Is a sewer scope worth it in Columbus OH?

Columbus, Ohio
General Real Estate Investing
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Is a sewer scope worth it in Columbus OH?

Sean Haran
Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2023 · 22 posts · 53 votes

Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing

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Leo R.
Investor · Member since 2021 · 591 posts · 695 votes
2y

Short answer:  a sewer scope is ALWAYS worth it.

A couple hundred bucks to potentially save yourself tens of thousands, and weeks or months of lost time and vacancy? That's a no-brainer. 

Plus, even if nothing's wrong, you'll learn about one of the most important parts of the property you're buying. A scope can show you all sorts of important things other than just whether the sewer line itself is in bad condition (it will show you the material of the line, junctions, turns, tree roots, settlement points, etc.--all of which can be useful info, because it will help you understand the potential causes of problems that occur in the future). If you're not a plumbing expert, hire a scope pro who understands plumbing and can walk you through everything (or have a trusted plumber watch the scope with you and explain it).

I once bought a property where the seller had just installed a brand new sewer line. Seller told me "there's no need to scope it, it's brand new!". I had my plumber scope it anyway. Sure enough, the line from the house to the street was brand new...but the line under the slab was 60+ years old, and it was fried. A $20k time bomb just waiting to explode. The only solution: jackhammer and remove the slab over the line, dig out old the line and install a new one, backfill it, re-pour the demo'd slab, and re-finish a substantial portion of the basement...needless to say, we got some real concessions from the seller before closing (to offset not just the cost of the new line, but also the downtime, holding cost, and vacancy that had to happen while the line was being replaced).

I never buy a property without doing a scope (and it's saved me many tens of thousands of dollars, and major headaches).

Good luck out there!

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing


    $200 for piece of mind. Or you can save $200 now and probably pay it later when you start having problems and need to figure out why. Don't skimp on the inspection.

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    3Reply
  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing

     How old is the house? Are there large trees between the house and where the sewer hits the street?

    1Reply
  • Sean Haran
    OP
    Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2023 · 22 posts · 53 votes
    2y
    Quote from @James Wise:
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing

     How old is the house? Are there large trees between the house and where the sewer hits the street?

     Zillow/Redfin says built in 1900 but I believe renovated in 2010. There’s a bunch of similar houses all within a small radius that look like they were all re-done together around the same time. And no, no trees

    0Reply
  • Sean Haran
    OP
    Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2023 · 22 posts · 53 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Account Closed:
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing

    I always sewer scope. Got caught with a big bill once when I didn't. ;-)

     I’m leaning toward just doing it. It’s 200 bucks it’s not an amount of cash I’ll even notice when it leaves my account, and if all I get from it is some peace of mind it’s probably worth it. 

    1Reply
  • Samuel DioufBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus & Cleveland, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    I would get it. Sewer problems can be quite costly. 

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  • James Wise
    Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 30k+ posts · 20k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:
    Quote from @James Wise:
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing

     How old is the house? Are there large trees between the house and where the sewer hits the street?

     Zillow/Redfin says built in 1900 but I believe renovated in 2010. There’s a bunch of similar houses all within a small radius that look like they were all re-done together around the same time. And no, no trees


     That means you have a clay pipe main most likely. Unless there were issues almost zero chance it was replaced during a 2010 reno. Main issue these have is tree roots grow into them. If no trees and no slow drain issues, you're probably fine though.

    0Reply
  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing


     Age and location of trees have a big effect on the sewer line. If the deal is great then I would not get one. Worse case you will be dropping on average $10,000 to replace the line. If the home is old, lots of trees, and the deal is marginal, I would get a sewer line scope. You could also ask the selling party and/or tenants if they have ever had any sewer line backup issues

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  • Leo R.
    Investor · Member since 2021 · 591 posts · 695 votes
    2y

    Short answer:  a sewer scope is ALWAYS worth it.

    A couple hundred bucks to potentially save yourself tens of thousands, and weeks or months of lost time and vacancy? That's a no-brainer. 

