Sewer Scope Inspections in Western Massachusetts: Why They Matter During a Home Inspection

When buying a home in Western Massachusetts, most buyers wisely schedule a professional home inspection. Many also choose additional services such as wood-destroying insect (termite) inspections and radon testing, which are common in this region. One additional service that is often overlooked, but can be just as important, is a sewer scope inspection.

For buyers in Springfield, MA, and surrounding Hampden County communities, a sewer scope inspection can provide valuable insight into a system that is otherwise hidden and expensive to repair.

What Is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection involves inserting a specialized camera into the main waste line that exits the home underground. The camera records video from the house to the municipal sewer connection. This section of piping is known as the sewer service lateral.

Many homebuyers are surprised to learn that, in most cases, the sewer service lateral is the homeowner’s responsibility, not the city’s. Because a standard home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation, underground sewer piping cannot be seen or assessed during a typical inspection. As a result, its condition is often unknown at the time of purchase.

If this pipe requires repair or replacement, costs can be substantial. A sewer scope inspection allows buyers to visually confirm the condition of the sewer line before closing, helping to identify damage, blockages, or deterioration and often pinpointing the location of the issue.

Older Homes and Aging Sewer Pipes in Springfield and Hampden County

Much of the housing stock in Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, West Springfield, and surrounding Western MA towns consists of older homes. With older homes often come older underground sewer pipes. Common materials found in this area include clay, Orangeburg, concrete, and cast iron.

These materials have often been in the ground for decades and are prone to deterioration over time. Common issues include cracking, root intrusion, corrosion, misaligned joints, and settlement. Modern sewer piping is typically PVC or ABS, which is more durable and resistant to many of these problems.

New Construction Does Not Guarantee a Problem-Free Sewer Line

Even newer or newly constructed homes in Western Massachusetts are not immune to sewer line issues. It is not uncommon to find defects or blockages in newer sewer laterals. Pipes may be damaged during installation, crushed by heavy construction equipment, or obstructed by construction debris left behind during the build process.

A sewer scope inspection can help identify these issues early, before they turn into unexpected repairs.

A Real-World Local Example

I recently learned that one of our Western Massachusetts clients had to replace her sewer service lateral due to age-related damage. The repair was costly. Had a sewer scope inspection been performed prior to purchasing the home, the condition of the pipe could have been identified ahead of time, potentially allowing for negotiation or advance planning.

Peace of Mind for Western MA Homebuyers

Few things are more disruptive than discovering your main sewer line has failed—often after backups or drainage problems occur. Knowing the condition of the sewer line before buying a home in Springfield or Hampden County provides peace of mind and helps buyers make informed decisions.

If you are purchasing a home in Western Massachusetts, especially an older property, a sewer scope inspection is well worth considering. Understanding what you are buying and the potential for future repairs,

can help determine whether the home is the right fit for you and your family.