Choosing the Right Sewer Camera Service: Questions to Ask

A good sewer camera inspection can save you from tearing up a slab, guessing at a blockage, or replacing pipe that still has years of service left. A poor one can do the opposite, leaving you with pretty footage and no roadmap. I have watched both outcomes play out. The difference usually comes down to preparation, the technician’s judgment, and whether the company treats the camera as a diagnostic tool rather than a sales lever.

If you are a homeowner wrestling with repeat backups, a property manager trying to budget for capital work, or a buyer who wants real information before closing, the way you choose a sewer camera service matters. The camera is the least expensive part of the job. Interpretation, documentation, and next steps are where value lives.

Below are the questions that separate a useful Sewer Camera Inspection from a glorified video tour, along with the context behind each. Ask these questions before anyone unspools a cable. Then keep a copy on hand during the job.

What a sewer camera can and cannot do

A sewer camera, sometimes called a Drain Camera or push camera, is a small waterproof head with lights, mounted on a flexible push rod. Technicians push it through your drain line while watching a screen. You get a live view of the pipe’s interior, often with distance markers. Many camera heads carry a sonde, a small radio transmitter the tech can locate from above with a handheld receiver. The sonde gives a surface location and depth.

A camera shows you conditions inside the pipe: cracks, offsets at joints, roots entering through bad seals, grease, sags that hold water, construction debris, or foreign objects. It can estimate pipe size and material. On a good day, it will identify the exact cause of a blockage and its position relative to the house or the municipal tap.

A camera cannot see through heavy murk. Packed sludge, standing water from a sag, or thick grease can blind it. It cannot measure flow rate directly, confirm grade without reference points, or guarantee the structural integrity of pipe that looks fine. It also cannot tell you what is outside the pipe. For example, soil movement from nearby trees or heavy vehicles may threaten a line even if the interior still appears sound. That is why a Sewer Camera Inspection is a piece of a larger evaluation, not the whole story.

Confirm the scope: what line, how far, and for what decision

Before you schedule anything, define the scope in writing. Ask the provider to restate it back to you. Are you inspecting the main building drain to the city connection, a branch line to a problematic bathroom, or both? Is this a pre-purchase drain camera inspection intended to set negotiation terms, or a post-backup look for targeted repair planning? The answer affects how the technician works and how they report.

A clear scope includes entry points, expected footage length, and any known features such as a cleanout location, septic tank, or transition from cast iron to PVC. If your property is older and the cleanout is buried or missing, the service should plan extra time to locate or create access. A ten-minute peek from a sink trap is not a valid inspection of a 90-foot main line. A realistic scope acknowledges that time, access, and cleaning may be required to get meaningful footage.

Will they hydrojet or mechanically clean first if needed?

Camera lenses love clear water. If the line is loaded with sludge, grease, or roots, what the tech sees is noise. Pre-cleaning with a jetter or a cable machine may be essential. I have seen technicians push into a root mass, snag the head, then declare a full replacement necessary. After a proper clean, the same section showed a single joint with moderate intrusion that could be spot repaired.

Ask whether the company can clean and camera in the same visit. Confirm that the person running the jet understands how to protect older pipe. A 4,000 psi jet run at the wrong angle can chew into fragile clay or corroded cast iron. Reasonable operators step up gradually: mechanical clearing to open flow, low-pressure rinsing, then targeted jetting if needed. They also document both the pre- and post-clean footage. Keep both videos. If anyone disputes the necessity of later repairs, the comparison matters.

Equipment that actually helps decisions

Not all cameras are equal. You do not need the newest toy, but the basics matter. Ask about:

Camera head size and suitability: A 1 to 1.5 inch head fits 2 inch lines well, while a 2 inch head works better in 3 to 6 inch mains. Using an oversized head in a small line will miss turns and scar the pipe. Using a tiny head in a large main can skew perception of cracks and offsets. Footage counter: On-screen distance markers, calibrated for the push rod, are crucial. If a repair later calls out “offset joint at 54 feet,” a counter makes that claim real. Locating sonde: The ability to mark the problem on the ground with depth is what lets you choose spot repair over trenching the entire yard. Self-leveling camera: Not mandatory, but helpful. With self-leveling, the image stays upright, which reduces misreads when evaluating sags or offsets. Recording quality: Request digital files, not only a quick phone video of the monitor. A clear MP4 with a readable overlay lets a second opinion review without guesswork.

