Yes, same as they do with septic inspections, to show location of tank. But in my opinion it’s not super important as it is always described quite well within the video of the exact location, for instance cracked pipe 134 ft out, in front of home.
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These really aren’t photographs from a $15,000 sewer scope machine are they? 
I suppose, but that would mean someone else still needs to scope it again as the repair contractor wouldn’t really know where the pipe is otherwise, even if they know the number of feet from the home.
The reason I asked Kevin is because he stated his camera has the ultrasonic locator, which is great, but if you can’t, or aren’t willing to, mark up the seller’s property, is it really beneficial? Just trying to decide if spending the extra on the locator would be worthwhile.
I suppose you could definitely mark up the property if working for the homeowner or with their permission.
Sample from a few recent inspections. These all have captions below, such as debris in pipe, root infiltration, or last one says pipe separation. I do not have any photos of outside markings.
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Closet bolts in the pipe …ok. So what?
Kinda off-topic question, but somewhat related; I have a client for next week who wants her sub-slab HVAC ducts inspected. I referred her to a plumbing contractor to possibly use a sewer scope to do that. Do any of you guys inspect ducts with this equipment? Do you run into problems with corners or what not that you can’t go around?
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This may answer several questions for a few of you:
I picked up a couple of SubTech’s Inspector Nick units early last year when they ran a special because Nick made one of his very generous moves and got us some great pricing. We opted in for the locators as a package deal and that was a smart move all around. It’s not pinpoint accuracy, but at least I know where to put the flags over the issue. The report gets a link to the video, pictures capture from the video, a couple of shots outside showing the bright orange or red or yellow flags used to mark utilities in the foreground and the house or some other landmark in the background, and a picture of the locator screen showing the “approximate” depth. All of this so I don’t have to field the calls anymore about where the problem issue was found. A self leveling head makes your job easier because that cable is slowly turning as you send it down the tube. Record to something, whether it be a card or thumb drive or whatever. Take a class, there are alot of things you don’t know that you don’t know. Education is cheap, experience can be expensive… ask me how I know.
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Good post Lochard! Those are the units I have been eyeing.
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I take a couple of pictures of the areas wherever the locater sounds along with a description of where and what the damage is (20’ from the entry point, 15’ foward and 8’ to the left of the front door excessive tree roots were viewed), although who ever does the work of course should verify any locations with damage before they start digging, we don’t mark any spots because I don’t want any call backs from upset sellers.
The Plumber I use can also do the repairs so they write up an estimate to give the client an idea of the cost of such a repair.
I will say there have been times when the entire line could not be scoped and of course that information would go into the report (Due to excessive damage the line could only be scoped to X’ from the entry point).
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We don’t scope slab ducts although I can understand why someone would want that service performed.
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Ok Lochard, please share, how do you know?
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Those are really nice instruments and your not paying for a brand name. Which model did you buy and can you tell me what the cost was.
I have in Albuquerque where galvanized ducts are installed under the slab. Some corners can be difficult. I use the same inexpensive scope for sewer inspections.
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I use my Milwaukee for “duct scopes”. I charge $150 for 2 entry points. Most in-slab ducts here are lined with transite pipe. I protect my line with a towel at the entry and use caution when you get to the plenum (as many have sharp edges.)
I would also caution to push slowly as to not disrupt the dirt/dust since it’s a dry push and you can’t clean the camera with a belly full of water (well, hopefully there’s no water in them…lol)
It’s a great (and simple) ancillary!
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Thinking about adding a sewer scope to my tool bag.
Yea, that sounds like a great idea to me, too… I dunno if I can swing that price tag though.
This one kinda looks like a Rigid/Milwaukee knock off, its high on my list of options:
But im also trying to find out which scope @jkrumm is using in this video. I cant find it anywhere. Does anyone know which device this is?
Update: don’t buy the sewer scope I linked to above. False advertising; the ebay listing says it has a 7mm cable, but its actually less than 5mm. 
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