Inspect
We use RIDGID sewer camera equipment to examine the line for blockages, roots, damage, offsets, standing water, and other visible conditions.
Residential sewer and drain diagnostics
Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection lets a technician see inside the accessible part of your drain or sewer line, instead of guessing from symptoms.
We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
- Residential drain and sewer lines
- Camera diagnostics, cleaning, and line locating
- No repair or replacement work offered
Service
Sewer Camera Inspection
Request a sewer camera inspection
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What is a sewer camera inspection?
A sewer camera inspection, sometimes called a sewer scope, is a visual inspection of the accessible inside of a drain or sewer line. A technician advances a camera on a flexible cable through an entry point, watches the live view on a monitor, and typically records what the camera sees.
It is an inspection and documentation service. It shows what is visible in the section the camera reaches. It does not repair anything.
Buying a home? A sewer camera inspection is a focused inspection that is separate from a general home inspection.
When a camera inspection may be useful
These signs may point to a drain or sewer-line issue. They do not prove a specific cause. A camera helps document what is visible so you are not guessing.
Recurring clogs
Clogs that keep returning may warrant a look at the accessible line instead of clearing each one as a separate event.
Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets
Slow drains can have several causes. A camera can document what is visible in the accessible line.
Gurgling from drains or toilets
Gurgling can come from a drainage or venting issue as well as a sewer-line condition, so it does not point to one cause on its own.
Sewage-like odors
A sewage-like odor may point to a drain or sewer-line issue. It does not prove a specific cause.
A sewage backup
After a backup, a camera may help document what is visible. If the line is blocked and not draining, cleaning may need to come first.
Persistently wet areas near the sewer route
Wet ground in your yard may be related to the line. A camera shows the inside of the pipe, not the soil around it.
What a sewer camera may show, and what it cannot confirm
Depending on the line condition and what the camera can reach and see, an inspection may document the conditions below. Image quality, lighting, flow, and the technician’s interpretation all affect what can be seen and how it is described.
A camera inspection may document
- Roots visible inside the pipe
- Grease, scale, sediment, or other deposits
- Obstructions such as wipes or debris
- Cracks and fractures
- Offset or separated joints
- Visible surface damage or corrosion on the inside of the pipe
- Standing water
- Connections where other lines join the pipe
- Collapse, when the camera can reach it. A complete collapse can stop the camera from going further
It does not by itself show
- Anything below the waterline. A camera generally cannot see under water.
- Pipe in sections the camera did not reach or could not view
- The condition of the soil around the pipe, or voids outside the pipe wall
- Pipe wall thickness or structural capacity
- Pipe slope, or how deep the pipe is. Water patterns may suggest a low spot, but a camera does not measure it.
- The full extent of tree roots outside the pipe
- Whether every leak has been found. A camera can record visible infiltration or a visibly open defect, but it cannot show that no leaks exist outside what it can see.
- How much service life the pipe has left
A visibly clear line is not proof that the whole line, or the ground around it, is in good condition.
Line locating is a separate service. When it is in the scope of work and the equipment supports it, a camera sonde and a compatible receiver can help estimate the surface position of a point in the line. A locate is not a survey, it does not authorize excavation, and it is not utility clearance or an exact depth. Sewer line locating
How a sewer camera inspection works
How long an inspection takes depends on line length, access, bends, debris, standing water, and how many features need to be documented.
Step 1: Access
The technician identifies an accessible entry point, commonly an exterior cleanout.
Step 2: Camera entry
A camera on a flexible push cable is inserted and advanced through the accessible line. Our equipment includes the SeeSnake CS12x and the SeeSnake Standard Camera Reel with TruSense.
Step 3: Live viewing
The technician watches the monitor and pauses at visible features or conditions.
Step 4: Recording
When a camera is used, you receive the inspection video.
Step 5: Documentation
Visible conditions are noted, along with any part of the line that could not be viewed.
Access points and preparing your property
- The most common entry point is an exterior cleanout. The right entry point depends on your plumbing layout, the route of the line, the pipe size, and how much of the line needs to be viewed.
- Make sure the technician has safe access to the agreed entry point.
