Sewer inspection: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What sewer inspection is

Sewer inspection runs a camera through the main sewer line to find roots, breaks, sags or buildup, and gives you a recording and written findings. It is the standard way to find out what is wrong with the line before any repair is chosen.

Signs you need it

  • Drains back up in more than one fixture at a time, or the main drain gurgles when another fixture runs
  • A sewer clog returns within weeks of being cleared, which can point to a break or a sag
  • Trees are close to the sewer line, and you see roots in the cleanout or the drain
  • You are buying or selling a home and want to know the condition of the main line
  • There is a soft or wet spot in the yard above the line, or a sewer smell outside

What the pro does

  • Open the cleanout and check the flow and the condition of the cleanout cap and threads
  • Feed a push camera through the cleanout and along the line, and record the footage
  • Mark the depth and the location of issues with a locator transmitter on the camera head
  • Note the pipe material, the joints, roots, cracks, offsets and any low spots along the run
  • Review the footage with the customer, and point out the spots that need work
  • Provide a written report with the findings, the locations and the footage, so repair options can be compared

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the line from the cleanout to the street or the septic tank
  • Access: a cleanout close to the house, or one that must be found or added
  • Number of runs checked, such as the main line only or the lines from the house
  • Whether a cable or jet is needed to clear the line before the camera can pass
  • Written report and footage delivered, and how detailed the report is
  • Whether a locator and a mapped report are included

What a written quote should spell out

  • Line length checked, and the cleanout used for access
  • Camera and locator method, and whether a recording is provided
  • Written report with findings, locations and depths
  • Whether the line was cleared before the camera was run
  • Footage format and how the customer will get it

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can I have the recording and the written report?
  • Where is the cleanout, and does the camera reach the street?
  • Will you mark the location and depth of any problem on the surface?
  • What should I do with the findings: repair, clear or monitor?
  • Do you clear the line first if the camera cannot pass?
  • Can you explain the pipe material and the condition of the joints?

Red flags

  • Pro who runs a camera without a recording or a written report
  • Pro who says the line is bad without showing the footage
  • Pro who recommends a full replacement from a short look, without a full run
  • Pro who forces the camera through a blockage without clearing it first

What you can do yourself

A homeowner can locate the cleanout and note any sewer problems, such as slow drains or wet spots, to share with the pro. Do not open the cleanout under pressure or run a camera on a main line yourself, since the line can release sewage and gas, and a camera can get stuck and cause damage.

Licenses and permits

Sewer inspection is commonly done by licensed plumbers or licensed sewer specialists, and some areas require a license for camera work on building sewer lines. Check with your state or local licensing agency for the rule where you live.

Sewer inspection questions

How long does a sewer camera inspection take?

A single run of a typical line is often a short visit. Longer lines, blocked lines, and reports can take more time, and the pro should explain the time before the visit.

What do roots look like on a sewer camera?

Roots show as fine hair-like strands or thick mats at a joint or a crack, and they grow into the line where water leaks out. The footage shows where the roots are and how far they have grown.

Can a sewer camera find a break in the line?

Yes, a camera finds breaks, cracks, offsets and sags. The footage and the locator show the spot, and the depth helps decide the repair method.

Do I need an inspection before buying a house?

It is a common step when the house has a sewer line that is old, has trees nearby, or has a history of backups. Ask the seller for past reports and have the line checked as part of the purchase.

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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