What this covers
A sewer camera inspection shows the inside of the line from the house to the street. The plumber opens a cleanout, feeds a push camera on a cable along the pipe, and records video as it goes. Roots, cracks, offset joints, sags that hold water, grease buildup and collapsed sections show up on screen, and a locator above ground marks where each one sits and how deep. The plumber reviews the video with you, and the recording and notes become a report. It turns a guess about a slow drain into a specific finding before anyone digs.
When to call
- Slow drains or backups in more than one fixture.
- A home you are buying, especially one with mature trees or an older line.
- A sewage backup after which you want to know the condition of the line.
- Repeated clogs that keep coming back after cleaning.
What to expect
- AccessThe plumber opens a cleanout or other access point to the line.
- Run the cameraThe camera is fed along the pipe and the video recorded.
- LocateProblems are located from above ground and their position and depth marked.
- ReviewThe plumber walks you through the video and the findings in a report.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
What if there is no cleanout?
The camera can sometimes go in through a roof vent or a removed toilet. Where access is poor, a cleanout can be added.
Can the camera see through a clog?
Not through a full blockage. The line may need to be cleared first so the camera can travel the whole length.
Do I get the video?
Most companies provide the recording with the report, which is useful for comparing repair options.
Related: Sewer line repair · Drain cleaning · Home inspection · All inspections and testing
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.