The Biggest Surprises Iowa Buyers Discover After Skipping a Sewer Scope

A sewer scope is one of the most overlooked but most valuable add-ons in a home inspection — especially in Iowa, where soil movement, tree roots, and older cast-iron lines are extremely common.

Skipping one might save you $250–$300 up front… but the surprises that show up later can cost $2,000–$20,000 to repair.

Here are the biggest “surprises” Iowa buyers run into when they skip a sewer scope:

1. Tree Roots (The #1 Iowa Sewer Problem)

Large trees + older sewer lines = root intrusion waiting to happen.

Roots find tiny cracks, grow inside the pipe, and eventually block it entirely.

Typical Repair Cost:

• Clearing roots: $200–$600

• Replacing damaged sections: $2,500–$8,000

• Full line replacement: $10,000–$20,000+

2. Collapsed or Sagging Pipes

Iowa’s freeze–thaw cycles shift the soil every year.

This movement creates:

• Bellies (sags in the line)

• Partial collapses

• Full collapses

These cause slow drains, backups, smells, and expensive repairs.

Typical Repair Cost:

• Spot repair: $2,500–$6,000

• Replacement: $8,500–$20,000

3. Clay or Cast-Iron Sewer Lines Nearing Failure

Homes built before the mid-1980s commonly have:

• Clay tile

• Cast-iron

• Orangeburg (rare but still found)

These materials deteriorate over time.

Typical Repair Cost:

• Section repair: $2,000–$7,500

• Full replacement: $10,000–$18,000+

4. Improper Connections or Repairs

You’d be surprised how many sewer lines in Iowa are held together with:

• Tape

• Non-rated couplings

• DIY modifications

• Misaligned joints

These “fixes” almost always fail — and fast.

Typical Repair Cost:

• Proper reconnect: $500–$2,000

• Line excavation: $5,000–$15,000

5. Settling From New Construction Fill Dirt

Even newly built homes can have sewer issues.

If the builder backfilled too loosely, the sewer line may settle and separate.

Typical Repair Cost:

• Early repair: $1,500–$4,000

• Severe settle repair: $6,000–$12,000

6. Hidden Grease, Debris, or Foreign Objects

Yes, we’ve seen it all:

• Toys

• Hairballs the size of raccoons

• Grease buildup

• Construction debris

• Dirt from broken joints

These cause backups and flooding inside the home.

Typical Repair Cost:

• Cleaning: $250–$600

• Excavation if severe: $3,000–$10,000

Average Cost of a Sewer Scope in Iowa (2025)

✔️ Typical price: $250–$300

✔️ A One Vision sewer scope includes full video, narration, and photo documentation

Compared to a $10,000–$20,000 replacement, it’s one of the smartest investments a buyer can make.

Why Iowa Buyers Should Never Skip It

Buyers who skip a sewer scope often discover the problem after:

• Moving in

• Running the first load of laundry

• Hosting the first family gathering

• Spring thaw or heavy rain

And then it’s too late — because it becomes your problem, not the seller’s.

Final Takeaway

A sewer scope is the only way to truly know what’s happening underground. If something is wrong, it’s almost always hidden and expensive — and there’s no way to see it without a camera.

A $250–$300 sewer scope can save you $20,000 in surprises.