Camera Inspection for Sewer Line
Bay Area's #1 Choice

We insert a high-resolution, waterproof camera attached to a flexible fiber-optic cable into your main sewer line through an accessible cleanout. As the camera travels through the pipe, it transmits a real-time video feed to a monitor, allowing us to see the internal condition of the line, including cracks, root intrusions, and blockages, without any digging.

An inspection is vital if you experience recurring backups, slow drains throughout the house, or "gurgling" sounds from your toilets. It is also a standard recommendation for home buyers during the "due diligence" period to ensure there are no hidden structural issues with the underground plumbing before finalizing a purchase.

While the camera is waterproof, it cannot see through thick sludge or heavy debris. If your line is completely backed up, we typically need to clear the blockage with a snake or hydro-jet first. Once the standing water has drained, the camera can provide a clear view of what caused the clog in the first place.

A standard residential sewer inspection usually takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. This includes the setup, the full "run" of the camera to the municipal main or septic tank, and a review of the footage with you to explain any findings.

We frequently find tree root intrusions at pipe joints, "bellies" (low spots where water and waste pool), offset joints where the earth has shifted, and cracked or collapsed sections in older clay or Orangeburg pipes. We also look for "grease caps".

The camera head contains a signal-emitting "sonde." While the camera is inside the pipe at the point of the problem, we use a handheld locator device above ground to pick up that signal. This allows us to mark the exact spot and depth on your lawn or driveway, so if a repair is needed, we know exactly where to dig.

Yes. In 2026, we provide a digital link or a USB drive containing the full video recording of the inspection. This is a valuable document for insurance claims, real estate transactions, or as a reference point for future plumbing maintenance.

A camera is excellent for finding structural breaks, large cracks, and disconnected joints where water is clearly escaping. However, for extremely small "seeping" leaks or pinholes, we may combine the camera inspection with a static pressure test or electronic leak detection to confirm the system's integrity.

While not always legally mandated for every home, many municipalities now require a "lateral inspection" before a property is sold or when a major renovation is permitted. This ensures that the private portion of the sewer line is not contributing to city-wide infiltration or environmental contamination.

Yes. If you have a total main line failure in the middle of the night, we provide 24/7 emergency response. Using the camera immediately allows us to determine if the issue is a simple clog that can be cleared or a structural collapse that requires an emergency bypass or repair.