Mostly, homeowners neglect sewers until they cause visible damage. Slow drainage, backflow of drainage, and extremely foul odor in the backyard are indications of sewer issues which requires sewer inspection.
A sewer camera inspection is the perfect way to find out the problems and their root cause without any structural work. A small camera is introduced into the sewer through a cleanout opening or an accessible point of entrance.
The plumbers can then assess the entire condition of the sewer and the pipes, identify blockages, damage, cracks, and other deterioration.
A sewer inspection before buying a house can save homeowners from serious hazards. Sewer line assessment is a good deal during problems with drianage and experiencing old sewage lines.
Drain One Plumbing is a professional plumbing expert that provides exceptional sewage services to residential and commercial properties.
What is Sewer Camera Inspection?
Sewer line inspection or video pipe inspection, is used for analysis of the sewer through a camera. A waterproof camera is mounted on the flexible cable, and it passes through the sewer line.
The plumbers then thoroughly inspect the footage displayed on the monitor and analyze the current visible condition of the sewage. It has a built-in camera locating equipment called a transmitter that allows the plumbers or technicians to know the exact location of the camera. Knowing the exact location of the damage is extremely crucial for spot repair.
The Cost of Sewer Camera Inspection
The sewer line camera inspection cost varies depending on different factors involving the length of the pipe, structural condition, pipe material, access point and other factors.
The general cost of sewer inspection is around $150 to $500 but with the use of advanced equipment, the cost increases.
This sewer scope cost can reach beyond $1500 with the advanced use of equipment and large sewage pipes.
| Inspection Type | Typical Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic camera inspection | $125 to $500 | Camera inspection through an accessible cleanout |
| Pre-purchase sewer scope | $100 to $250 | Sewer inspection during a home inspection |
| Inspection without cleanout | $175 to $750 | More difficult access, such as toilet or roof-vent entry |
| HD camera inspection | $300 to $600 | Higher-resolution video and documentation |
| Camera + line locating | $300 to $800 | Inspection plus locating the problem from the surface |
| Specialty camera inspection | $600 to $1,500+ | 360°/self-leveling or specialized equipment |
| Long sewer line, 100+ ft. | $400 to $800 | Higher cost due to additional inspection time |
Cast Iron VS PVC Sewer Line: At a Glance
| Specification | Cast Iron | PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Older homes and existing sewer systems | Modern residential sewer systems |
| Corrosion resistance | Can corrode and develop internal scaling | Highly resistant to corrosion |
| Interior surface | Rougher; may accumulate scale | Smooth; generally promotes better flow |
| Common concerns | Corrosion, scaling, cracks, deterioration | Cracks, damaged joints, displacement |
| Camera inspection difficulty | May require more careful inspection | Generally easier to inspect |
| Typical inspection cost | $250 to $400 | $175 to $300 |
| Material cost | About $25 to $55/LF | About $3 to $5/LF |
| Best inspection focus | Corrosion, scaling, wall deterioration | Cracks, joints, blockages, displacement |
What Can A Sewer Camera Inspection Find
Root Intrusion
Root intrusion occurs when the roots of the trees enter the sewage lines through cracks or joints. The roots intrude into the sewage line and then start growing there, blocking the sewage line.
A camera inspection can show where the roots are entering the sewage line and how they are growing. It allows the plumbers to adopt the best repair method or solution in accordance with the pipe requirements.
Pipe Deterioration
Pipe deterioration can appear in the form of cracks, scaling, corrosion, or any other sign of damage. This is very often in old pipes and older plumbing. Sewer camera inspection can help inspect these signs, which helps with pre-purchase inspection before buying a house.
Blockage Diagnosis
A blockage can happen due to multiple reasons, including sediment deposits, debris, grease buildup, or foreign objects. Not every blockage is an indication of sewer cleanup but some can be due to root intrusion or structural defects like a sagging (bellied) pipe section.
A sewer camera inspection can tell the reason of blockage, which allows the plumbers to take strategic and planned steps in repair.
| Camera Finding | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Grease buildup | Accumulated household waste |
| Debris | Foreign material inside the line |
| Root mass | Tree-root intrusion |
| Collapsed section | Structural pipe failure |
| Heavy buildup | Reduced flow capacity |
Material and Condition Differences
Different pipe materials suffer different problems and require different solutions. The same goes with the sewer conditions. Inspection helps plumbers identify the pipe material and its condition, then choose the repair accordingly.
| Pipe Material | Common Inspection Concerns |
|---|---|
| Cast iron | Corrosion, scaling, deterioration |
| PVC | Cracks, damaged joints, displacement |
| Clay | Cracks, root intrusion, separated joints |
| Orangeburg | Deformation and deterioration in older systems |
Cracks, Breaks, or Offset Joints
Cracks, breaks, and offset joints can have interaction with wastewater flow which allows them to mix clay, sand and other particles to mix with it and enter the sewage line.
A sewer line camera inspection allows locating these defects and then helps in selecting the right method of repair for it.
| Finding | Potential Impact |
|---|---|
| Hairline crack | May develop into a larger defect |
| Major crack | Can allow soil or roots into the line |
| Broken pipe | Can cause leakage and drainage problems |
| Offset joint | Restricts flow and may allow intrusion |
| Collapsed pipe | Can create a major blockage and require repair |
When Do You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?
During older sewage lines
When the home’s sewage lines were installed more than a decade ago. Then it is more likely to deteriorate and rot, causing different existing problems. This is one of the strongest indications of the need for a sewer camera inspection.
For pre-purchase inspection
When buying a new house, it is important to thoroughly analyze everything about the house, including its plumbing and sewer lines. A sewer camera inspection allows the proper analysis of the sewer line without any structural modifications.
Experiencing slower drains
Noticing persistently slow drains can indicate the need for sewer analysis.
Frequent gurgling sounds near sewage
Frequently hearing gurgling sounds near the sewage or the yard areas can indicate that the sewage is full or blocked and needs attention.
Foul or sewage odor in the backyard
Smelling sewage odor in the backyard is an indication of sewage buildup or a blockage.
Regular maintenance
A sewer camera inspection is important in regular maintenance and annual inspections.
Summary
Looking to have your sewer inspected? Drain One Plumbing is here for you. Contact us at (817) 572-9700 or you can also email us at alfordtravis@att.net for more information and to get your appointment.
FAQs
What is the most common problem with sewers?
The most common problem with sewers is the buildup of grease and debris, causing blockages.
How long does it take to repair a sewer?
A sewer line repair can take about 1 to 3 days, depending on the type of repair, while a replacement can take about 3 to 5 days to complete.
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost in Arlington, TX?
The sewer camera inspection costs around $200 to $700 in Arlington, TX, depending on the length of the pipe and the condition of the sewer.
What are the benefits of a sewer camera inspection?
The sewer camera inspection allows the non-invasive detection of sewer or plumbing line damage and the condition of the sewer.
Can a sewer camera inspection detect plumbing leaks?
Yes, a sewer camera inspection can detect cracks and leaks in the supply line rather than leaks behind the walls.