    Plus, even if nothing's wrong, you'll learn about one of the most important parts of the property you're buying. A scope can show you all sorts of important things other than just whether the sewer line itself is in bad condition (it will show you the material of the line, junctions, turns, tree roots, settlement points, etc.--all of which can be useful info, because it will help you understand the potential causes of problems that occur in the future). If you're not a plumbing expert, hire a scope pro who understands plumbing and can walk you through everything (or have a trusted plumber watch the scope with you and explain it).

    I once bought a property where the seller had just installed a brand new sewer line. Seller told me "there's no need to scope it, it's brand new!". I had my plumber scope it anyway. Sure enough, the line from the house to the street was brand new...but the line under the slab was 60+ years old, and it was fried. A $20k time bomb just waiting to explode. The only solution: jackhammer and remove the slab over the line, dig out old the line and install a new one, backfill it, re-pour the demo'd slab, and re-finish a substantial portion of the basement...needless to say, we got some real concessions from the seller before closing (to offset not just the cost of the new line, but also the downtime, holding cost, and vacancy that had to happen while the line was being replaced).

    I never buy a property without doing a scope (and it's saved me many tens of thousands of dollars, and major headaches).

    Good luck out there!

    5Reply
  • Henry T.
    Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Built in 1900? If I had a choice of any inspections, sewer would be first. In Seattle a worst case scenario can cost you up to 100k if you have to repair into the street and put in a new tap. (a new tap would mean a new construction impact fee from the city).  If the house was new construction it's probably ok, but who knows if some goon screwed it up. I'd still do it. It's your largest potential expense aside from the house collapsing.

    0Reply
  • David Avery
    Flipper/Rehabber · Phoenix Arizona · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 686 votes
    2y

    SAVE SOME MONEY. 

    IF water is on turn on every faucet,  bathrooms sink. Tub/ shower,  kitchen.

    Let them run for 5 minutes

    Then flush all toilets with some toilet paper in it.

    If toilets take more than 5-6 seconds to flush down then you have a problem. 

    If not your good.

    Good Luck 

    1Reply
  • Daniel HymanBusiness Member
    CPA · Milwaukee, WI · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    I'm not sure what the benefit of the scope is, outside of proving to the city that a clog is on their side of the plumbing.

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    0Reply
  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing


     10000000000000% my brother bought a "newly flipped home" for 350k and the sewer broke within 3 weeks. get a home warranty too. 

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  • Marc Winter
    Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    In PA the water company offers sewer and water main insurance protection.  Over the years, that insurance has saved our clients tens of thousands of dollars.  

    Check with your water company (or sewer co if that is billed separately) to see if they offer insurance.

    That being said, get the inspection anyway!

    0Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing


     Why not? I have had to replace about 20 over the last 10 years at about 10k each. Its one of those things you do not know is an issue until it is. So why not spend 200 bux. If it is showing its going to collapse, well get 10kish off the price. BTW, I have never paid for an inspection in doing about 500 deals out there as my GC walks the prop. I'm assuming you're using a loan and the bank requires it

    Good luck 

    0Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Daniel Hyman:

    I'm not sure what the benefit of the scope is, outside of proving to the city that a clog is on their side of the plumbing.

    to see if the pipe is rotting away, 
    1Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @David Avery:

    SAVE SOME MONEY. 

    IF water is on turn on every faucet,  bathrooms sink. Tub/ shower,  kitchen.

    Let them run for 5 minutes

    Then flush all toilets with some toilet paper in it.

    If toilets take more than 5-6 seconds to flush down then you have a problem. 

    If not your good.

    Good Luck 


     Incorrect, Pipes are 70- 100 years old out there and collapse. The scope can show if there are issues. 

    2Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Henry T.:

    Built in 1900? If I had a choice of any inspections, sewer would be first. In Seattle a worst case scenario can cost you up to 100k if you have to repair into the street and put in a new tap. (a new tap would mean a new construction impact fee from the city).  If the house was new construction it's probably ok, but who knows if some goon screwed it up. I'd still do it. It's your largest potential expense aside from the house collapsing.

