Why Sewer Camera Inspections Matter—Even on New Builds

When you buy a brand new home, you expect everything to be flawless—from the paint to the plumbing. But as home inspectors, we know firsthand that even new builds can hide serious issues beneath the surface. That’s why we always recommend a new home sewer camera inspection, even on homes that just received their final walkthrough.

Take a recent inspection we performed in San Tan Valley at a Meritage home. On the surface, the property looked move-in ready. But what we found underground told a different story.

🚨 What We Found:

Loose Cleanout Caps

Cleanout caps are supposed to be finger-tight—easy to remove, yet secure enough to keep everything sealed. But in this case, they were over-tightened so much that they snapped off with a twist at the base. That’s not just bad practice—it’s a plumbing red flag.

Debris in the Sewer Line

Our sewer camera uncovered rocks, a mystery nut, and construction debris sitting in the main sewer line. This kind of blockage can lead to costly clogs or backups just weeks after move-in. These issues don’t just appear over time—they were there from day one.

Suspicious Pipe Conditions

The pipes showed inconsistent coloring, which might mean paint overspray or condensation damage—either way, it’s not what you want in a brand new system.

🔍 Limited Access, Limited Clarity

Due to restrictions on entering the home and inspecting through the roof vent, we couldn’t perform a full internal vent line scan.

✅ Peace of Mind for $195

At Property Inspections Plus, we offer sewer camera inspections for just $195. It’s cheap insurance for your peace of mind—especially when you consider how costly plumbing repairs can be after you’ve already closed on the home.

We’re not here to scare you—we’re here to inform you. These issues can happen in any new home. All it takes is one worker overlooking one detail to cause a problem that could cost you thousands later.

🎥 Watch the Full Video

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Check out our full inspection video for a real look at what we uncovered at this Meritage home. You won’t believe what we found in the sewer line!

If you’re buying a new home in the Phoenix or San Tan Valley area, give us a call before you close. We’ll give you real answers—and peace of mind—before you make one of the biggest purchases of your life.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Home Inspector Dan — owner of Property Inspections Plus and a Certified Master Inspector based in Gilbert, Arizona. With years of experience inspecting homes across the Valley, I  specialize in helping buyers, sellers, and investors make informed  decisions with confidence. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or  evaluating an investment property, I provide thorough, honest, and  easy-to-understand inspections — including sewer camera scans, mold  inspections, infrared imaging, and termite inspections.

📍 Serving GilbertChandlerMesaTempe, and the greater Phoenix area

📞 Call or Text: (623) 399-0079
📧 Email: homeinspectordanaz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.propertyinspectionsplus.com

Let me know how I can help you. You deserve peace of mind when buying a home — and I’m here to deliver it.