Sometimes the first sign of a sewer problem is a slow-draining tub or a faint, sour odor in the hallway after a shower. Other times it’s dramatic — a backed-up toilet, a wet spot in the yard, or gurgling sinks that sound like they’re brewing coffee. Diagnosing the cause used to feel like guesswork. Dig a trench, hope you find the break, and brace for a surprise on the invoice. Sewer camera inspection changed that story. At JB Rooter and Plumbing Inc, we use professional sewer camera inspection to see, record, and measure what’s happening in your lines without ripping up your home or landscaping. It’s less mystery, less mess, and more certainty.
Why seeing inside your line matters
Wastewater lines are not one-size-fits-all, and neither are the problems. Clay tile shifts at joints, old cast iron flakes and closes down, PVC can belly if the ground settles, and grease hardens into a smooth, stubborn choke point. A visual inspection with a high-resolution camera head gives us a definitive answer. We can tell you whether you’re facing root intrusion, a misaligned coupling, a partial collapse, or just a wad of wipes that never should have been flushed.
The stakes are both practical and financial. A single misdiagnosis can lead to digging in the wrong place, replacing good pipe, or applying the wrong fix. With a recorded video and an on-screen footage counter, we can mark the exact location and depth for repair, or show you that no repair is needed at all. Clear evidence makes for better decisions, and better decisions save money.
What a sewer camera inspection actually involves
Picture a flexible cable, often 100 to 200 feet long, with a waterproof, self-leveling camera on the end. The camera head includes bright LEDs, a transmitter, and a lens that stays oriented right-side-up no matter how the cable twists. We feed this assembly into the cleanout or another access point, then navigate the line, documenting everything we see. The footage counter displays how far we’ve traveled, and a locator above ground tracks the camera head’s position to within inches. If you’ve ever wondered where your line crosses the yard or how deep it sits under the driveway, this is how we find out.
The process is efficient. A typical single-family inspection takes 45 to 90 minutes. We run water to simulate use, inspect both the main and key branch lines when accessible, and capture a digital recording along with still images of notable findings. If we encounter a blockage that prevents the camera from moving forward, we often perform targeted cleaning on the spot, then continue the inspection.
The equipment that makes a difference
All cameras are not equal. Cheap rigs blur in standing water, wash out in glare, or lose signal in cast iron. Our crews carry commercial-grade systems with:
- A self-leveling head that keeps orientation stable so slopes and defects read correctly on video. High-lumen LEDs and variable brightness to avoid glare in PVC and dark spots in rough cast iron. A sonde transmitter built into the head for accurate above-ground locating, paired with a locator wand that gives depth and position. A durable pushrod with a smooth jacket and proper stiffness for negotiating multiple bends without scuffing the pipe. On-screen footage and text overlay to mark key features like cleanouts, tie-ins, and defects.
This level of detail lets a licensed residential plumbing contractor make precise recommendations instead of guesses.
Real-world problems we uncover and how we fix them
Tree roots are a classic. They snake into tiny gaps, then expand. We’ve pulled what looked like a bouquet of roots out of a four-inch clay line, only to find two more clusters ten feet later. The camera shows the pattern and the count, which matters because roots rarely invade just one joint. After locating the trouble spots, our trusted drain cleaning company techniques range from sectional power augering to hydro jetting. If the joints are failing across a long run, we discuss long-term options like expert trenchless pipe repair or sectional replacement.
We also see bellies — low sections where the pipe has settled and holds water. A short, shallow belly might just need mindful maintenance and periodic cleaning, especially in homes with limited grade. A long belly that traps solids, on the other hand, causes chronic clogs. The camera allows us to measure the length and position of the dip so we can plan a remedy. That might be spot repair, regrading a run, or a trenchless liner when conditions are right.
Cast iron interiors tell stories too. After 40 to 60 years, scale builds, flakes loosen, and the diameter shrinks. In one 1960s ranch we inspected, the four-inch cast looked more like three inches from nodular rust. We combined descaling with a chain flail and hydro jetting, restored flow, and verified results live on camera. The homeowner saw the before and after on screen, not a line on a receipt. That level of transparency is how a plumbing company with proven results earns trust.
Foreign objects deserve a mention. Toys, toothbrushes, construction debris, and the tough one — so-called flushable wipes. They clump, drag, and snag on any imperfection. With the camera, we confirm whether we’re dealing with a one-time obstruction or an underlying defect that keeps catching things. If it’s just a mass of wipes, we remove it. If it’s a cracked hub that acts like a hook, we show it and plan a repair.
