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Sewer Line Inspection Calgary
CHI Home Inspections coordinates NASSCO-certified sewer scope inspections for Calgary homebuyers and homeowners. Camera video inspection of your lateral sewer line — tree roots, pipe defects, clogs, and misalignment identified before you commit. Written report and video recording delivered same day.
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CMI® Board-Certified Master Inspector
NASSCO Certified Inspections
In Business Since 2010
What Is a Sewer Line Inspection & Why Does It Matter in Calgary?
In Calgary, the sewer lateral — the underground pipe that runs from your home to the municipal main — is entirely the property owner’s responsibility. The City of Calgary does not maintain or repair it. If the line fails, cracks, or becomes blocked by tree roots, every dollar of repair or replacement comes out of the owner’s pocket. A standard home inspection does not cover the structural condition of the sewer line. A camera inspection does.
CHI Home Inspections coordinates sewer scope services through Calgary Sewer Scope Inc., a NASSCO-certified third-party inspection company that specializes exclusively in sewer and drain camera inspection — they do not repair or replace lines, which means their assessment is completely unbiased. A flexible, waterproof HD camera is inserted into the sewer lateral via the basement cleanout and run the full length of the pipe to the municipal connection. The live video feed is recorded and delivered to you along with a written findings report.
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles, aging clay and Orangeburg pipe infrastructure, and mature tree canopy make sewer line defects significantly more common here than in newer cities. Booking a sewer scope before you waive conditions is the single most cost-effective way to protect yourself from inheriting a repair bill that can run from $8,000 to $30,000 or more.
Sewer Inspection Services We Offer
NASSCO-certified camera inspection for pre-purchase, preventative, and diagnostic sewer scope needs in Calgary.
Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection
Buying a home in Calgary? A sewer scope before you waive conditions reveals whether you are inheriting a failed line, root intrusion, or a costly repair bill. We coordinate directly with Calgary Sewer Scope Inc. to book around your conditions deadline.
CCTV Camera Sewer Scope
A NASSCO-certified technician inserts a high-resolution waterproof camera into the sewer line via the cleanout. The live video feed records the full length of the lateral line — from the home stack to the municipal connection — and identifies defects in real time.
Written Report & Video Recording
You receive a comprehensive written report with findings, pipe condition assessment, and recommended next steps — plus a recording of the full camera inspection. Use it to negotiate price, request repairs, or plan future maintenance with confidence.
Preventative Sewer Inspection
Already own your home? A periodic sewer scope catches root intrusion, grease buildup, and minor line sags before they cause a backup or full collapse. Calgary's freeze-thaw cycles accelerate underground pipe deterioration — early detection is far cheaper than emergency repair.
Older Home Sewer Assessment
Homes built before 1980 in Calgary often have clay or Orangeburg sewer lines — materials that crack, collapse, and attract tree roots. A camera inspection confirms the pipe material, condition, and whether a full replacement is needed before you commit to a purchase.
Add-On to Your Home Inspection
Schedule your sewer scope the same day as your CHI home inspection for maximum efficiency. Cliff coordinates with Calgary Sewer Scope Inc. to align timing — for reports on both the home and the sewer line before your conditions expire.
What Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Look For?
The camera travels the full length of your sewer lateral and records everything. Here is what our NASSCO-certified inspectors are looking for.
- ✓Tree root intrusion
- ✓Cracked or fractured pipe
- ✓Collapsed or crushed sections
- ✓Pipe bellies & sags
- ✓Offset or misaligned joints
- ✓Grease & debris buildup
- ✓Blockages & obstructions
- ✓Deteriorating pipe material
- ✓Clay & Orangeburg pipe condition
- ✓Corrosion & scaling
- ✓Improper slope & grade
- ✓Construction debris intrusion
- ✓Illegal drain connections
- ✓Freeze damage from harsh winters
- ✓Ground settlement displacement
- ✓Full pipe condition assessment
Recurring backups, slow drains, or a home built before 1980 are all reasons to scope before you buy — or before a small problem becomes a major one.
Contact us to discuss your property and book a sewer line inspection.
Sewer Line Inspection Calgary — Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions Calgary homebuyers and homeowners ask most about sewer scope and camera inspections.
No. A standard home inspection assesses the visible and accessible components of a home — it does not include the underground sewer lateral. The sewer line runs from your home’s foundation to the municipal connection and is entirely underground. The only way to assess its condition is with a camera inspection. CHI coordinates sewer scopes through Calgary Sewer Scope Inc. and recommends scheduling one at the same time as your home inspection so you have a complete picture before your conditions expire.
In Calgary, the property owner is responsible for the entire sewer lateral — the underground pipe from the home to the property line connection with the City main. The City of Calgary maintains only the main sewer line running under the street. Any repair, cleaning, or replacement of the lateral line is at the homeowner’s expense. Costs for sewer line replacement in Calgary typically range from $8,000 to $30,000 or more depending on depth, length, and access.
A CCTV camera inspection can identify tree root intrusion, cracked or fractured pipe, collapsed sections, pipe bellies and sags, offset joints, grease and debris buildup, deteriorating clay or Orangeburg pipe material, improper slope, and blockages. In Calgary, tree root intrusion and freeze-thaw ground movement are the most common causes of sewer lateral failures — both are clearly visible on camera.
A typical residential sewer scope takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours on-site depending on the length of the lateral, access conditions, and any obstructions found. The written report and video recording are typically delivered the same day — which is important if you are working against a conditions deadline on a real estate purchase.
Yes, even newer Calgary homes can have sewer issues. Construction debris left in lines, poor grading, and ground settlement from Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles can cause problems in relatively new homes. For homes built before 1980, a sewer scope is strongly recommended — older clay and Orangeburg pipe materials are significantly more vulnerable to root intrusion and collapse. The cost of a sewer inspection is a fraction of what a missed problem can cost you post-possession.
Calgary's Trusted Sewer Inspection Team
Since 2010, CHI Home Inspections has helped Calgary buyers and homeowners make informed real estate decisions. Cliff Keveryga — Board-Certified Master Inspector (CMI®) — coordinates directly with Calgary Sewer Scope Inc. to deliver NASSCO-certified sewer camera inspections alongside your home inspection. One call, one coordinated visit, complete information before your conditions expire.
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