Sewer lines aren’t exactly dinner table conversation. However, if there’s a problem beneath the surface, you’ll notice it right away with slow drains, foul smells, or even flooding in your basement.
At that point, most homeowners start asking, “Is a sewer camera inspection worth it?”
The answer is yes. It can save you time and money and prevent stress, especially if your yard has hardscaping elements like patios or walkways.
What Is A Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection is exactly what it sounds like.
Experts insert a small waterproof camera into your property’s main sewer line. It travels through the pipe, giving real-time video footage that appears on a monitor. Your technician can determine whether you have root growth, blockages, cracks, or sagging pipes within your sewer system.
It’s non-invasive, highly accurate, and surprisingly quick, often done in under an hour.
Why Just Guessing Doesn’t Cut It
Imagine you’re having trouble breathing, but your doctor simply writes you a prescription right away. Doesn’t this feel like a dangerous approach?
The same goes for your sewer line; if you don’t look inside, you’re just guessing. There could be a clog. Possibly, the problem is a busted pipe. Perhaps tree roots are the cause. It’s impossible to know without seeing it.
That’s where sewer camera inspections help. They reveal exactly what’s wrong underground and guide the right fix.
How Sewer Camera Inspections Save You Money
Would you destroy your driveway just in case there’s a leak?
Damage to hardscaping is the last thing you hope for, especially when you’ve put in pavers, retaining walls, or stone walkways. A sewer camera inspection lets you target the fault precisely without tearing up your landscaping or hardscape features.
Some insurance companies require a camera inspection report before approving your claim.
It can help you avoid the following:
- Unnecessary excavation.
- Changing your existing pipes.
- Fixing things from wrong guesses costs a lot.
- Installing expensive hardscaping again.
A little money now can protect you from thousands of dollars in repairs later.
When Should You Get A Sewer Camera Inspection
You don’t have to wait until a problem occurs. It’s best to arrange an inspection at certain times, for example:
Before Buying A Home
Most standard home inspections don’t include sewer lines. If the house is over 20 years old, get a sewer camera inspection before closing.
Once Drain Problems Have Been Noticed
Notice any slow draining from your tubs or sinks? That’s your reminder to call the experts.
Before You Begin Your Yard Renovation
Is hardscaping in the plans for your property? Always start by looking over the sewer line. It’s best not to discover a hidden pipe problem when digging for a patio.
Every Few Years For Maintenance
Think of it like a routine health checkup, spot small issues before they turn big.
What Can A Sewer Camera Inspection Reveal
It could surprise you what’s beneath your property. Many technicians come across these things:
- Tree roots looking for water often break into pipes.
- In homes built before the 1970s, collapse or corrosion may occur in clay or cast iron pipes.
- Grease, small particles, or foreign things are stuck in the pipe.
- Pipe misalignments or bellies where waste collects instead of flowing properly.
Left unchecked, these issues can lead to clogs and costly water damage, but a simple camera inspection can catch them early.
Is A Sewer Camera Inspection Worth It
Let’s understand it better.
According to Home Guide, the average cost of a sewer camera inspection is between $125 and $500. That is much less expensive than the average sewer line replacement, which costs $3,320, depending on the location and length of the pipe.
Given the potential savings, a sewer camera inspection is absolutely worth every penny.
What You Will Experience During The Inspection
If you’ve not had a physical sewer camera inspection before, this is the way it usually goes:
- A technician normally identifies the main sewer cleanout outside or in the basement.
- A flexible camera is placed within the pipeline.
- The technician uses a live TV feed to look inside each part of the pipe.
- You will receive all findings and recommendations in a complete report.
The inspection usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, and you can even watch the process live on a monitor.
Conclusion
A sewer camera inspection might not sound glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your home.
It protects your plumbing, your home, and all of your attractive hardscaping. If you’re planning a renovation, experiencing drainage problems, or about to buy a home, don’t wait for any problem to arise from underground and cause an emergency.
Knowledge is important, especially when it comes to your home’s most essential systems, and that’s our motto at Blessed Assurance Home Inspection (BAHI).
Our sewer camera inspections are quick, affordable, and handled by trusted professionals. Take steps to avoid expensive problems. Our goal is to reveal what is really happening beneath the surface.
Contact Blessed Assurance Home Inspection today to schedule your sewer camera inspection and protect your home from the inside out.
