sewer
Professional Sewer Camera Inspection
When your main sewer line experiences problems, the source is buried beneath dirt, concrete, or your home's foundation. In the past, diagnosing these issues often required exploratory digging, which was destructive and expensive. Today, a sewer camera inspection is the gold standard for plumbing diagnostics, providing crystal-clear video evidence of the pipe's condition.
During the inspection, the technician pushes the camera through the cleanout and down the line. The camera is equipped with bright LED lights and a radio transmitter. If a cracked pipe, severe root intrusion, or collapsed section is found, the technician can use a locating wand above ground to find the exact depth and spot of the problem. This ensures that any subsequent repairs are highly targeted, saving you time, money, and unnecessary yard damage.
Signs You Need Sewer Camera Inspection
- You are buying a new home and want to ensure you aren't inheriting a failing sewer system.
- You have experienced repeated backups despite having the line snaked recently.
- You suspect tree roots have infiltrated the line due to large trees near the pipe path.
- There is unexplained foul sewage odor in the yard or basement.
- You need to locate the exact path of your sewer line before beginning major landscaping or construction.
Our Process
Accessing the Line
The technician locates and opens the main sewer cleanout, usually found in the yard or basement.
Camera Insertion
The rugged camera is fed into the pipe, transmitting real-time video to a monitor.
Issue Identification
The plumber carefully watches the feed, noting any cracks, bellies (sags), root intrusions, or heavy scale buildup.
Locating and Marking
When a defect is found, a surface locator is used to mark the exact spot and depth on your lawn or driveway.
What Affects the Cost
- The length of the line that needs to be inspected.
- The accessibility of the cleanout (if a toilet must be pulled to gain access, costs increase).
- Whether the line needs to be hydro-jetted first because it is too full of sludge to see clearly.
- Whether a recording of the inspection is requested for insurance or real estate purposes.
✓ Safe to DIY
- Ensuring the cleanout cap in your yard is visible and not buried under mulch or landscaping.
✕ Stop & Call Us
- Renting low-quality consumer inspection cameras; they often lack the lighting, distance, and locating capabilities needed for a proper diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a camera inspection see leaks?
A camera inspection can easily spot cracks, broken joints, and collapsed sections where water is escaping. However, it cannot physically "see" water leaking out into the soil, only the structural defects causing it.
Should I get a camera inspection before buying a house?
Absolutely. A standard home inspection rarely covers the interior of underground sewer lines. A sewer camera inspection can save you from a massive, unexpected repair bill right after moving in.
How long does a sewer inspection take?
A typical residential camera inspection takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the accessibility of the cleanout and the length of the line.
Related Services
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- Cleanup included on every job
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