     Its about 10k from basement to street . Not sure why it would be 100k, its just PVC, 

    1Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Remington Lyman:
    Quote from @Sean Haran:

    Hello! Looking for advice on whether or not a sewer scope is worth it for a home in Columbus OH. Inspection company charges 400 for general inspection, plus another 200 for sewer scope. Is the sewer scope worth it/necessary if there’s not reason to believe the sewer has had any issues? House is in decent condition, some relatively new cosmetic updates, and electrical updates. Let me know what you guys think or what most people are doing/not doing


     Age and location of trees have a big effect on the sewer line. If the deal is great then I would not get one. Worse case you will be dropping on average $10,000 to replace the line. If the home is old, lots of trees, and the deal is marginal, I would get a sewer line scope. You could also ask the selling party and/or tenants if they have ever had any sewer line backup issues


     100% 

    0Reply
  • Marcus Auerbach
    Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y

    In some markets a sewer scope is always part of the inspection, here in Milwaukee it never is. In other words, if you put one in your offer it will probably not get accepted.

    I had one shift on me, because they used a piece of 2x4 under a segment, must have not had enough stone. 60 years later that 2x4 was rotten away, the pipe broke and was 50% offset starting to catch solids (you know..). It was about 20 feet down in the front yard, so that's  a pretty deep trench and someone had to go down there and clean out 3 weeks of tenant solids before they were able to replace it with PVC. I got away with $7k. After seeing how much work it was I though $7k was a deal. 

    Still not doing sewer inspections on my personal deals, because that's the norm in my market and I usually make low cash offers without contingencies. And it was the only property we own that ever had an issue. 

    If you do a scope most of the time you end up doing an auger cleaning to remove tree roots or some sort of build up. 

    2Reply
  • Alan AsriantsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    If you have the option to do it for 200 bucks, I'd say that's a good deal. 

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  • Michael Brattelli
    Real Estate Broker · Medford, NJ · Member since 2018 · 236 posts · 177 votes
    2y

    @Sean Haran Sewer scopes in my area just went up and are now around $675. $200 is a great price and gives you piece of mind. A bad sewer line can be a huge expense. Unless they provided you proof of replacing the line out to the street with PVC I highly recommend it.

    2Reply
  • Andrew SyriosPro Member
    Moderator
    Residential Real Estate Investor · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    2y

    Sewer scopes are almost always worth it. They're usually only about $200 and you can find problems the can cost many thousands.

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  • David Avery
    Flipper/Rehabber · Phoenix Arizona · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 686 votes
    2y

    It always amazing me how a consultant knows more about construction., then a Contractor that has 2700 properties under my belt.

    Bob Stevens, you know it all !!!! 

    NOT

    1Reply
  • Bob S.
    Real Estate Consultant · Cleveland · Member since 2020 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Michael Brattelli:

    @Sean Haran Sewer scopes in my area just went up and are now around $675. $200 is a great price and gives you piece of mind. A bad sewer line can be a huge expense. Unless they provided you proof of replacing the line out to the street with PVC I highly recommend it.


     700 bux to snake a camera, thats insane! 

    1Reply
  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Marcus Auerbach:

    In some markets a sewer scope is always part of the inspection, here in Milwaukee it never is. In other words, if you put one in your offer it will probably not get accepted.

    I had one shift on me, because they used a piece of 2x4 under a segment, must have not had enough stone. 60 years later that 2x4 was rotten away, the pipe broke and was 50% offset starting to catch solids (you know..). It was about 20 feet down in the front yard, so that's  a pretty deep trench and someone had to go down there and clean out 3 weeks of tenant solids before they were able to replace it with PVC. I got away with $7k. After seeing how much work it was I though $7k was a deal. 

    Still not doing sewer inspections on my personal deals, because that's the norm in my market and I usually make low cash offers without contingencies. And it was the only property we own that ever had an issue. 

    If you do a scope most of the time you end up doing an auger cleaning to remove tree roots or some sort of build up. 


    wow..  my buyers on my new builds even get sewer scopes I personally would never buy a home without one..  
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