Sewer Line Camera Inspection: Everything You Need to Know

I'm not sure we're not the only ones curious about what's inside sewers. They're black holes for all kinds of things, and we're always amazed by what's inside. 

A sewer line camera is a big help in solving sewage problems, drain line breakage, and blockage. 

Today, we're here to talk about sewer camera inspections and what they can do for you. 

What Is a Sewer Line Camera Inspection?

A sewer line camera inspects our pipes. Since most pipes are buried under concrete, identifying the problem can be challenging.

It starts with a simple guessing game of "what might be causing the blockage?" and a band-aid solution of dousing baking soda and vinegar down the drain. 

It might fix the problem temporarily, but that doesn't address the root problem. At least not until you see what's going on. 

That's where a video sewer inspection comes in. 

A small camera is placed on a flexible cable and inserted inside the pipe walls. You can watch a live feed of what's going inside and find the root intrusion. 

What Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Do?

There are a lot of things a sewer camera inspection can do. Undoubtedly, this non-invasive solution helps plumbing companies make their lives much easier. 

Let's see what a sewer video camera inspection can do for you. 

Locate Lines

Sewer cameras are very handy in locating your sewer system because it is equipped with a location-tracking device. 

It sends signals from the camera to the receiver, letting plumbers know where the pipes are. 

This is handy if your plumbing system needs repair and professionals need to dig for them. 

Drainage Problems

One of the common problems we regularly experience with our pipes is a blockage. Through time, soap scum, hair, tissue, and other things cause blockage. 

When this happens, water drains a lot more slowly. 

With the help of a sewer camera inspection, your plumber can confirm if it's just a simple blockage or a major problem that needs to be addressed. 

Sewer System Connections

We don't know what's going on at the ground level with our pipes. How are they connected, and which house does it lead to?

A simple video camera inspection can answer this question. Your plumber can tell how the water flows, where the source is coming from, and where it goes.

PVC or Cast Iron Pipe

Your plumber can tell what type of material your sewer pipes are made of. Is it a PVC piping system or a cast iron plumbing system? 

Cast iron sewer pipes generally last longer and are often used in a commercial setting. PVC pipes, on the other hand, are enough for a residential application like your house. 

What Can't a Sewer Camera Inspection Do?

Sewer line cameras might be the perfect tool to inspect the nook and crannies of pipes, but there are certain things they can't do. 

Find Leaks

A sewer camera sounds like the equipment you need to find pipe leaks.

Unfortunately, you can't rely on sewer video inspection alone when it comes to finding leaks in your plumbing system. You need to call a professional plumber to find the leak. 

Keep in mind that pipes don't leak from the outside going in. It's the other way around, and you can see external manifestations of the leaks. 

This being the case, doing a sewer scope inspection will be of little help. 

Too much waste and foreign debris travel through your sewer system. You might see scratches on your sewer pipe walls and mistake them for holes or cracks causing the leak.

How Much Does a Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost?

On average, a sewer line camera inspection costs roughly $100 to $1,000. We can't give you an exact figure because the cost depends so much on the plumbing that needs to be done. 

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Sewer Line Inspection?

Several factors come into play that affects how much a sewer camera inspection costs. 

We've listed some common reasons which should help you make an informed decision. 

Service Bundles

A cost-effective tip is to choose a service bundle instead of individual services. 

Most service bundles are comprehensive and come in great value for money. An example would be availing a camera inspection with hydro jetting service right after. 

Availing of individual services from your plumber doesn't look expensive. But once you compound all the costs, you'll discover you might have spent more.

Sewer Length

The cost of a sewer line inspection varies depending on how long the sewer line travels. The longer it is, the more expensive it becomes. 

Most people are left surprised with how much they have to pay, not realizing that their pipe runs long. 

We recommend asking for a quote from your plumbing company to prepare for the cost.

Accessibility

Pipe systems are tricky to navigate. There are over a hundred piping systems under your house which the sewer scope has to travel. 

Consider yourself lucky if your sewer line is accessible. With the least resistance, your plumber can easily insert the camera using a vent stack or clean out. 

But things become expensive if the sewer line is inaccessible or found in hard-to-reach areas. 

When Should You Have a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Because sewer inspection can get expensive, it's not something you can do just for fun. 

Nonetheless, there are several instances we highly recommend you do a video inspection of your sewer lines. 

This helps prevent expensive repairs and other potential problems in the future. 

You Have Slow Drains in Your Home

Once you notice slow drains, grab your phone and call your plumbing company. There may be a blockage in your sewer lines, causing the slow drain. 

In most cases, some gunk might be stuck along the pipe walls. When this is the case, you don't have to worry about any major sewer repair. 

You Haven't Had Your Inspection in a While

How many years has it been since you had your plumbing check? Did you have someone inspect your piping already?

We always recommend having your sewer lines checked at least once a year. The advice applies to both property owners and commercial places. 

Doing this lets you know the condition of your sewer lines and if anything needs to be fixed and repaired. 

You're About to Settle Into a New Home

No one wants to move into a new home and be welcomed with problems. And certainly, not problems involving plumbing. 

It's always prudent to have a plumber check the sewer line for any damage. Do you need to replace some parts? 

One of the first things we recommend you check is if the tree roots on the property are close to the piping. This may lead to root intrusion in the future, which is one expensive repair.

Repairing the problems even before you move in helps prevent headaches and frustrations later on. 

You Notice Consistently Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure could only mean one thing - a problem with the water line.

Most of the time, low water pressure could be caused by a leak in the line. Your plumber should be able to find solutions to fix the leak in no time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Before we go, we'll answer some of the FAQs we usually get about pipe camera inspections.

How Far Can a Sewer Line Camera Go?

Most camera units can go as far as 400 feet. This should be enough to figure out the root cause of your problems. 

But remember, the longer the process and the longer the camera cable has to travel, the pricier it gets.

Can I Rent a Sewer Camera for a DIY Inspection?

Yes! Cameras are available for rent if you want to avoid hiring a plumbing company. Fair warning, though, because it can cost up to $400 per day. 

For the price, you get the camera, video monitor, and memory card for a day. Just make sure to be careful with the equipment and know what you're doing.

Conclusion

Starting to notice skyrocketing water bills? Or are you already experiencing slow, draining sinks? Then it's high time to check your pipe at home and get straight to the bottom. 

Don't wait for things to get worse, or you might have a bigger problem. Call a professional plumber immediately, and get the repairs started. 

We hope you enjoyed this article! Let us know in the comments if you've tried out a sewer line camera inspection service before. What did you think about it?