Drains & Sewer
Sewer camera inspection
A sewer camera inspection runs a waterproof camera through the drain line to show its condition: cracks, roots, bellies, scale and separated joints. It's the right step for recurring clogs and a smart one before buying an older home.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- Licensed local plumbers
- Quote before work
Older neighborhoods may have cast iron under the house and clay or cast iron out to the street, and some mid-century homes have Orangeburg fiber pipe. Both age in ways you can't see without a camera.
A camera also locates the problem, so any repair is targeted instead of a guess.
Camera inspection at a glance
- Shows
- Cracks, roots, bellies, scale, separated joints
- Best for
- Recurring clogs and pre-purchase checks
Signs you need camera inspection
- Clogs that return within months
- Buying a home built before about 1980
- Sewage odor in the yard
- Planning a remodel that adds fixtures
How the plumber handles it
- 1
Access
The camera goes in through a cleanout, a toilet pull or a roof vent.
- 2
Record
The plumber records video, notes defects and locates them from the surface.
- 3
Report
You get the video and plain-language findings.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the plumber finds, so the plumber quotes on site. These are the main factors:
- Cleanout access
- Line length
- Locating and marking defects
- Written report
Frequently asked questions
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house?
For homes built before about 1980, it's inexpensive insurance, and general home inspections often don't include it.
Where to get camera inspection
By state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Related services
Need camera inspection?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.