When to schedule a camera inspection
There are patterns we’ve learned the hard way. If your home is older than 30 to 40 years and you’ve had more than one unexplained backup, a camera inspection is the smart next step. If you’re buying a home, a clean sewer report can be as important as the roof or foundation. We have prevented buyers from inheriting a $12,000 sewer replacement by finding a collapsed section under a driveway before closing. Conversely, we’ve given sellers confidence by documenting that their line is sound, which turns a negotiation point into a non-issue.
Remodels benefit too. If you’re planning a bathroom addition or relocating fixtures, mapping the existing sewer is essential. As a professional bathroom remodeling plumber, we use the camera to verify slope, identify suitable tie-in points, and anticipate upgrades. On water-facing projects, a certified water heater installation or a re-pipe can also trigger a look inside the drain system, because there is little sense in upgrading supply lines while ignoring a compromised waste line.
Even acute situations have a place. During an emergency call — say a kitchen line that backed up on a holiday — we often perform a focused camera pass once flow is restored. It helps prevent a repeat a week later and may reveal that what looked like a simple grease clog hides a joint offset six feet down the line.
What you can expect during an appointment
Our insured plumbing repair authority technicians arrive with a clear plan. We start with a short conversation about symptoms, home age, and any history of drain cleaning. We identify access points like exterior cleanouts, garage traps, or roof vents when necessary. Rooftop access is not our first choice, but in homes without ground-level cleanouts it can be the most direct route to a troubled branch.
We set protective mats, suit up, and run controlled water to simulate regular use. The camera goes in, and we narrate as we move: pipe material, size, joints, fittings, and any anomalies. When we find an issue, we stop, adjust lighting, and capture stills. If a repair is needed, we mark the location with surface paint and log the depth. At the end, we review the footage with you. You keep the video file, still images, and a written report that includes recommendations. If no repair is needed, the report will say so plainly.
How camera inspections reduce cost and disruption
Digging blind is expensive. A single exploratory trench can run several thousand dollars, plus restoration. With a professional sewer camera inspection, we isolate the problem area and avoid disturbing healthy pipe. That precision matters when lines run under patios, stamped concrete, or mature landscaping. It’s also key for homes with shared laterals, where guessing can lead to neighbor disputes.
Targeted work syncs well with expert trenchless pipe repair methods: pipe lining, pipe bursting, or sectional point repairs. Lining a 20-foot section with a verified defect can cost half of a full replacement, and because we have the footage, we can show exactly why that 20 feet matters. When trenchless isn’t suitable — for instance, in a severely deformed pipe or with excessive bellies — we shift to reliable plumbing replacement services and use the surface locator data to minimize excavation.
Pairing cameras with cleaning and repair techniques
A camera by itself doesn’t clear a clog, but it guides the right tool to the right place. In grease-heavy kitchens, we pair inspection with hot-water hydro jetting. For roots, we select a cutter head sized to the pipe and follow with a camera pass to confirm the cut at every joint. In fragile clay lines, a gentle approach avoids cracking a bell. In cast iron, we may descale with a chain flail before jetting to avoid pushing flakes downline into a worse blockage.
A camera also verifies workmanship. After a repair, we record the final pass to confirm joints are aligned, slope is correct, and debris is cleared. It’s proof of quality for you, and it’s documentation we stand behind. That’s part of being a local plumbing authority services provider who values accountability over sales pitches.
Edge cases and what experience teaches
Not every line is camera-friendly on the first visit. Heavily offset joints can stop a camera cold. Excessive grease can smear the lens, making footage useless until we clean. In those cases, we treat cleaning as part of the diagnostic. We’ll jet, then film, rather than film a haze and call it a day. In older homes with numerous tight-radius bends, the pushrod may struggle to navigate, and we respect the limits to avoid damaging the pipe or the camera. If we can’t reach a suspected problem, we explain why and propose alternate access points or methods.
We also watch for false alarms. A dimple in the pipe wall might be a harmless casting mark. A small, smooth root hair can be incidental if there is no flow restriction. The goal is accurate interpretation, not dramatizing every quirk. This judgment comes from many hours in the field, not just reading a manual.
The role of leak detection and water lines
Sewer issues sometimes mask water supply problems. A soggy patch near the curb could point to a leaking water service rather than a sewer break. Our experienced leak detection specialists use acoustic tools and thermal imaging where appropriate, then confirm with spot excavations. If we find a supply issue, we switch gears. Trusted water line repair might involve trenchless pull-through replacement to avoid tearing up a driveway, or a new copper or PEX run rerouted for longevity. Again, documentation and clarity guide the recommendation.