A good Drain Camera is only half the equation. The monitor should have strong glare control for outdoor work. The locator should be a reputable model sewer camera for inspection with depth readout, and the tech should know how to account for pipe material and soil when interpreting depth.

The person behind the screen: training and blind spots

The best equipment in the wrong hands is a flashlight in a cave. Ask who will be on site and what their experience looks like. Good answers often include a mix: a lead tech who has cleared hundreds of lines, understands local materials and codes, and has the patience to push through stubborn junctions without damaging fittings.

The technician should be comfortable narrating the inspection in real time. You want clear, concise statements: “At 28 feet, transition from cast iron to clay. At 34 feet, minor root intrusion at joint, approximately 15 percent of diameter. At 61 feet, standing water, estimated 10 feet long, depth one inch.” Vague comments like “looks bad” are not helpful.

Ask how the tech distinguishes between normal wear and an actionable defect. For example, older cast iron often shows internal tuberculation, the scaly corrosion that narrows the pipe. Light to moderate tuberculation may not be a cause for immediate replacement if flow remains strong and backups are rare. A thoughtful tech can explain that nuance. Beware of anyone who treats every flake of rust as an emergency.

Documentation: what you should receive every time

At minimum, expect three deliverables: the full video file, a written summary with a footage log, and a marked site map. The video should include a time and distance overlay and audio narration. The written summary should list entry points, pipe materials, distances, findings by location, and any limitations such as inaccessible branches or heavy murk. The site map can be as simple as a marked sketch showing the pipe path, cleanouts, and noteworthy defects. If they used a locator, depth readings at marked points should be included.

Ask whether they provide still images captured from the video. Photos of the critical findings, labeled with distance markers, make it easier to compare later work, especially if other contractors bid on repairs. Good documentation prevents “moving target” estimates that shift when one contractor interprets a vague finding differently from another.

Cost structure and what it really buys you

Sewer camera services are often priced by the visit or by the foot. Packages frequently include a set number of cleanout points and a maximum footage, with surcharges for additional lines or extensive jetting. Get this in writing before the truck arrives. Low advertised rates may exclude the pre-clean that makes the camera useful.

For a single-family home, typical pricing where I work lands in the 250 to 600 range for a straightforward Drain Camera Inspection without heavy cleaning. Add 150 to 400 if hydrojetting is needed. Spot locating with surface marking can be included or billed per mark. Prices vary by region, line length, and access. The cheapest option is not always value if it produces poor footage and no map. A premium price without deliverables is no better. Look for clarity: what the base price covers, what triggers add-ons, and the format of the final report.

Avoiding the upsell trap

Cameras are sometimes used to sell full replacements that are not yet warranted. The pattern is predictable. The tech finds a few root intrusions, rust scale, or a single offset, then pivots quickly to a trenchless lining or full excavation package. Those methods have their place. I specify them often. But they should follow a measured process: confirm the extent of damage, assess soil conditions and pipe load, consider the age and history of backups, then weigh spot repair or ongoing maintenance. A video that shows two minor root joints and one shallow belly does not automatically justify lining the entire run.

Ask for alternatives and maintenance paths. Can a spot repair at 54 feet and yearly jetting extend the service life by five to ten years? Would adding a cleanout reduce maintenance risk? Are there code or HOA constraints that favor one method? If you sense a single-solution pitch, get a second opinion using the same footage.

Understanding common findings and how they translate into action

I keep a simple framework in my notes for translating Drain Camera Inspection findings into decisions.

Roots at joints: Common in clay and older concrete lines. Severity ranges from hairlike intrusions to dense mats. Light to moderate roots in a few joints, with otherwise solid pipe, often respond to mechanical cutting and foaming herbicide, followed by regular jetting. If roots return quickly or the joints show visible separation, a spot repair or short liner section may be smarter.

Offsets and separations: Minor step offsets that do not snag debris can be managed. Large offsets that catch paper or show soil visible around the pipe wall tend to worsen and invite collapse. Location matters. A major offset under a driveway may push you toward trenchless options rather than excavating a slab.

