STL Sewer Camera · St. Louis metroCall: (314) 916-4983

Pre-Purchase Sewer Scope in St. Louis

A standard home inspection usually stops at the floor drain. A sewer scope puts a camera in the line that runs from the house to the street, before that line becomes your responsibility.

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STL Sewer Camera is a referral service, not a plumbing company. We pass your request to an independent, licensed local sewer contractor, who quotes and does the work.

Why it matters in St. Louis

  • The lateral becomes yours. MSD says the lateral and its connection are private property, so the owner maintains and repairs them (MSD).
  • The housing is old. About 58% of housing units in the City of St. Louis were built before 1940 (ACS 2020-2024). The City says many of its sewer lines are over 100 years old and made of clay pipe (City SLRP).
  • Programs have limits. The City program covers only severe breaks under the public right-of-way (City SLRP). Florissant says its program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency (Florissant). Kirkwood and Webster Groves exclude minor cracks, and Webster Groves also excludes bellies (Kirkwood, Webster Groves).

Timing

Book the scope as soon as your offer is accepted, so the video and findings arrive before your inspection or objection deadline. Tell us that deadline when you call or in the form. The seller may need to give access to a basement cleanout.

What to ask the contractor for

  • The full run from the cleanout to the MSD main, recorded, with distance on screen
  • Pipe material and any changes along the run (for example, cast iron to clay)
  • Defects listed with their distance from the cleanout, and located on the ground if digging may be needed
  • The video file, which you can share with the seller, your agent or other contractors
  • If repairs are needed, a written estimate you can use in negotiation

Price

Some St. Louis-area home inspectors post sewer scope add-on prices of $179 and $195 when booked with a home inspection. Angi's St. Louis guide lists $225 to $572 for a camera inspection, with an average of about $388 (Angi). The contractor quotes your job before starting.

Questions

Can a city program pay to fix a problem found during my home purchase?

It depends on the city, and on who owns the house when the work is approved. Programs pay for eligible owners and properties and require approval before work starts. Florissant says its program is not intended to satisfy a home sale contingency (Florissant). Handle a defect found during a purchase through negotiation with the seller, and check the city's rules if you plan to apply after closing.

Do I need a sewer scope on a newer home?

The risk is lower, but roots, sags and construction damage still happen. Kirkwood's program excludes laterals on new homes within 5 years of construction, so problems in those years are on the owner (Kirkwood).

Get a local sewer pro

Call (314) 916-4983 or send a request with your address, the problem and your timeline. It's free to ask and you don't have to hire.

Related pages

Sources

Program details were checked against these pages on October 28, 2026. Programs change, so confirm with your city or county before work starts. This site isn't affiliated with any government program or MSD.

Call (314) 916-4983