Everyday service meets larger projects
A good sewer inspection program fits into a broader service philosophy. We are a licensed residential plumbing contractor, which means we look at plumbing as a system. If we find your main line is fine but the kitchen branch is coated with grease, we suggest routine maintenance that includes hydro jetting at reasonable intervals. If the bathroom lav faucet won’t shut off and spikes your water bill at 2 a.m., an emergency faucet repair specialist can get there fast while keeping the bigger picture in mind.
Smaller fixes belong in the conversation too. Affordable garbage disposal repair is common after we clear a kitchen line; sometimes the disposal failed because it fought a clog for weeks. Skilled pipe fitting experts handle tight utility rooms and older fittings when we replace sections of pipe or add cleanouts for future access. And when you’re remodeling, a professional bathroom remodeling plumber coordinates drain upgrades with tile and cabinetry so you don’t end up tearing out new work to correct a slope problem later.
Buying or selling a home? Put a camera on the checklist
Home inspections often skip sewers. That omission can be costly. We’ve seen brand-new kitchens sitting on top of a main line that collapsed three feet past the foundation. A professional sewer camera inspection during escrow gives buyers leverage to negotiate repairs, request credits, or walk away from a money pit. Sellers benefit when the report shows a clear line; it removes a common worry and speeds up closing. Where we find issues, we price options, from localized dig-and-repair to expert trenchless pipe repair, and document everything so the next owner understands what was done.
Preventative maintenance that pays for itself
Sewer systems do their best work when ignored, but they need occasional attention. If your home has clay or cast iron, or if you have trees within ten feet of the line, an inspection every two to three years makes sense. We combine that with targeted cleaning, then film again to verify. The second pass is not a gimmick. It’s how we confirm that the cleaning achieved the intended result and that we didn’t push debris downstream. Over time, these records become a baseline. If something changes, we catch it early.
Transparent pricing and what influences cost
Costs vary with access, length of line, and the condition of the pipe. A straightforward single-line inspection with a ground-level cleanout falls at the low end. Multiple branch lines, rooftop access, or heavy pre-cleaning add time and complexity. We price the camera work separately from cleaning and repairs, and we show the breakdown before we start. As an insured plumbing repair authority, we prioritize clear, written estimates and never bury the lead. If we suggest a repair, you see the footage, the depth, and the footage counter marker that justifies the scope.
What we do after the inspection
You receive a digital video file, still images, and a narrative report. We outline immediate safety concerns, recommended maintenance, and repair options with pros and cons. For example, a short liner may save money now but complicate future tie-ins. A full replacement costs more but resets the clock for decades. We talk through these trade-offs. If you choose to proceed, we schedule, pull permits where needed, and coordinate with other trades if the work touches concrete, landscaping, or interior finishes. Reliable plumbing replacement services live or die by coordination and clean job sites. We leave the area neat, backfill properly, and return for a final camera pass so everyone can see the finished result.
A quick homeowner self-check between visits
- Pay attention to patterns: frequent backups in the same fixture hint at a branch issue, while backups across multiple fixtures point to the main. Note gurgling or slow drains after heavy rain — that can indicate infiltration through cracks or a shared municipal issue. Limit what goes down the drain: grease, wipes, dental floss, and coffee grounds cause problems out of proportion to their size. Look for lush grass stripes in the yard where the line runs, which can signal a leak. Keep track of cleanout locations and keep them accessible for faster service.
These small habits make your next camera visit cleaner and more informative.
Why JB Rooter and Plumbing Inc earns repeat calls
Results matter more than slogans. Our crews combine rigorous training with hands-on experience. We carry the right tools, explain what we’re doing, and show you why. If a fix can be small, we keep it small. If the permanent solution is better value long term, we lay out the numbers. Clients call us back because we own the work, from emergency calls to planned upgrades. When we say we’re your local plumbing authority services team, it means we stand behind every recommendation with evidence and a practical path forward.
Whether you need a trusted drain cleaning company for a stubborn clog, an emergency faucet repair specialist in the middle of the night, certified water heater installation, or https://rylansobp974.cavandoragh.org/licensed-drain-cleaning-and-inspections-jb-rooter-and-plumbing-inc-advantage a professional sewer camera inspection before a remodel, we bring the same careful, straightforward approach. That’s the standard we set for ourselves, and it’s how we deliver plumbing company with proven results you can see on screen, not just on paper.
If you’re ready to see inside your pipes and make decisions with confidence, schedule a camera inspection. We’ll bring the gear, the know-how, and the respect for your home that turns a messy problem into a clear plan.