer scope is one of the most important inspections you can do. Yet it’s also the one buyers are most surprised by.
I see it all the time: buyers assume the home inspection includes everything, only to learn sewer lines are a separate inspection. And once they see what can show up in a sewer line (tree roots, breaks, dips, blockages, offsets…), the sewer scope suddenly becomes the best $250–$350 they’ve ever spent.
This guide walks you through exactly what a sewer scope is, what it reveals, what problems are common here in Washington, and how it protects you from expensive repairs later.
If you’re brand-new to the inspection process in general, this is a great companion blog:
What to Expect at Your First WA Home Inspection
1. What a Sewer Scope Actually Is
A sewer scope is a specialized inspection where a licensed technician sends a small camera through the home’s sewer line to:
Check the condition of the pipe
Identify problems
Confirm materials
Locate blockages
Make sure the line connects properly to the city main or septic system
The sewer line is underground—so the only way to know what’s happening in there is with a scope.
It’s an inexpensive inspection compared to the potential cost of sewer repairs, which can run $5,000 to $20,000+ depending on the issue.
2. Why Sewer Scopes Matter So Much in Washington
Washington homes—especially those built before 1985—often have older pipes made from:
Clay
Orangeburg
Cast iron
Over time, many issues appear due to:
Heavy rainfall
Tree roots (big in Tacoma, Fircrest, North End, Lakewood)
Soil shifts
Settling
Aging materials
Improper repairs or past patch jobs
In Spanaway, Parkland, and South Tacoma, sewer line depth and older infrastructure create even greater risk.
That’s why sewer scopes are standard here for both buyers and sellers.
If you're exploring older Pierce County neighborhoods, this guide gives helpful context:
Living in Tacoma, WA: Neighborhoods, Schools, Lifestyle & Real Estate
3. When Buyers Should ALWAYS Get a Sewer Scope
In Washington, a sewer scope is highly recommended when:
The home was built before 1990
There are large trees near the property
The home is in Tacoma, Lakewood, or Fircrest
The home has settling or uneven ground
You’re buying in areas with known clay piping
The home is older than 40 years
The home had additions or past renovations
Skipping a sewer scope is one of the costliest mistakes first-time buyers make.
4. What a Sewer Scope Typically Finds in WA
Here’s what shows up most often in Washington sewer lines:
Tree Root Intrusion
Roots seek moisture, and they love older pipes.
Common in:
Tacoma, University Place, North End, Gig Harbor, and any mature neighborhood.
Bellies or Dips in the Line
Sagging sections where water and waste pool.
Common in: homes built on slopes, older homes, and areas with shifting soil.
Offsets
Pipe sections that have shifted, no longer lining up properly.
This can cause blockages or backups.
Cracks or Breaks
Age, pressure, root intrusion, or soil movement can break a pipe.
Blockages
Grease, wipes, toys (yes, it happens), or years of buildup.
Orangeburg Pipe
A paper-based pipe used from 1945–1970s.
These pipes disintegrate over time and almost always require full replacement.
Improper Connections
DIY fixes or old patch jobs that weren’t done to code.
5. What Happens During the Sewer Scope Appointment
A standard sewer scope takes 30–45 minutes and includes:
Accessing the sewer cleanout (inside, outside, or near crawlspace)
Running a camera through the line to the main or septic connection
Recording video footage
Noting any damage, concerns, or risks
Providing you with a report and recommendations
Most sewer scope companies send:
Video
Photos
Written summary
Repair or maintenance suggestions
As your agent, I review this with you so you know exactly what’s serious and what’s not.
6. How Much a Sewer Scope Costs in Washington
Most sewer scopes in Pierce County cost:
$250–$350 on average
More if the home is large or access is difficult
Some companies offer a discount if done with inspection
Compared to sewer replacement costs, the scope is a small investment that can save buyers thousands.
7. Who Pays for Sewer Repairs?
This depends on the contract and inspection negotiation.
Common scenarios:
Seller repairs major issues (cracks, breaks, roots)
Buyer requests a credit from the seller
Buyer takes the home “as-is” in competitive markets
Buyer and seller split the cost
Typical repair ranges:
Minor cleaning: $150–$500
Snaking roots: $300–$800
Spot repairs: $2,000–$6,000
Full line replacement: $8,000–$25,000
Most buyers negotiate credits rather than repairs.
To understand repair negotiation in Washington, this helps:
Common Inspection Problems in Pierce County (And How Buyers & Sellers Can Handle Them)
8. What Sewer Issues Are Dealbreakers?
These issues should always be taken seriously:
Major root intrusion
Severe cracking
Full line collapse
Active backups
Large offset between pipes
Orangeburg piping
Multiple breaks along the line
These can be repaired, but costs vary, and timelines matter—especially for buyers with a tight moving schedule.
9. What Issues Are Not Dealbreakers?
These are common and manageable:
Small root intrusions
Minor bellies
Normal wear from age
Slight offsets
Cast iron corrosion within normal range
These issues are typical for Washington homes, especially older ones.
Most buyers negotiate a credit and move forward safely.
10. How a Sewer Scope Impacts Your Negotiation Power
A sewer scope can:
Justify repair credits
Justify price reductions
Reinforce your inspection response
Protect your long-term maintenance budget
Prevent expensive surprises
Buyers who skip sewer scopes often regret it later—especially if backups occur after they move in.
For a deeper understanding of how inspections influence negotiation, this helps:
WA Inspection Red Flags Buyers Should Never Ignore
11. Sewer Scope Differences for Homes on Septic
If the home uses septic instead of sewer:
You still need a full septic inspection
The septic company will evaluate the tank, baffles, drain field, and pump
The cost is higher ($500–$900)
Rules vary by county
A sewer scope is not needed for septic homes—but the septic inspection is equally important.
12. Your Bottom Line: Sewer Scopes Protect Your Investment
A sewer scope is one of the smartest, simplest ways to:
Avoid major expenses
Understand the home you’re buying
Navigate inspection negotiations
Protect your savings
Prevent backups or emergencies
No matter how “move-in ready” a home looks, the sewer line tells a story you can’t see above ground.
If you’re getting ready to buy a home in Washington and want to make sure you’re protected from unexpected repairs—especially with sewer and inspection concerns—I’d love to walk you through the process step by step. You deserve clarity and confidence during your purchase.
Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence