When to Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection
Recurring Drain Backups
Shows whether the cause is a one-time clog or a recurring problem like root intrusion or a low spot in the pipe.
Warning signs guide →Slow Drains at Several Fixtures
When multiple fixtures drain slowly at once, the issue is often the main sewer line rather than one trap.
Sewage Odor Indoors or in the Yard
A persistent sewer smell can mean a cracked pipe or failing seal.
Before Buying or Selling a Home
Gives buyers and sellers documented, visual evidence of the sewer lateral’s condition.
After Tree Root or Landscaping Work
Confirms whether the pipe was affected by root removal or trenching near your line.
Before Committing to Cleaning or Repair
See the same footage a recommendation for hydro jetting or sewer line repair is based on.
See hydro jetting →What a Sewer Camera Can Find
The camera head is a small, waterproof lens on a flexible rod fed through the line, usually starting at a cleanout, recording continuous video as it travels. Common findings include root intrusion, cracks and fractures, offset joints, bellies (low spots), buildup, and corrosion or material deterioration. Findings are time-stamped and, where useful, matched to a location using our locating equipment.
What a Camera Inspection Cannot Confirm by Itself
A camera inspection is a visual diagnostic tool with real limits. On its own, it generally cannot see through standing water or heavy debris without cleaning first, measure soil conditions, confirm pipe depth precisely, show past a collapsed section, or replace a structural engineering assessment. We’ll tell you plainly when the footage is inconclusive rather than guess at what we can’t see.
How We Access and Inspect the Line
Most inspections start at an existing cleanout. If your home doesn’t have an accessible one, we’ll discuss the best available access point. We feed the camera head through the line at a controlled pace, narrating what we see and recording the full pass for your records. Many inspection cameras include a built-in transmitter, and we use a handheld sonde locator on the surface to trace the camera head’s exact position.
From Inspection to Cleaning or Repair
What we recommend afterward depends on what the footage shows: grease or debris buildup with no structural damage usually means drain cleaning or hydro jetting; a localized crack or offset joint often means spot repair or trenchless repair; widespread deterioration usually means sewer line repair or full replacement. Repairs involving excavation or line replacement typically require a permit through the City’s SimpliCITY portal.
Cost Factors
Line length and layout, cleanout availability, current blockage level, whether a full sonde locate is needed, and the recorded report format all affect cost.
Sewer Inspection FAQs
Is a sewer camera inspection messy or invasive?
No. The camera enters through an existing cleanout or another suitable access point, so there’s typically no digging or cutting involved.
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
It depends on the length and layout of your line and how easy the cleanout is to access. We’ll give you a time estimate before we start.
Will the inspection tell me exactly why my drains keep backing up?
Usually — the footage shows blockages, root intrusion, cracks, offset joints, or bellies directly. If the line is too obstructed, cleaning it first is often needed for a full view.
Do I get a copy of the video?
Yes. The recorded footage and our notes on what was found are part of what you receive.
Can a camera inspection replace a home inspection during a real estate purchase?
No. It’s a specific look at the sewer lateral’s condition, one piece of information alongside a full home inspection.
Do I need a permit for what the inspection finds?
Permits generally aren’t required for the inspection itself. If a repair involves excavation or line replacement, the City’s Building & Safety Division handles permits through its SimpliCITY portal.
Ready to See What’s Inside Your Line?
A recorded inspection takes the guesswork out of deciding between cleaning, repair, or monitoring the line.
Request Sewer Camera Inspection