# Sewer Scan Finds a Hidden Gap Where ABS Meets Clay Pipe

- Link: https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/sewer-scan-gap-abs-clay-pipe/
- Published: 2026-10-24T06:50:22+00:00
- Author: homeinspectordan

Most homeowners never think about the pipe that carries everything from the house
to the city sewer. On this Phoenix-area sewer scan, the camera showed exactly why
it’s worth a look before you buy.

## What the camera found

This home has two cleanouts in the backyard. One line runs under the house and the
other runs out to the city connection. I ran a little water in the kitchen sink 
for flow and sent the camera both directions.

 * Heavy grease buildup along the bottom of the pipe, enough that the camera head
   was pushing it along.
 * The connections under the house and up to the roof vent lined up well.
 * Near the back fence, where the newer ABS pipe transitions to the original clay
   pipe, there’s a large gap between the two. I located it from above ground, just
   a couple of feet from the fence.
 * The city connection is about 43 feet out, between this property and the neighbor
   to the north.

## What happens next

The line needs hydro-jetting to clear out the grease, then a second look to make
sure nothing else is hiding underneath it. The gap at the clay transition should
be evaluated by a licensed plumber, since a joint like that can leak and let roots
in over time.

This is why I locate problems from above ground on every sewer cam scan. When it’s
time for repairs, the plumber knows exactly where to dig instead of guessing.

## Watch the full scan

See the camera footage in the video above, or [watch it on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ7fJeD6ZP0).
A sewer cam scan is $200 when you add it to a home inspection. [Book online](https://app.spectora.com/home-inspectors/my-inspection-company-f8d6dbae4e/schedule)
or call [623-399-0079](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/sewer-scan-gap-abs-clay-pipe/6233990079).

Property Inspections Plus is a [Gilbert, AZ home inspection](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/)
company led by Certified Master Inspector Dan Pierce. We inspect homes across the
East Valley, the Phoenix metro and the rest of Arizona. See all of our [service areas](https://propertyinspectionsplus.com/service-areas/).