Bellies, also called sags: A sag looks like a long stretch with water standing after the camera passes. Depth and length drive consequence. A shallow, two to three foot belly in a four inch line may not matter if users are disciplined with what they flush. A ten foot section holding an inch of water will breed grease accumulation and repeated slowdowns. Note the depth and length, then consider whether the line can be regraded or whether maintenance is the practical path.

Corrosion and scale: Cast iron interior corrosion narrows the pipe and creates rough surfaces that snag wipes and paper. Descaling with a chain flail or Picote machine can restore diameter, though it must be done with care to avoid thinning the wall. Visual judgment matters. If you see black exterior showing through or cracks, aggressive descaling is risky.

Foreign objects and construction debris: I have fished out concrete from remodels, kids’ toys, and gravel from improperly bedded pipe. The camera may reveal the culprit but removal can require a plan. Avoid ramming a cable blindly. Combined camera and retrieval tools can reduce damage risk.

A service that explains these trade-offs clearly will help you choose actions that fit your tolerance for risk, budget, and timeline.

Access points: cleanouts, roof stacks, and traps

Access can determine success. Best case, you have an exterior main cleanout near the building and a yard cleanout near the property line. That lets the tech camera both directions and locate midline issues. Many older homes lack accessible cleanouts. Technicians then choose between pulling a toilet, entering through a roof vent, or using an interior cleanout in a crawlspace.

Each choice carries risks. Pulling a toilet is common and usually safe, but it can break old flanges or wax seals if handled roughly. Roof vent access reduces interior mess, but climbing and feeding the camera best times to use a sewer camera from a roof raises safety issues and can be impossible on steep pitches. A good company discusses access risks with you before they move forward, brings proper protection for interior floors, and restores any fixtures they remove.

If you lack a cleanout, consider installing one after the inspection. The long-term maintenance benefits are immediate, and the cost is small compared to repeated emergency calls.

Locating accuracy and how to verify marks

When a technician says “the defect is here,” they rely on the sonde’s signal and a surface locator. Soil type, pipe material, and nearby metal can skew readings. Solid techs double-check marks by moving the camera to triangulate from two positions. They also confirm depth by lifting and lowering the locator to find the signal’s null. A reasonable tolerance is a foot or two horizontally and a few inches vertically in typical residential soils. In dense urban settings with interference, expect more variance.

If a mark sits under landscaping or concrete, ask for painted marks and flags plus a quick sketch with measurements from fixed points like a foundation corner. Photos of the mark with a tape measure can help when contractors arrive later and the paint has faded.

When you need more than a camera

A Drain Camera is powerful, but some questions require additional tools. If you suspect a broken pipe beneath a slab that does not appear on camera due to blockage, a smoke test can reveal leaks into the soil or structure. If you need to confirm invert elevations or grade in long runs, a laser level and measurements collected from accessible cleanouts work better than eyeballing water lines on a video. For large-diameter mains or long commercial runs, remote crawler cameras with pan and tilt offer better data than push heads.

If you are buying a property with chronic sewer history, pairing the camera with a dye test through fixtures can show cross connections or unexpected paths. Rare, but I have seen downspouts tied into sanitary lines in older neighborhoods where storm and sanitary were not separated. Dye and video together made the case for correction.

The purchase inspection scenario: timing and negotiation

Pre-purchase sewer camera inspections pay for themselves. If the line is in good shape, you sleep better. If it is not, a clean video and report give you leverage. Schedule the inspection after general plumbing checks but before your contingency window closes. Make sure the seller authorizes access and the inspector is allowed to run water for flow. If cleanout access is blocked by stored items, address that in the appointment setup to avoid a dry run.

If a defect is found, focus negotiations on documented, specific items: “Offset at 61 feet, located under the driveway, depth 4.5 feet. Repair estimate with spot liner: X dollars.” Specificity beats a generic credit request for “sewer issues,” which invites pushback.

Red flags during the call and on site

Most problems show up early. If the scheduler cannot confirm whether you will receive a video file and written report, move on. If the company refuses to inspect unless they also sell you repairs, that is a conflict. If the tech on site resists narrating or marking distances, ask for someone else. When a technician claims they cannot push past 20 feet from a main cleanout on a reasonably straight run, either the line is heavily blocked and needs cleaning or the push technique is poor.

