There are several inspections to consider when purchasing a home. A sewer lateral inspection is one of them. A sewer lateral inspection will show the condition of the main sewer line with a lighted video camera. The camera will show any major issues that exist like cracks, offsets in joints, pipe deflection, and sags in the line. Tree roots that have grown into the line through unsealed connections are commonly found and need to be cleaned out annually to help prevent backups.
Are you purchasing an older home? Cast iron piping was used in older homes before PVC was invented. Over time it breaks down from the outside in and you could have an issue and not know it until after you move in. Some municipalities have sewer lateral programs in place that pay for part or all of the repair from the main to just outside the home. However, the damaged line under the home is still the homeowner's responsibility. A sewer issue can easily cost a homeowner thousands of dollars where the inspection is only a fraction of that cost. Consider a sewer lateral inspection with your next home purchase.