Written by

Kristen Cramer

October 9, 2023

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

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.

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 $60 to $250 per linear foot or $150 to $3,800 on average.

• A full sewer line replacement costs $50 to $250 per linear foot or $2,000 to $10,000.

• If the main sewer line backs up due to septic tank failure, a new septic tank system costs $3,500 to $8,500 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.

Roto-Rooter video camera inspection cost

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

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 operate the camera for one day of use.

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

• Leaks under the foundation

• Toilet not flushing thoroughly

• A patch of overgrown grass in only one area

• Inconsistent water pressure

• A damp depression in the lawn above the sewer line

• Foul odors in bathrooms or sinks

Clogged drain line

The cost to unclog or snake a drain is $100 to $275. Grease and hair buildup 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 from aging pipes, digging, or penetration by 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

• Pipe collapse, which is less common but may occur in old and neglected sewer lines

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

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.

Important: 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. This method helps plumbers locate and diagnose problems in the sewer line. A sewer scope identifies 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. Homes without a clean-out pipe to access to the sewer line or drains with clogs take longer to inspect.

Hiring a plumber or sewer scope inspector

Before hiring a plumber or sewer service 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 and Google.

• Beware of companies charging a low cost for inspections but high rates for repairs.

• 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?