- Tell us if the inspection relates to a home purchase, an inspection period, or a recurring backup.
Cleaning and the camera are separate services
Cleaning and camera inspection can be combined, but neither requires the other. Cleaning can improve camera visibility. It does not repair pipe defects.
Some public utilities suggest clearing a blockage, then using a camera. Others suggest a camera when a blockage does not respond to simple clearing. There is no single required order. It depends on the line. Hydro jetting is condition-dependent and is not appropriate for every pipe or blockage.
When cleaning may need to come first
- A line that is blocked and not draining. A camera generally cannot see under the water.
- Grease, roots, or other debris covering the lens or blocking the camera, so the view is too limited to document much.
- Standing water or debris that keeps the camera from traveling.
Independent sewer inspection & second opinions
Before You Approve an Expensive Sewer Repair, Get an Opinion With Nothing to Sell
A sewer backup or major repair recommendation can make a costly decision feel urgent. The Sewer Pros inspects and documents the condition inside your sewer line so you can understand what is actually happening before you approve cleaning, excavation, lining, or replacement.
Because we do not perform sewer repairs or replacements, we do not profit from selling you the work. Our role is to inspect and document visible conditions, explain what we found in plain language, and give you an honest opinion you can use to make the next decision.
Get an Independent Second Opinion
Already received a repair recommendation? Bring us in for an independent second opinion before you sign off on major work.
Document
We inspect and document visible conditions inside the line, so you are not forced to rely only on a verbal repair recommendation.
Decide
Use the findings to determine whether the issue calls for cleaning, monitoring, a repair estimate, or another qualified opinion, without pressure to buy a repair from us.
Do not approve a major sewer repair based only on a sales-driven recommendation. The Sewer Pros does not repair or replace sewer lines, by design, so we have no repair contract to sell. Get a documented second opinion before you approve the expense.
Sewer camera inspection vs. related services
Sewer camera inspection, sewer cleaning, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and line locating serve different purposes. Compare what each service does and when it may be relevant to help identify the right next step.
| Service | Primary purpose | May be the right fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Sewer camera inspection (this page) | See visible conditions inside an accessible sewer line | Recurring symptoms, a home purchase, diagnosis, or evaluation before a project |
| Sewer cleaning | Remove or address certain blockages and buildup in the sewer line | A blockage or flow issue needs cleaning |
| Sewer cleaning and camera inspection | Review visible line conditions and address an appropriate restriction when warranted | A problem keeps returning, the cause is unclear, or several fixtures are affected |
| Drain cleaning | Restore drainage at affected fixtures and branch lines | Clogs, slow drains, or backups at fixtures |
| Hydro jetting | Use high-pressure water for suitable cleaning applications | More substantial buildup or recurring drainage issues, when the line is a suitable candidate |
| Line locating | Identify the approximate path of an underground line | Excavation, planning, construction, or route verification |
In some situations, an inspection helps clarify the issue before cleaning or further planning. In other cases, an active backup may need assessment or cleaning first.
What to ask for, and what to keep
Before you book any camera inspection, ask what you will receive. What is provided can vary by appointment.
Recorded video
When a camera is used, you receive the inspection video. Ask how it is delivered and how long you can access it.
Written observations
Written findings are included. Ask whether they note any part of the line that could not be viewed, and why.
Access point and location
Ask which access point was used and where along the line conditions were seen.
Line locating
Ask whether line locating was performed and how it was documented.
Coding system
Ask whether the findings use a standardized coding system, and what it means.
Keep the original video and written findings
They are useful as a later reference. If someone recommends costly work, you can compare written estimates and ask another company to review the video before you decide. A camera finding is a visible observation. It is not a repair recommendation, and it does not by itself set a scope of work. Where a finding is unclear or may call for further evaluation, that evaluation is outside our cleaning and diagnostic scope.
See What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can Reveal
A sewer camera inspection can document visible conditions in accessible portions of a sewer line. The examples below show findings that may appear on camera. What a finding means, and what to consider next, depends on the condition, location, and accessible portions of the specific line.
