Why Sewer Scans Are One of the Most Valuable Inspections for Northeast Arkansas Homes and Solving Sewer Problems
- Kevin Adams
- Dec 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Written by Kevin Adams, Certified Master Inspector & Owner of Adams Home Inspections – Northeast Arkansas
When most homeowners schedule a home inspection, they expect the roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems to be the primary points of focus. However, one of the most important and most expensive systems in any Northeast Arkansas home is often completely overlooked: the sewer line.
As the owner of Adams Home Inspections and a Certified Master Inspector serving Jonesboro, Paragould, Batesville, Walnut Ridge, Searcy, Newport, and all of Northeast Arkansas, I can confidently say that a sewer scan is one of the smartest investments you can make—whether you’re buying a home, selling a home, or currently living in one.
In our region, sewer line issues are far more common than homeowners realize, and the repair costs can easily reach thousands of dollars. A sewer scan gives you answers before the damage becomes catastrophic.
What Is a Sewer Scan?
A sewer scan—sometimes called a “sewer scope”—uses a specialized, high-resolution camera to inspect the entire sewer line from the home to the city connection or septic tank.
This allows us to detect:
Root intrusion
Cracked or collapsed pipes
Blockages and clogs
Bellies or dips in the sewer line
Pipe separation
Improper installation
Standing water or drainage issues
Aging or deteriorating materials
These problems are invisible from the surface and cannot be identified through a traditional home inspection alone. Only a camera inspection can reveal the true condition of the sewer line.
Why Sewer Problems Are Common in Northeast Arkansas and Sewer Scan is Needed
Because I inspect homes across Northeast Arkansas every day, I’ve seen firsthand how local conditions affect sewer lines. Several factors make sewer scans especially important in our region:
1. Expansive Clay Soil
Much of Northeast Arkansas is built on clay soil that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement causes pipes to shift, crack, or sag, creating low points where sewage collects.
2. Mature Trees and Root Intrusion
Areas like Jonesboro, Paragould, and Batesville are full of older neighborhoods with established trees. Roots naturally seek moisture and can break into sewer lines.
3. Aging Infrastructure
Homes built decades ago may have cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg sewer pipes—materials prone to cracking, collapse, or deterioration.
4. Rapid New Construction
Even new subdivisions in Northeast Arkansas can have sewer line problems due to rushed building timelines, improper grading, or poor installation.
Just because a home is new doesn’t mean the sewer line was installed correctly — I’ve inspected many new homes with immediate sewer issues.
Sewer Problems Often Start Before You Notice Symptoms
One of the biggest misconceptions I see is:"If the drains work, the sewer line must be fine."
Unfortunately, that’s not how sewer systems behave.
Most sewer issues begin quietly, long before you see signs like:
Slow drains
Gurgling sounds
Backups
Foul odors
Drainage in yard or driveway
By the time symptoms appear, the repair cost can be dramatically higher — sometimes $3,000 to $12,000+ depending on the repair.
A sewer scan reveals issues before they become emergencies.
Why Buyers Should Always Get a Sewer Scan in Northeast Arkansas
If you're buying a home in Northeast Arkansas, a sewer scan can save you thousands.
Many sewer problems are not included in the seller disclosure because homeowners simply don’t know they exist. A sewer scan gives you leverage to:
Request repairs
Negotiate the price
Avoid inheriting a major problem
I’ve seen buyers walk away from homes after sewer scans revealed urgent issues — and I’ve also helped buyers negotiate fair repairs that protected them financially.
Why Sellers Benefit from a Sewer Scan Too
Sellers in Northeast Arkansas can benefit from offering a pre-listing sewer scan because:
It builds trust with buyers
It reduces last-minute negotiations
It prevents delays during closing
It provides clarity about potential issues
Homes with recent sewer scan documentation often stand out in a competitive market.
When Homeowners Should Consider a Sewer Scan
A sewer scan is recommended if:
You’re buying any home (new or old)
You live in an older neighborhood
There are large trees on the property
You’ve experienced slow drains
You’re planning to sell the home
You’ve had past sewer repairs
Your home sits on expansive clay soil
You’ve noticed moisture or odors around cleanouts
If you’re unsure, it’s better to be proactive. Sewer issues rarely go away on their own.
Final Thoughts from Kevin Adams, Certified Master Inspector
A sewer scan is one of the most valuable and cost-saving inspections a homeowner can schedule — especially here in Northeast Arkansas. It uncovers issues you cannot see and protects you from unexpected repair bills down the road.
At Adams Home Inspections, we provide professional sewer scans for homes across Northeast Arkansas, giving homeowners the clarity and confidence they deserve.
If you’re buying, selling, or maintaining a home, a sewer scan is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your investment.
For expert sewer scans or full home inspections in Northeast Arkansas, contact:
Certified Master Inspector, Serving Jonesboro, Paragould, Batesville, Searcy, Newport, Walnut Ridge, and surrounding areas
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