Sewer Camera Inspection

A sewer camera inspection (also called a drain camera inspection or sewer scope) uses a waterproof video camera mounted on a flexible cable fed through a cleanout or drain opening into the sewer lateral or main line. The camera transmits live footage to a screen above ground, allowing a plumber to see exactly what's inside the pipe without excavating.

What does a sewer camera inspection reveal?

• Root intrusions — tree and shrub roots entering through joints or cracks
• Pipe cracks, fractures, and collapses
• Offset joints (pipe segments shifted out of alignment)
• Grease and debris accumulation
• Bellied pipe (pipe that has sagged, creating a low spot where solids collect)
• Scale buildup and corrosion
• The material the pipe is made of (clay tile, cast iron, PVC, etc.)

When should you get a sewer camera inspection?

• Before buying a home — sewer scope is a standard part of due diligence; a failed lateral can cost $4,000–$15,000 to replace
• Before authorizing hydro jetting or trenchless repair — confirms the pipe can withstand the work
• When experiencing recurring clogs that can't be explained by snaking
• When you hear gurgling from multiple drains simultaneously
• Any home over 40 years old with no known lateral history

How do plumbers locate a problem found on camera?

Professional sewer cameras include a sonde (a radio transmitter) that allows a technician above ground to locate the camera position with a receiver — pinpointing exactly where a problem is located and how deep, without guesswork excavation.

What does a sewer camera inspection cost?

$150–$350 for a residential sewer camera inspection. Many plumbers include it at no charge when hydro jetting or preparing a trenchless repair quote.