Visible root intrusion
Roots can enter a sewer line through joints or existing openings. Camera footage may show where roots are visible and how much of the pipe they appear to affect. The inspection documents what the camera can reach; it does not establish the full extent of a problem outside the camera’s view.
A visible pipe offset
An offset occurs when connected pipe sections are misaligned. Footage may show a change in alignment at a joint, which can help explain a restriction or an area where debris collects. The camera records the visible condition but does not determine the cause or a repair plan.
Standing water
Water remaining in a section of pipe may be visible during an inspection. The footage can document where it appears, but standing water alone does not confirm why it is present or whether the line has a grade or flow issue. Interpretation depends on the inspection conditions and other visible evidence.
Inspection footage and findings summary
You receive the inspection video and written findings, so you can review what was seen.
These are examples of visible conditions from individual properties. Findings vary by line, access, and inspection. A camera cannot show portions of the system it cannot reach or determine every next step on its own.
Who Can Benefit from a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Homeowners with recurring drain trouble, home buyers and sellers, and real estate agents and home inspectors can all use a defined visual record of an accessible residential line. Findings document visible conditions in the section the camera reaches.
Home buyers
A sewer camera inspection can document visible conditions in accessible portions of the sewer line during the due diligence period. Buyers can use the findings to discuss the line’s condition before closing.
Learn about home-buyer sewer inspectionsHome inspectors
A specialist sewer camera inspection adds a closer view of accessible portions of the sewer line alongside a general home inspection. Coordinate scheduling and access for the property and appointment.
Learn about coordinating an inspectionReal estate agents
Documented findings can give buyers and sellers clearer information to discuss during a transaction. The inspection records visible conditions; it does not guarantee future performance or determine repairs.
Learn about transaction support
Sewer Camera Inspection Service Areas
Choose your market for local service details and scheduling options.
St. Louis, MO
Sewer camera inspections for homeowners, home buyers, and property professionals across the St. Louis area. Review local service details and scheduling options.
San Diego, CA
Sewer camera inspections for homeowners, home buyers, and property professionals in the San Diego area. Review local service details and scheduling options.
Las Vegas, NV
Sewer camera inspections for homeowners, home buyers, and property professionals across the Las Vegas Valley. Review local service details and scheduling options.
What our customers say
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Common Questions About Sewer Camera Inspection
How it works
What is a sewer camera inspection?
A sewer camera inspection is a visual inspection of the accessible inside of a drain or sewer line. A technician advances a camera on a flexible cable, views it live, and typically records it. Some people call it a sewer scope.
How does a sewer camera inspection work?
A camera on a flexible cable goes in through an accessible entry point, usually a cleanout. The technician watches the live view, pauses at visible conditions, and documents what is seen.
Where does the camera go in?
Most often through an exterior cleanout. The best choice depends on your plumbing layout and the line.
Can a sewer camera find a clog?
It can document a visible obstruction when the camera can reach it and the lens can see it. A camera generally cannot see under water, so in a line that is blocked and not draining, the view may be unusable until the line drains.
Should the line be cleaned before the camera goes in?
Sometimes. If standing water or debris keeps the camera from traveling or seeing, cleaning may be needed first. There is no universal order. It depends on the condition of the line.
What it can and can’t show
What can a sewer camera inspection show?
It may document visible roots, deposits, obstructions, cracks, fractures, offset or separated joints, visible surface damage, standing water, and connections, depending on access and visibility.
What can’t a sewer camera inspection show?
It does not show anything under the waterline, the soil around the pipe, pipe wall thickness, structural capacity, slope or depth, how much service life the pipe has left, or conditions in sections the camera did not reach.
Can a sewer camera tell how deep the pipe is?
No. A camera shows what is inside the pipe, not how deep it sits or where it runs in your yard. It also does not measure pipe slope. Sewer line locating can estimate a position from the surface, and a locate is an estimate, not a survey.
Can a sewer camera see tree roots?
It can document roots that are visible inside the pipe. It cannot show the full root system outside the pipe.
Can a sewer camera see a leak?
It may record visible infiltration or a visibly open defect. It cannot confirm there are no leaks, because it does not see outside the pipe wall, the surrounding soil, or below the waterline.
