⚡ Quick Answer
Sewer scope inspection costs $200-$400 in Toronto and reveals hidden problems like tree roots, cracked pipes, and bellied sections before you buy. This 30-60 minute inspection provides video evidence to negotiate repairs or price reductions—potentially saving $10,000-$25,000 in unexpected repairs. Essential for any Toronto home built before 1980.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Cost: $200-$400 for complete inspection with video recording
- Duration: 30-60 minutes, can be done during home inspection
- What it finds: Roots, cracks, bellies, offsets, deterioration
- Negotiating power: Use findings to request repairs or price reduction
- Essential for: All homes built before 1980 (clay pipes), properties with large trees
Why Toronto Home Buyers Need Sewer Inspections
Toronto's older housing stock comes with a hidden risk: aging sewer lines. Many Toronto homes built before 1970 still have original clay or concrete pipes that are 50-80+ years old—well past their expected lifespan. A standard home inspection doesn't include the sewer line, leaving buyers vulnerable to expensive surprises.
The numbers are sobering:
- Average sewer line replacement in Toronto: $8,000-$15,000
- Cost if main line collapses under driveway: $15,000-$25,000
- Emergency excavation with city road permit: $20,000-$35,000
- Cost of sewer inspection: $200-$400
For a fraction of potential repair costs, you get video evidence of exactly what's underground.
What a Sewer Camera Reveals
Common Problems Found in Toronto Sewers
Tree Root Intrusion
Found in 45% of inspections
Roots seek moisture and nutrients in sewer lines, entering through joints. Silver maples, willows, and Norway maples—common in Toronto—are aggressive root producers.
Repair cost: $300-$800 (cutting) or $5,000-$10,000 (lining)
Bellied/Sagging Sections
Found in 30% of inspections
Clay pipes settle unevenly, creating low spots where waste accumulates. Causes recurring backups and eventually breaks.
Repair cost: $3,000-$8,000 (spot repair) or $10,000-$20,000 (full replacement)
Cracks & Fractures
Found in 25% of inspections
Freeze-thaw cycles and ground movement crack clay pipes. Small cracks allow root entry; large ones lead to collapse.
Repair cost: $2,000-$5,000 (lining) or $8,000-$15,000 (replacement)
Offset Joints
Found in 20% of inspections
Pipe sections shift and no longer align. Creates catch points for debris and eventual blockages.
Repair cost: $1,500-$4,000 (per offset)
The Inspection Process
- Access point location: Inspector finds main cleanout (usually in basement) or accesses through roof vent stack
- Camera insertion: Waterproof camera on flexible rod pushed through entire line to city connection
- Video recording: Real-time footage recorded, with footage counter showing exact location of issues
- Locating: Transmitter in camera head allows locating line path and depth from above ground
- Report delivery: Written summary with screenshots, video file, and recommendations within 24-48 hours
💡 Buyer Tip
Schedule your sewer scope during the home inspection—same day, back-to-back. This is usually conditional period, giving you time to process findings and negotiate. Don't wait until after conditions are waived.
How to Use Inspection Results in Negotiations
Minor Issues (Request $1,000-$3,000 credit)
- Light root intrusion that can be cleared
- Minor scale buildup
- Single small crack not at joint
Moderate Issues (Request $3,000-$8,000 or repair before closing)
- Significant root mass requiring cutting + lining
- Short bellied section
- Multiple offset joints
- Deteriorating clay pipe (but still functional)
Major Issues (Request $8,000-$15,000+ or walk away)
- Collapsed or partially collapsed section
- Multiple bellied sections
- Orangeburg pipe (compressed paper—must be replaced)
- Line under driveway or major landscaping (higher excavation costs)
⚠️ Walk Away Red Flags
- Seller refuses sewer inspection access
- Collapsed line requiring $20,000+ repair on already-stretched budget
- Sewer runs under neighbor's property (complex legal/access issues)
- City sewer connection problems (often homeowner responsibility to front lawn)
Toronto Neighborhoods with Highest Sewer Risk
These areas have higher incidence of sewer problems due to housing age and tree coverage:
- The Beaches/East York: 1920s-1940s homes with clay pipes and mature trees
- High Park/Roncesvalles: Very old infrastructure, aggressive tree roots
- Leaside/Davisville: 1920s-1950s homes, many still on original clay
- The Danforth: Mix of ages, known for root problems
- Scarborough (Guildwood, West Hill): 1950s-60s clay pipes at end of lifespan
- Etobicoke (Mimico, Long Branch): 1940s-50s infrastructure, sandy soil shifts
Book Your Sewer Scope Inspection
Water Pro provides detailed camera inspections with video recording and comprehensive reports. Same-day reports available.
📞 Call (647) 554-4356$250 Standard Inspection • Same-Day Booking Available • Report Within 24 Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a sewer scope inspection cost in Toronto?
Sewer scope inspection in Toronto costs $200-$400 for a standard residential property. This includes camera insertion, video recording, locating the line path, and a detailed report with photos. Most inspections take 30-60 minutes.
When should you get a sewer scope inspection?
Get a sewer scope inspection before buying any home (especially pre-1970), when experiencing slow drains or sewer backups, after a backup to determine cause, every 2-3 years for older homes as maintenance, and before listing your home for sale.
What problems can a sewer camera find?
Sewer cameras reveal tree root intrusion, cracked or broken pipes, bellied (sagging) sections, offset joints, scale buildup, grease blockages, collapsed sections, and deteriorating clay or cast iron. In Toronto, the most common finds are tree roots (45%) and bellied lines (30%).
Should I walk away from a house with sewer problems?
Not necessarily—it depends on severity and repair cost. Minor root intrusion: negotiate $1,000-$3,000. Bellied section: negotiate $5,000-$10,000. Collapsed line or extensive damage: consider walking away unless price reflects $15,000-$25,000+ repair cost.
Mike Thompson
Master Plumber & Drain Specialist
25+ years conducting sewer inspections and repairs across Toronto. Expert in clay pipe assessment and trenchless repair options.