Do I need a sewer camera inspection?

Do I Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Do I need a sewer camera inspection is a question a lot of homeowners only ask after a big backup or scary estimate. But a sewer scope isn’t just for emergencies or big commercial jobs – it’s one of the best ways to see what’s really going on in the line that carries everything away from your home.

If you’re dealing with repeat clogs, buying an older home, or noticing strange smells or soggy spots in the yard, a sewer camera inspection can give you clear answers before you spend money on major repairs.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Actually Does

A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive way to look inside your main drain or sewer line. A licensed plumber feeds a small, waterproof camera through the pipe while watching the video in real time on a monitor.

Instead of guessing where the problem is, the camera lets us:

See the condition of the pipe from the inside
Locate clogs, roots, bellies, or breaks
Mark the exact spot and depth if a repair is needed
Confirm that previous repairs were done correctly

It doesn’t fix the issue by itself – but it tells you exactly what’s wrong, so you’re not paying for the wrong repair.

Top Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection

You don’t need a camera inspection for every small clog. But you should start asking “Do I need a sewer camera inspection” if you’re seeing any of these patterns:

Recurring clogs: The same toilet or drain keeps backing up, even after snaking.
Multiple fixtures backing up: Toilets, tubs, and floor drains all slow or overflow together.
Gurgling or bubbling sounds: Drains make strange noises when other fixtures are used.
Sewer odors: Persistent sewer smell from drains, cleanouts, or the yard.
Soggy or sunken yard areas: Wet spots or dips along the sewer path, especially when it hasn’t rained.
Older homes with original piping: Cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg lines are more likely to crack, corrode, or collapse.
Big trees near the sewer line: Roots naturally seek out joints and small cracks in older pipes.
Past sewer issues: If the home has a history of backups or “band-aid” repairs, a camera gives you the full picture.

Do I Need a Sewer Camera Inspection Before Buying a House?

If you’re in escrow or thinking about making an offer, asking “Do i need a sewer camera inspection” is smart – especially in older neighborhoods.

Standard home inspections usually do not include a full sewer scope. The inspector might run water, flush toilets, and note slow drains, but they can’t see underground. That means serious sewer problems can stay hidden until after you move in.

A sewer camera inspection before you buy can:

Reveal cracked, offset, or collapsed sections of pipe
Show root intrusion, heavy scale, or sludge buildup
Give you video proof to negotiate repairs or credits
Help you decide if a property is still worth the price

Compared to the cost of replacing a main sewer line, a one-time inspection is inexpensive insurance.

What Does a Sewer Camera Look For?

When we run a camera, we’re not just hunting for one clog. We’re checking the whole line for:

Blockages: Grease, wipes, debris, or foreign objects stuck in the pipe.
Tree roots: Roots pushing through joints or cracks and catching waste.
Bellies: Low spots where water and solids sit instead of flowing downhill.
Cracks and breaks: Damaged sections that can let sewage escape.
Offset or separated joints: Misaligned sections where pipes no longer meet correctly.
Corrosion and scale: Heavy buildup that narrows the pipe and slows flow.
Improper materials or past repairs: DIY fixes, incorrect pipe sizes, or mismatched sections.

All of this gets recorded, so you can see what we see instead of just taking someone’s word for it.

Is a Sewer Camera Inspection Worth It?

Many homeowners only think about inspections after a big backup, but they’re especially valuable in a few situations:

Before purchasing or selling a home – prevents “mystery” sewer problems from surfacing after closing.
Before trenchless repair or pipe lining – confirms the line is a good candidate and that damage isn’t too severe.
After major tree removal or yard work – checks that heavy equipment or root systems didn’t damage the line.
When plumbing estimates don’t match – video footage helps you compare recommendations objectively.

When you’re asking “Do I need a sewer camera inspection,” the real question is: am I okay guessing what’s underground? If the answer is no, the camera is worth it.

What Happens During a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Here’s what you can expect when you schedule an inspection with a licensed plumber:

Accessing the line: We locate a cleanout or suitable access point so we don’t have to tear up your yard or floors.
Sending in the camera: A flexible rod with a small camera on the end is slowly fed into the pipe.
Real-time viewing: As the camera moves, we watch the live video feed and note any damage, blockages, or standing water.
Locating problem spots: If we find a serious issue, we can locate it from the surface and mark where it is.
Explaining options: After the inspection, we review the footage with you and discuss next steps, whether that’s hydro jetting, spot repair, or full replacement.

Most inspections take less than an hour, depending on access and how long the line is.

Do I Need a Sewer Camera Inspection or Just a Drain Cleaning?

Sometimes a basic drain cleaning is enough. Other times, cleaning without an inspection just buys you a little time before the next backup.

Good candidates for cleaning only: First-time clogs, obvious causes like hair or small kitchen clogs, newer homes with no history of sewer issues.
Good candidates for a camera inspection: Repeat main line clogs, older homes, homes with large trees, buying or selling, or anytime you’ve gotten a big quote for sewer repairs.

If you’re unsure which you need, start with the question you’re already asking: Do I need a sewer camera inspection or is this likely a simple clog? When in doubt, a quick call to a trusted plumber can help you decide.

Helpful Resources

Common Questions About Sewer Camera Inspections

FAQS About Sewer Camera Inspections

A sewer camera inspection isn’t required for every clog, but it’s extremely helpful when you’re dealing with recurring backups, buying a home, or facing a big repair estimate. It shows you exactly what’s going on so you’re not guessing—or paying for the wrong fix.

The camera shows the inside of the pipe, so it’s excellent for spotting cracks, breaks, roots, bellies, and heavy buildup. Very small leaks or problems outside the pipe wall may not be visible, but in most cases we can see enough to recommend the right repair.

Most residential inspections take 30–60 minutes, depending on how long the line is and how easy it is to access the cleanout. If we discover major issues, we may spend a little extra time documenting and locating them for you.

It’s usually best to limit water use while the camera is in the line so the view stays clear. Your plumber will let you know when it’s okay to flush or run water again—typically right after the inspection is finished.

Still wondering, “Do I need a sewer camera inspection” for your home? A short visit from a licensed plumber can give you video proof, clear answers, and a plan that actually fits what’s happening underground.