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.
When Should You Get a Sewer & Drain Camera Inspection?
Underground sewer pipe issues are impossible to diagnose accurately by guessing. Our high-definition optic camera inspections reveal the exact condition, depth, and location of your underground plumbing without unneeded digging. Call our diagnostic specialists at (224) 754-1984 if you encounter any of these scenarios:
Repeated Main Line Backups: Fixtures overflowing or drains bubbling every few months despite routine snaking or hydro jetting.
Slow Draining Throughout the Entire House: Multiple toilets, showers, and basement floor drains clearing slowly at the same time.
Buying a New Home or Property: Essential pre-purchase sewer inspection to detect hidden pipe collapses, offset joints, or root damage before closing.
Lush Green Patches or Sinkholes in the Yard: Underground pipe cracks leaking nutrient-rich sewage water into your lawn, softening subsoil.
Sewer Gas Odors Inside or Around the Foundation: Hairline cracks in main sewer or stack vent pipes letting foul sewer gases enter living spaces.
Aging Clay or Cast Iron Pipes (Homes built pre-1985): Evaluating pipe walls for severe interior rust scale, bellies (sagging pipe sections), or tree root invasion.
What Our HD Sewer Cameras Can Detect Underground
Our state-of-the-art push rod and crawler cameras provide real-time, crystal-clear color video footage of your pipe interior:
Pipe Condition What the Camera Reveals Recommended Solution Tree Root Intrusion Fine hairline or heavy mass roots breaking through pipe joints seeking moisture. Hydro jetting root removal, mechanical cutting, or trenchless pipe lining. Pipe Belly / Sag A low dip in the pipe slope where standing water and solid waste accumulate. Spot excavation and pipe regrading to restore proper gravity flow pitch. Cracked, Offset, or Collapsed Pipes Fractured clay, crushed PVC, or offset joints shifting out of alignment due to soil movement. Spot sewer repair, trenchless epoxy lining, or main sewer pipe replacement. Heavy Scale & Grease Buildup Calcified minerals, hard water scale, or grease narrowing pipe diameter. High-pressure hydro jetting to restore pipes to original inner diameter.
Advanced Sewer Inspection Equipment We Utilize
We invest in professional-grade drain inspection technology from industry leaders like Ridgid, General Wire, and Spartan Tool:
High-Definition Self-Leveling Cameras: Crisp color lenses equipped with ultra-bright LED illumination and self-leveling heads that keep the video upright.
512Hz Sonde Radio-Locators: Built-in signal transmitters on the camera head that allow our plumbers to pinpoint the precise surface location and depth (down to the inch).
Micro-Reel Cameras for Small Drains (1.5" to 2"): Compact fiber-optic scope cameras designed for kitchen sink lines, laundry stacks, and bathroom drain pipes.
Digital Recording & USB Footage Delivery: Complete video footage recording delivered straight to you via USB or email link for insurance claims or home buyers.
Our Step-by-Step Sewer Camera Inspection Process
Access Point Selection: Locating the main cleanout access plug in your basement, crawlspace, or outside yard cleanout stack.
Flexible Camera Feeding: Inserting the flexible self-leveling HD push camera rod into the pipe, feeding it all the way to the municipal main connection or septic tank.
Real-Time Video Analysis: Monitoring high-resolution video screens with you, noting exact pipe footage markers, material transitions, and damage areas.
Radio-Sonde Surface Pinpointing: (If a issue is found) Locating the exact spot on your lawn or driveway using a 512Hz digital receiver wand to eliminate unnecessary digging.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Report: Providing an honest repair recommendation alongside a digital copy of your inspection video for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sewer Video Inspection Service
Q: How much does a sewer camera inspection cost in Illinois?
A: A standalone HD sewer camera inspection typically costs between $150 and $350. When performed alongside a drain cleaning or hydro jetting service, we frequently offer discounted bundle pricing.
Q: Can a sewer camera find leaks in small water supply pipes?
A: No. Sewer cameras are specifically designed for main drain and sewer pipes (1.5 inches to 8 inches in diameter). Pressurized potable water supply lines require acoustic electronic leak detection or thermal imaging instead.
Q: Why should I inspect the sewer line before buying a house?
A: Standard home inspectors do not look inside underground main sewer lines. A hidden collapsed pipe or root invasion can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000+ to replace right after closing. An inspection gives you full bargaining power.
Q: How far can your sewer cameras reach?
A: Our professional push camera reels extend up to 200 feet, which easily covers the distance from a basement cleanout past the curb to the municipal city main sewer line.
With multiple locations throughout North Shore and Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Emergency Plumbing offers promt and professional plumbing services.
Are you looking for a reliable plumber near me in the Arlington Heights, Bannockburn, Barrington, or surrounding areas?
Our local plumbing company offers expert services, catering to all your needs. Whether you're in the heart of Buffalo Grove, the serene streets of Deerfield, or require an emergency plumber in Des Plaines or Elk Grove Village, we are here to help. Our plumbing contractors are well-versed in the unique plumbing systems of Glencoe, Glenview, Hawthorn Woods, and Highland Park.
For those in Highwood, Hoffman Estates, or the quaint town of India Creek, our team guarantees prompt and efficient service.
Residents of Inverness, Kildeer, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and Lake Zurich can also rely on our expertise. We extend our services to Long Grove, Mettawa, Lincolnshire, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Northbrook, and Palatine.
Need a plumber in Prospect Heights, Ravinia, RiverWoods, Rolling Meadows, Vernon Hills, Wauconda, Wheeling, Wilmette, or Winnetka? Look no further! As a trusted plumbing contractor, we ensure that your plumbing issues are solved quickly and efficiently, keeping your home or business running smoothly.
