Sewer Scopes and Hydro Jetting: A Powerful One-Two Punch for Sewer Line Clarity

Whether you’re buying a home or helping a client through the process, there’s one part of the property that’s easy to forget: the sewer line. You can’t see it, you don’t think about it—until it’s too late and becomes a costly and messy issue with potential sewer backups, line collapses, and hidden clogs.

That’s why more Arizona buyers and real estate agents are making sewer scope inspections a standard part of the home inspection process. At AJF Inspections, we have performed thousands of main sewer line inspections and regularly find defects that can save a potential home buyer money. An additional service that we offer under AJF’s sewer scope division is Hydro Jetting.  This article will outline the differences in both services and when we recommend Hydro Jetting to provide the clearest picture of a home’s plumbing health. 

What a Sewer Scope Reveals

A sewer scope is a visual inspection of the home’s main sewer line. Using Top of the Line RIGID equipment, we record live video from the main line of the house to the city connection to identify damage, blockages, root intrusion, and other concerns. The video footage helps buyers and/or home owners clearly understand the condition of the sewer line and provides documentation that can be shared with a licensed plumber for repair estimates. In Arizona, sewer scopes have become increasingly important due to older infrastructure and expansive soil. According to the Arizona Registrar of Contractors, homes with clay, cast iron, or even improperly installed PVC piping can be especially vulnerable to shifts, cracks, and infiltration.

Why Sewer Lines Are a Common Issue in Arizona 

Sewer issues in Arizona aren’t rare and several factors make our region especially prone:

• Native trees like Mesquite and Palo Verde have aggressive root systems that naturally seek moisture, often infiltrating small cracks in sewer lines.
• Grease and sludge buildup are common in homes of all ages, and event New Construction can have defects such as dirt and debris from construction that enters the sewer system
• Older homes, especially those built with clay or cast iron piping, are more likely to show signs of deterioration or shifting. Also, Arizona’s soil? It moves. The U.S. Geological Survey notes that expansive soil like ours can swell and shrink with moisture, putting pressure on underground infrastructure.

What Hydro Jetting Is—and Isn’t

Hydro jetting is a more specialized inspection and cleaning method of the main sewer line. It uses high-pressure water to flush out the interior of the pipe, removing everything from grease to tree roots. Unlike traditional snaking methods that simply punch through a blockage, hydro jetting scrubs the full circumference of the pipe. It’s incredibly effective—but it’s not something you jump into blindly. We don’t recommend hydro jetting unless a sewer scope inspection identifies buildup or clogs that prevent the camera from completing its job. If the inspector can’t get a clear view of the line because of sludge, standing water, or debris, hydro jetting is the next step.

When a Hydro Jet Service is Recommended 

Lets say a client is purchasing a home and added a sewer scope inspection with the general inspection. When our Sewer Scope Team starts to perform the scope, they encounter heavy buildup and murky standing water that blocks the view. At this point, the client has two options: accept the partial sewer scope inspection and report, or schedule a Hydro Jet service to clean the sewer line and then re-scope to get the full picture.  In that same scenario, after performing the Hydro Jet and performing a re-scope of the line, a defect was revealed (such as a crack near a joint) which could not be seen previously due to the heavy build up. That’s actionable information that the client has received before closing to address and avoid future, costly issues after move-in.

Hydro jetting is also an excellent follow-up when sewer scopes reveal certain issues such as sludge, grease build up, dirt and debris. One common concern is if a Hydrojet can cause damage to the sewer pipes. It is a valid question, and the answer depends on how the service is performed. When performed by highly trained professionals using the right equipment and pressure, hydro jetting is safe for most homes. At AJF, we tailor the PSI (pounds per square inch) to the home’s plumbing system and would not perform the service if we see any potential risk.  We ensure the PSI is strong enough to clean but will not cause damage to the pipes

Fast, Coordinated Solutions for Your Client

Another benefit of working with AJF- Convenience. During a real estate transaction, time is tight. No one wants to juggle multiple vendors or wait days for appointments. That’s why we offer both services in-house. If a sewer scope reveals a need for hydro jetting, we can take care of it quickly. That means fewer delays, faster answers, and a much more complete inspection experience. One appointment, one experienced Team, and no unnecessary handoffs.

What Sets AJF Apart?

At AJF, we don’t just Hydro Jet and call it done. Every Hydro Jet includes a final, re-scope video and report of the sewer line after it’s cleaned. This means you’ll receive clear video footage and a written report showing the true condition of the pipe and a before/after comparison from the initial inspection.

We also have a trusted plumbing referral, Pipeliners, who can provide repair cost estimates in just one business day for defects found by our sewer scope video and report.  This eliminates the need for another diagnostic visit and streamlines the process with the overall goal of providing the most information to protect the client’s investment

For clients, the peace of mind is huge. A sewer line replacement in Arizona can cost thousands of dollars depending on access and materials. Identifying issues early gives clients the power to negotiate or request repairs before closing. For agents, recommending a sewer scope—and a hydro jet when necessary—adds real value and can avoid post-closing regrets or emergencies. 

We understand that buyers want to feel confident about the due diligence process and making the most informed decisions, which includes what’s happening underground. At AJF, our goal is to streamline the inspection process and deliver information you can trust. If you’re helping a buyer navigate the inspection period or just want to know what’s going on beneath the surface, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.