Q: When should I schedule a sewer camera inspection?

If you have frequent clogs, backups, or slow drains—or before buying a home—it’s smart to inspect the sewer line.

Question 1

What is a sewer line inspection camera used for?

Accepted Answer

It visually inspects hard-to-reach pipes, such as those underground or behind walls, to detect hidden issues without guesswork.

Question 2

How does a sewer inspection camera work?

Accepted Answer

A flexible rod with a high-definition camera is inserted into the pipe, transmitting live video to a monitor for thorough inspection.

Question 3

What issues can the camera detect?

Accepted Answer

It can identify cracks, root intrusion, corrosion, leaks, grease buildup, and misaligned or obstructed pipes.

Question 4

When should I schedule a sewer camera inspection?

Accepted Answer

If you have frequent clogs, backups, or slow drains&mdash;or before buying a home&mdash;it&rsquo;s smart to inspect the sewer line.

Question 5

How long does a video camera inspection last?

Accepted Answer

The time required to complete a video camera inspection of your sewer will depend on the length of the sewer pipe and the condition of the pipe itself. If your sewer is only ten or twelve feet in length, the inspection should only take ten or fifteen minutes. But if your sewer is much longer and contains offset joints or partial collapsed sections, the inspection could take much longer to complete.

Question 6

What is the most common diagnosis from a video camera inspection?

Accepted Answer

Heavy root intrustion through pipe joints is probably the most common diagnosis from a video camera inspection of a sewer. Once root intrusion causes backups more than once a year, a homeowner should consider having the sewer repaired or replaced. Since sewers are designed to be a sealed system, if roots can get in, then sewage can leach out. However, your Roto-Rooter plumber will give you options that may include additional cleanings to prevent backups from occurring, spot repairs, or a complete sewer line replacement. Unless the sewer has partially collapsed to prevent drainage, the homeowners can follow whichever option is best for  them.

Question 7

What is the process of a home video camera inspection?

Accepted Answer

A video inspection of the sewer is usually requested/ordered after a Roto-Rooter sewer & drain technician determines that there are anomolies or problems with the sewer. This may include difficulty getting his cable and blade through the pipe, the cable gets stuck, or the cable pull back with signs of mud on it. Mud on the cable indicates that the cable exited the pipe through a void and was spinning through surrounding soil. The camera operator arrives and puts the camera snake into the sewer via a cleanout access port or via a toilet drain. The camera operator watches a video monitor to assess the sewer's condition as the camera snake passes through. Camera operators prefer to have a homeowner onsite to look at the monitor and see the condition firsthand. The camera operator will provide the homeowner with a professional assessment of the sewer's condition along with some options that may include more frequent cleanings, spot repairs, or a complete sewer line replacement.

Question 8

Should you do a sewer scope inspection?

Accepted Answer

If you've experienced sewer backups and a professional sewer line cleaning revealed root intrusion or there were traces of mud on the cable and cutting blade, it would be a good idea to have a sewer scope inspection of the pipeline. The video camera snake is equipped with high intensity LED lights to reveal cracks and other pipe damage. A sewer solutions specialist will be able to determine the extent of the damage and poit it out to you on the video monitor. He or she will present the homeowner with options ranging from more frequent cleanings to prevent surprise backups to actual pipe repairs. If the damage is significant he may recommend spot repairs or even a complete sewer line replacement. But most of the time, more frequent cleanings will keep roots and clogs at bay.

Sewer Camera Inspection Services

The Roto-Rooter Difference in Video Camera Line Inspections

Our sewer camera inspection services are designed to address a variety of plumbing concerns:

Sewer Camera Inspection Process

Common Reasons to Schedule A Video Camera Inspection

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sewer line inspection camera used for?

How does a sewer inspection camera work?

What issues can the camera detect?

When should I schedule a sewer camera inspection?

How long does a video camera inspection last?