Will the camera show a belly or sag in my line?
Water patterns seen on camera may suggest a low spot. A camera does not measure slope, so it cannot confirm how deep or how long a sag is.
What does standing water in the line mean?
Standing water can have more than one explanation, such as heavy flow, a temporary stoppage, or a low spot. A camera view alone does not prove which one applies.
Why might the camera not reach the whole line?
Bends, pipe size changes, debris, roots, standing water, damaged pipe, or limited access can stop the camera or limit the view. A good record states what was viewed and what was not.
Is it right for my situation?
Do I need a camera inspection if my drains are slow or gurgling?
A camera inspection is one way to look at accessible parts of the line. Slow drains and gurgling may point to a drain or sewer-line issue, but they do not prove a specific cause. Gurgling can also be related to venting.
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house?
Some public utilities advise buyers to have the sewer line inspected before purchase. Timing and conditions are set by your purchase agreement. A sewer video shows visible conditions in accessible pipe. It does not decide whether you should buy.
How often should I have a sewer camera inspection?
Some utilities recommend periodic inspection, but recommended intervals vary by property and by local guidance. Nearby trees, recurring clogs, odors, and past drainage problems can support checking more often.
Why shouldn’t "flushable" wipes go in the toilet?
Utilities advise putting wipes in the trash, including those labeled flushable. The label is not a guarantee that a product breaks down safely in plumbing or sewers.
Records, locating, and next steps
Will I get the video and written findings?
When a camera is used, you receive the inspection video. Written findings are included. Ask how the video is delivered and how long you can access it, and whether the findings note any part of the line that could not be viewed.
Can you mark where a point is in my yard?
Line locating is a separate service. When it is included in the scope and when the equipment supports it, a camera sonde and receiver can help estimate the surface position of a point in the line. A locate is not a survey, utility clearance, or an exact depth. Ask whether surface marks are provided for your appointment.
What should I keep after the inspection?
Keep the original video and written findings. They are useful as a later reference. If someone recommends costly work, you can share the video with another company for a second look and compare written estimates.
What should I do if the inspection finds a problem?
Review the footage and findings, ask what was directly observed and what could not be assessed, and consider whether you need a separate evaluation. The inspection can inform your next decision, but it does not by itself determine whether work is required or which provider should perform it.
Scope and service areas
How much does it cost, and how long does it take?
The scope of a camera inspection varies with access, line length and size, bends, flow or debris, whether cleaning is needed for visibility, and whether you request locating. Ask what is included before you book.
Which areas does The Sewer Pros serve?
The Sewer Pros provides sewer inspection and diagnostic services in St. Louis, Missouri; San Diego, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. Select your service area or contact the team to confirm availability for your property.
Related services
Sewer Cleaning & Camera Inspection
Combine cleaning with visual documentation of the line. See what was observed and whether cleaning changed the conditions visible by camera.
Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection
Get a visual assessment of accessible portions of the sewer line before buying a property. The findings can help inform your due diligence.
What Is Included in a Sewer Camera Inspection Report?
What a complete report should include, so you can compare quotes or revisit the findings later.
How to Read a Sewer Camera Inspection Video
How to read root intrusion, cracks, and other defects on your own inspection video.
Sewer Cleaning
Clearing certain blockages and buildup from an accessible sewer line.
Hydro Jetting
High-pressure water cleaning, when the line is a suitable candidate.
Sewer Line Locating
Estimating the surface position of a point in an underground line.
Recurring Sewer Backup Diagnosis
Looking at the accessible line when a backup keeps coming back.
Request a sewer camera inspection
Tell us what your drains are doing and we will help you choose between a camera inspection, cleaning, or both. The Sewer Pros provides inspection and diagnostic services in St. Louis, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
Choose your service area, tell us what you have noticed, and let us know if the inspection relates to recurring backups, a home purchase, or another sewer concern.
This service is designed for accessible residential sewer and drain lines. Equipment selection and available service depend on the entry point, pipe size, line condition, and scope of work.
We provide cleaning, camera diagnostics, and line locating only. We do not provide sewer repair, replacement, lining, excavation, or pipe installation.
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