A sewer line scope is one of the most important inspections a buyer of older homes should consider because it can turn up numerous problems that can be expensive to fix. It can reveal blockages, damage to the pipe system, and other problems.  There are many different reasons why your lateral sewer line could have problems. Tree roots find a small crack in the line and push their way through to soak up the water. This can block the sewer line, causing plumbing issues. Settling is another potential issue a sewer scope could discover. Ground shifting—earthquakes, ground water tables and excavations can also cause problems with the sewer line. Older homes may have clay or concrete sewer lines, which tend to crack and deteriorate more easily.