Sewer inspection: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering sewer inspection

A sewer inspection is the basis for the repair decision, and the customer needs footage and a report they can use. The camera work only matters if the findings are clear and documented.

What customers ask

  • Can you show me what is wrong with the line?
  • Do I need the whole line replaced?
  • Why did the camera get stuck?
  • What is included in the inspection, and what do I get at the end of it?
  • Is my sewer line old?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the house age, the pipe material if known, the tree locations, the backup history, and where the cleanout is.
  • Bring a push camera, a locator transmitter, a cable machine, a water jet and a cleanout kit to the first visit.
  • Clear the line before the camera if it will not pass, and say in the report that it was cleared first.
  • Show the customer the footage at the problem spots, with the depth and the location shown on screen.
  • Give a written report with the findings, the locations, the photos and the recommended options, and keep a copy for your file.
  • Mark the problem locations on the surface where you can, so the repair crew knows where to dig or open.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of camera stills showing a root intrusion, a crack, and a sag, labeled by type
  • List the camera and locator equipment you use, and the report format you provide
  • Note whether you give footage and a written report to every customer
  • Show a sample written report with the sections you fill in

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer a follow-up inspection after the repair, to confirm the line is clear and the repair is holding
  • Recommend a yearly cleanout and camera check when trees are close to the line
  • Suggest a repair plan that compares a spot repair with a trenchless option, when both are viable

Licenses and permits

Sewer inspection is commonly done by licensed plumbers, and some areas require a license for camera work on building sewer lines. Confirm the requirements with your state or local licensing agency before you offer the service.

Questions

What do I say when the customer asks for a repair from a camera report alone?

Show the footage and the report, and explain what the findings mean. Say which repair options fit the findings and which ones do not.

How do I handle a line that will not pass the camera?

Clear the blockage first, and note in the report that it was cleared. If the line still does not pass, say where it stops and what that suggests about the condition.

Should I provide the footage to the customer?

Yes. The footage is the evidence for the repair choice, and the customer should have a copy for their own records and for any insurance or sale.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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