Sewer Camera Inspection
Most plumbing lines are buried in walls, under slabs, or underground, so problems inside them can’t be seen from the surface. A camera inspection lets a technician look inside the pipe to find out what’s actually happening. This page explains when an inspection is useful, how it works, and what it can find.
Using a sewer camera on a cleanout on the side of a building
When You Should Consider a Sewer Camera Inspection
Sewer camera inspections are most useful when standard drain cleaning isn't a lasting fix:
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✓ Recurring clogs that return quickly
✓ Slow drains that don't improve after snaking
✓ Multiple fixtures draining slowly at the same time
✓ Pre-purchase home inspections
When a Sewer Camera Inspection Isn't Needed
✗ Single, recent clogs with a known cause → standard drain cleaning is usually enough
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✗ Sewer odors without drainage issues → often caused by dry P-traps or blocked vent stacks, diagnosed via visual inspection or smoke testing
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✗ Unexplained water damage or wet spots → usually leaking water supply lines, not sewer issues; call a leak detection service
Roots growing in the seam of the pipe
A hardened blockage of grease and minerals
What the Camera Can Find
From minor to major, here's what we look for inside your pipe:
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Bellies: Settled sections that collect water and waste
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Blockages: Buildup or debris a drain snake can't clear
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Joint separation: Gaps between pipe sections from soil shifting
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Cracks or breaks: Structural damage from age or freezing
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Tree root intrusion: Roots growing inside the pipe until they cause a complete blockage
Using a sewer camera on a cleanout next to a house
Healthy Pipe
How Sewer Camera Inspections Work
A waterproof camera on a flexible line is fed through a cleanout or drain opening.
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You get a live video feed showing the pipe's interior, plus location and depth data if a repair is needed.
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The footage is saved to your online portal so you can review it anytime.
Proof That the Job Was Done Right
After snaking or jetting, debris can break apart near the cleanout while remaining deeper in the line — which is why clogs sometimes return within days.
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A follow-up camera run confirms flow is fully restored and reveals any hidden defects the cleaning exposed.
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Our company includes this verification camera run with every drain cleaning service at no extra charge.
What Happens Next
The inspection leads to one of three outcomes:
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No significant problem: You avoid unnecessary work
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Minor issue: A simple cleaning or spot repair fixes it
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Larger defect: You'll have the footage and location data to compare repair options like relining or replacement. See our Sewer Line Repair page for details.
Because the problem is documented on video, repairs are limited to what's actually needed.