Push back gently on rushed conclusions. If a tech recommends full replacement within minutes, ask to finish the run and document all conditions. If they argue against providing the file, stop the job. The file is the work product you are paying for.

Insurance and liability considerations

A sewer camera inspection is low risk, but not risk free. A brittle clay line can crack when a cable or camera head meets a sharp offset. A corroded cast iron branch can collapse when massaged by a jet. Good operators carry liability insurance and discuss these risks before starting. If your line is already compromised, the camera often reveals a problem that would have caused a future failure anyway. Still, ask how the company handles damage disputes and what their claim process looks like. A company that cannot answer this with specifics is a gamble.

How to compare bids when repairs are needed

Suppose the camera finds three key defects: a moderate belly under the front walk, a joint separation with roots at 54 feet, and thin-walled cast iron near the foundation. You collect three repair bids and the numbers range widely. Here is how to compare apples to apples.

Request that each contractor references the same footage markers and provides a written scope tied to those distances. Look for clarity on access pits, restoration of surfaces, permits, traffic control if necessary, and warranties. Lining specs should list thickness, resin type, and reinstatement method for any branches. Open-trench proposals should include bedding and compaction details. When a bid adds new defects not noted in the video, ask the contractor to show you that evidence on the footage. Commit to work only after scope alignment, not merely price.

Maintenance planning after the inspection

Even a healthy line benefits from a simple plan. If the camera shows minor scale or early root activity, schedule preventative cleaning every one to two years. Set rules for occupants: no wipes, even those labeled flushable, and be careful with grease. Consider enzyme dosing in commercial kitchens, but rely on regular mechanical cleaning rather than hoping for a chemical fix.

If the inspection found a belly that tends to collect debris, try a jetting schedule based on actual usage. I have clients who run a 30 to 45 minute jet every 12 to 18 months through a dedicated cleanout. Problems disappeared, and the plan cost a fraction of reconstruction. Your inspection footage is the baseline. Use it to adjust cadence.

A short checklist you can use on the phone

What exactly is included: cleaning, full video file, written report with footage log, and surface marking with depth? What camera and locator do you use, and can you provide sonde locating with depths? Who will be on site, and how many Sewer Camera Inspections do they perform in a typical month? How do you handle limited access, and what are the fees if a cleanout must be located or a toilet pulled? If repairs are recommended, do you provide alternatives and will you reference findings to footage distances?

Questions to ask while the camera is running

The best insight comes from live commentary. Stand with the tech if you can. Ask them to pause at key findings and talk through what they see. Ask for distance calls. Request a quick locate at any major defect so the mark is accurate while the head is sitting right there. If visibility is poor, ask whether a rinse or pass with a cleaning head would improve results. Confirm they will save the full raw file, not just clips.

When the run finishes, ask for a playback at double speed with pauses at each notation. It takes five minutes and cements shared understanding. While on site, if a defect is under a feature you care about, for example the driveway apron or a large tree, take a photo of the paint mark with that feature in frame. Those small steps prevent later confusion.

A note on commercial and multifamily lines

Larger buildings and mixed-use properties need a slightly different approach. Multiple tie-ins, grease traps, and horizontal runs over long distances complicate a standard Drain Camera process. In these cases, clarify whether the service will document all branch-to-main connections, whether a crawler camera is available for mains over six inches, and how they plan to stage flow control so the line is camera-friendly without shutting down tenants. Grease management in restaurants and wet venting in older multifamily buildings introduce edge cases that benefit from a team familiar with local code corrections.

The payoff of a careful selection

A careful Sewer Camera Inspection turns mystery into a map. You will know what line you have, what it is made of, where it runs, and where the weak points are. You will own a file that any competent contractor can use to price specific work. That alone can shave thousands from unnecessary scope. More importantly, you will avoid digging blind. In my experience, the jobs that went sideways were not the hard ones. They were the rushed ones, with poor footage and big promises.

Choose the service that answers questions with specifics, not slogans. Ask for the right deliverables. Stand there if you can and listen to the story the pipe tells. Pipes do not lie. They do, however, require a clear lens and a steady hand to speak plainly.

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Pub: 30 Oct 2025 23:01 UTC

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