How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?

Sewer and plumbing camera inspection cost

A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500 on average. A sewer scope inspection costs $100 to $250 when added to a home inspection. CCTV drain camera inspections don't include pipe repairs or snaking the drain. Sewer camera rental costs $120 to $225 per day for DIY plumbing video inspection.

*Based on 1,991 project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Sewer line camera inspection costs

Sewer line camera inspections cost $125 to $500 to open the drain and feed a plumbing scope through the pipes. The plumber views live video from the CCTV drain camera to locate clogs, damaged pipes, or tree roots.

Sewer inspections cost $175 to $750 for homes without a cleanout—an aboveground pipe that provides access to the home's sewer line. The plumber must remove the toilet to use it as an access point instead and reinstall it afterward.

What’s not included in the cost of a drain camera inspection

A camera pipe inspection helps plumbers locate problems in the drains, but the cost does not include repairs after identifying the problem.

• Sewer line cleaning costs $150 to $500 to snake the line or $250 to $800 for hydro jetting.
• Sewer line repair costs $50 to $150 per linear foot or $2,250 to $5,750 on average.
• A full sewer line replacement costs $50 to $200 per linear foot or $8,000 to $30,000.
• If the main sewer line backs up due to septic tank failure, a new septic tank system costs $3,300 to $5,000 to install.
• Septic tank repair costs $600 to $3,000 on average.
• A septic tank inspection costs $150 to $450.
• Plumber rates are $45 to $150 per hour to fix any additional plumbing issues or sewer problems.

Return to Top

Roto-Rooter video camera inspection cost

Roto-Rooter video camera inspections cost $295 to $350 on average. Technicians provide exact prices after evaluating the problem in person. Some Roto-Rooter franchises charge a $70 to $200 trip charge, which typically applies to the cost of inspection and repairs.

CCTV sewer camera prices

Professional CCTV sewer drain cameras cost $2,500 to $10,000 on average to buy. A CCTV sewer camera allows the plumber to view a live video feed from inside the pipes to locate clogs or damaged areas. Many drain cameras are self-leveling with lights and a memory card.

Drain camera rental cost for a DIY scope

Sewer camera rental costs $120 to $225 per day. Rental plumbing scopes extend only 150 to 200 feet, while professional scopes extend 200 to 400 feet. Hiring a professional plumber is more cost-effective than renting and learning to use the camera yourself for one day of use.

Return to Top

Reasons for a sewer scope inspection

Sewer video inspections allow plumbers to find and diagnose problems without digging up the yard to access the sewer pipes. Drain cameras have a built-in transmitter so plumbers can pinpoint the exact location of the problem underground.

Signs you need a sewer camera inspection

• Backed-up pipes or slow drains often occur due to clogging or damage in the sewer system.
• Leaks under the foundation.
• Toilet doesn't flush thoroughly.
• A patch of overgrown grass may indicate a water leak below the surface.
• Inconsistent water pressure.
• A damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line occurs from collapsed pipes or pipes that are damaged or sinking.
• Foul odors in bathrooms or sinks may indicate a back-up in the sewer line.

Clogged drain line

The cost to unclog or snake a drain is $100 to $275. Grease and hair build-up is the most common cause of sewer line clogs. Blockages may occur in low areas called "bellies," where pipes sag and debris collects in the low point.

If there is a major blockage in the sewer line, the plumbing scope can't move forward to visually inspect the rest of the line until the obstruction is cleared.

Broken or damaged plumbing pipes

A sewer camera inspection pinpoints the exact location of damage to the plumbing system, which may include:

• Cracks due to aging sewer pipes, digging, or penetration by foreign objects like rebar or stones.
• Rust and corrosion that weakens pipe walls or blocks the interior.
• Offset pipes where two sections meet but don't line up correctly due to settling or shifting in the ground.
• Pipe collapse, which is less common but may occur in old sewer lines that have been neglected.

Tree root intrusion

Tree roots push through hairline cracks in pipes in search of water and eventually grow large enough to fill or crush a pipe. Tree root infiltration is common in older cast-iron and clay sewer lines but occurs less often in newer PVC pipes.

Object retrieval

Sewer cameras are ideal for locating jewelry, coins, and other items that fall down the drain. Even if the lost object is not valuable, leaving it in the drain may cause problems in the pipes.

Part of a real estate home inspection

A home inspection costs $300 to $500 but typically doesn't include a sewer line camera inspection. A sewer inspection adds $100 to $250 to the price of a standard home inspection and is recommended for homes older than 20 years. Not all home inspectors offer this service.

Health risks from sewage exposure

Sewer gas contains a mixture of several gases that are odorless but harmful to human health. Damaged or clogged pipes can result in sewage backup into the house. Symptoms of sewage exposure include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Eye irritation
• Headaches
• Poor memory or concentration

Return to Top

Sewer lateral inspection vs. main line scope

A lateral sewer line inspection identifies blockages and damage in the underground pipes running from the home's foundation to the public sewer system located at the street. Homeowners are only responsible for sewer lines on their private property. The city is responsible for maintaining the public main line.

What is a sewer video inspection?

A sewer video inspection uses a small camera attached to a thin, flexible cable to transmit a real-time view from inside the pipes, allowing plumbers to locate and diagnose problems in the home's sewer line. A sewer scope can identify blockages, corrosion, and pipe damage.

How much does a sewer scope inspection cost?

Sewer scope inspections cost $125 to $500, not including the price of additional plumbing repairs. Drain scope costs depend on whether the home has a cleanout—an aboveground pipe allowing direct access to the sewer line—or the plumber has to remove the toilet for access instead.

How is a sewer camera inspection performed?

To perform a sewer camera inspection, a plumber inserts a small video camera connected to a flexible cable into the home's sewer line and snakes the camera through the pipes. The plumber views the live video feed on a monitor to look for blockages and other problems.

What can I expect to see from the sewer video inspection?

During a drain camera inspection, you will see a live video feed from inside the sewer line. Most drain cameras are self-leveling and feature lights to provide clear images of any blockages or damage to the pipes. The plumber may provide a copy of the video after the inspection.

How far will the drain camera inspection go?

Professional drain cameras extend 200 to 400 feet. Blockages or damage in the pipes may prevent the camera from traveling its full length. Plumbers use a transmitter in the camera to locate the exact point of the problem so they can access it from aboveground.

How long does a sewer inspection take?

Most sewer inspections take 1 hour on average. Home's without a cleanout pipe to access to the sewer line or drains with clogs take longer to inspect.

Return to Top

Hiring a plumber or sewer scope inspector

Before hiring a plumber to perform a sewer camera inspection, remember to:

• Get at least three estimates to compare.
• Search for licensed plumbers or inspectors with sewer camera experience.
• Look at their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Beware of companies charging a low-cost for sewer inspection but high rates for any repairs needed.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• Will I receive a copy of the video from the sewer inspection?
• Will I receive a detailed printed report of the inspection results?
• How long will the inspection take?
• Do I need to be home while you do the inspection?
• Does the estimate include any plumbing repairs? What additional costs can I expect?
• Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
• How do you handle damages that happen on the job?
• What does your warranty policy include?
• What is your payment schedule?
• What payment methods do you accept?

Get free estimates on HomeGuide from trusted sewer inspectors:

Get free estimates