Just dropped $400 on a sewer scope inspection and it saved my entire deal

Uma Hart · 2026-03-17T21:10:05.326149+00:00

We were under contract on a cute 1950s ranch in Phoenix, everything looked fine on the surface. The inspector suggested a sewer scope and I almost skipped it to save cash. The camera showed a massive belly in the main line under the driveway, plus roots everywhere. The seller's quote to fix it was over $8k. We walked away and found a better house a month later. Has anyone else had a major find from a sewer scope that changed their mind on a place?

sageallen7mo ago

Honestly, sewer scopes feel like they're sold on fear sometimes. A belly in the line just means it sags a bit, it doesn't always mean it's broken right now. Roots are super common in older neighborhoods and you can often just get them jetted out every few years for a few hundred bucks. Walking over an 8k quote seems extreme unless there was actual collapse or backup happening. Those old pipes have lasted this long, they might go another twenty with basic care.

7

charlie_schmidt7mo ago

Glad you dodged that bullet.

5

the_ben6mo ago

Roots are super common" is true, but man, I'm too lazy for that future hassle lol. The idea of scheduling a jetting every few years already sounds like a chore I'd forget. Dodging that whole song and dance was probably worth the inspection cost alone.

5