A sewer camera inspection shows what is happening inside your main sewer line, including clogs, tree roots, cracks, sagging sections, and the type and condition of the pipe. It lets a plumber see the problem directly instead of guessing. You can usually watch the screen during the inspection and ask questions as the camera moves.
How the Inspection Works
A small, waterproof camera is attached to a flexible cable. The plumber feeds it into the line, usually through a cleanout. As the camera moves forward, it sends live video to a screen. Many systems also show how far the camera has traveled, which helps mark where a problem sits under the yard.
What the Camera Can Find
- Blockages: grease, wipes, or other buildup
- Roots: roots growing through joints or cracks
- Cracks and breaks: damaged sections that may let in soil or water
- Sags or bellies: low spots where waste and water collect
- Offset joints: pipe sections that have shifted out of line
When an Inspection Makes Sense
A camera check is helpful when backups keep coming back, when several drains are slow at once, or after a backup to learn why it happened. Many home buyers also ask for one before purchasing an older house, since sewer line problems are not visible during a normal walk-through.
Why It Saves Time and Money
Without a camera, a plumber may need to clear the line again and again without knowing the cause. Video shows whether a simple cleaning will work or whether a section of pipe needs repair. It also helps target any digging to one spot instead of a whole yard. Ask for a copy of the video for your records.
If your home has had a backup, a sewer line check after a backup can show what caused it. To ask about an inspection, you can call our plumbers in the area at (833) 603-1840.