The cost of a sewer and drain video inspection service can vary depending on various factors, such as the location, the length of the pipes being inspected, and the complexity of the job. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 to $300 for a sewer and drain video inspection.

We are highly recommended to have a sewer line video inspection done when buying a house.

This inspection can help identify any potential issues or hidden problems within the underground sewer line that may not be visible during a regular home inspection. By using a video camera to inspect the sewer line, any blockages, leaks, or structural damage can be detected, allowing you to make an informed decision about the property and potentially avoid costly repairs in the future.

Give us a call at 224-754-1984 to schedule the video inspection service 

We will provide you with a comprehensive report on the condition of the sewer line before completing the purchase of the house.

A sewer video camera can show several things during an inspection. Here are some common findings that can be revealed by a sewer video camera:

1. Blockages: The camera can identify any obstructions in the sewer line such as tree roots, debris, or buildup of solids that are causing blockages.

2. Cracks and Leaks: It can detect cracks, fractures, or breaks in the sewer pipes, which can lead to leaks and potential water damage.

3. Collapsed Pipes: The camera can reveal sections of pipes that have collapsed or deteriorated, causing significant problems with the sewer system.

4. Pipe Misalignment: It can identify areas where pipes have shifted, become misaligned, or separated, which can cause issues with the flow of wastewater.

5. Pipe Material and Condition: The camera allows plumbers to assess the material of the pipes, such as clay, cast iron, PVC, or concrete. It can also reveal any signs of corrosion, rust, or other forms of deterioration.

6. Proper Functioning: The video inspection can determine if the sewer system is functioning properly, including checking for adequate water flow and identifying any areas where backup or slow drainage is occurring.

Overall, a sewer video camera inspection provides a clear, detailed visual assessment of the sewer line, allowing us to see what is happening inside the system rather than relying on guesswork. By capturing real-time footage along the pipe, we can identify issues such as blockages, breaks, cracks, corrosion, buildup, or areas that may be misaligned. This helps us pinpoint the exact location and condition of any problem, which is especially important when the source of trouble is not visible from the outside.  The results of the inspection give us the information we need to offer practical, accurate recommendations for repairs or maintenance. That means we can tailor the next steps to the situation at hand, support safer and more efficient decision-making, and help ensure the sewer system continues to function properly. Whether you are dealing with recurring backups, slow drainage, or routine maintenance, the video inspection delivers the clarity needed to address the cause effectively.

WHEN TO SCHEDULE A VIDEO INSPECTION

Beyond home purchases, several situations call for a video inspection:

• Recurring clogs or slow drains that keep coming back despite regular cleaning or plunging — a video inspection identifies the actual root cause rather than just treating symptoms
• Before major landscaping or hardscaping projects — confirming your sewer line's exact location and condition before planting trees (whose roots are a leading cause of sewer line damage) or pouring a new driveway or patio
• After tree removal near your sewer line — to check whether roots caused any hidden damage before the tree was removed
• Older homes with original clay or cast iron sewer lines, where age-related deterioration is more likely
• Following a sewer backup, to pinpoint the exact cause and location before deciding on a repair approach

HOW VIDEO INSPECTION SAVES MONEY ON REPAIRS

Because the camera pinpoints the exact location and nature of a problem, video inspection often eliminates the guesswork — and unnecessary excavation — that used to be standard practice for diagnosing sewer issues. Rather than digging up an entire yard to search for a suspected problem, a technician can identify the precise location needing repair, which:

• Minimizes disruption to your landscaping, driveway, or foundation
• Reduces labor time and excavation costs
• Allows for targeted solutions like trenchless pipe repair in many cases, avoiding full excavation altogether

TREE ROOT INTRUSION: A COMMON FINDING

One of the most frequent issues revealed by sewer video inspection in this region is tree root intrusion — roots seeking moisture can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints, then grow and expand within the pipe, eventually causing blockages or structural damage. Because root intrusion tends to worsen over time, catching it early through inspection can mean the difference between a manageable repair and a full pipe replacement.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INSPECTION

Following the video inspection, our technicians provide a detailed report — often including recorded footage — documenting exactly what was found and where. This report becomes the basis for a clear, informed recommendation: whether that's routine drain cleaning, hydro jetting for stubborn buildup, targeted pipe repair, or in more serious cases, sewer line replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sewer video inspection take?
Most residential inspections take 30-60 minutes, depending on the length and accessibility of the sewer line being inspected.

Do I need to be present during the inspection?
Not necessarily, though we recommend being available afterward to review the findings and discuss any recommendations directly with our technician.

Will I get a copy of the video footage?
Yes — we provide a comprehensive report along with the video documentation, which is especially useful for home purchase decisions or insurance documentation if damage is found.