The average cost of a sewer line camera inspection ranges from $270 to $1,737, with a national average of $1,000. The length of the sewer and ease of access impacts costs the most.
Sewer line camera inspection costs range from a minimal $100 to as much as $6,000, not including the cost of any repairs. The average cost for this inspection is $1,000, but most pay between $270 and $1,737 for this project.
Having your sewer line inspected every year is vital to prevent the need to spend thousands of dollars on repairs. Your home’s plumbing system is filled with a complex network of fresh water and sewage pipes, and a sewer line inspection can examine these lines for cracks, leaks, or clogs.
Preventative maintenance is always better than emergency repair, so we’ve covered the basics and more about the cost of a sewer line inspection.
Plumbing camera inspection costs vary widely based on the average pricing in your area, whether you purchase the inspection as part of a service bundle, how accessible the sewer is, and the length of the pipe that the camera has to explore. While we cover the average prices below, it’s always best to consult a local sewer service to give you a specific quote for your project.
Sewer line camera inspection costs are impacted by the sewer’s length, or at least how many feet of pipe the camera needs to travel. Obviously, the further the camera goes, the longer it takes. Because most people don't know how many feet of pipe their plumbing system has, the final price may be more than you were quoted unless you've got a guaranteed cost estimate.
Service bundles are a great way to maintain your plumbing and maximize value. You'll generally pay more for an individual inspection. Then, you’ll have to hire a plumber to carry out separate repairs or cleaning.
Some companies offer a video inspection as part of a cleaning and maintenance bundle and may also include some repairs or object retrieval in the price. While you'll pay more overall for a service package, you'll spend less per task than if you bought them individually.
A sewer cleanout is a pipe that sits above ground that—you guessed it—provides access to your sewer line. You can usually find this access point in your yard or along a wall of your home. If your home has a cleanout, you can expect to pay less for your sewer line camera inspection costs, since there is an easy entry point for your sewer pro.
However, if your home does not have a cleanout access point, your costs will be higher since your pro will need to remove the toilet to access the sewer lines.
Your geographical location plays a big part in what you’ll pay to have your sewer line inspected. Some cities without as many sewer line professionals available will tend to be more costly than other parts of the country. Here’s what to expect in major cities around the U.S.:
| Location | Average Range | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh, PA | $520–$4,110 | $2,315 |
| Seattle, WA | $430–$2,970 | $1,535 |
| Orlando, FL | $155–$515 | $315 |
| New York City, NY | $260–$760 | $510 |
| Houston, TX | $220–$655 | $420 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $460–$2,745 | $1,600 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $335–$710 | $460 |
| Hartford, CT | $320–$440 | $380 |
You can do a video sewer line inspection yourself, but the costs and limitations may make it a challenge. If you want to buy the equipment, you'll pay between $1,000 and $15,000, depending on the level of equipment. Instead, you can rent a sewer camera kit for $200 per day, but you could pay extra for kits with higher-resolution video or longer cables.
The best option for this project is to hire a sewer service near you that has the proper equipment (and experience). This will ensure that the job is done right and that any potential problems with your sewer lines are immediately found, which can be tricky to do without experience.
Unless you pay for a service bundle, your sewer line camera inspection costs are just for the inspection. Other costs like a drain cleaning or object retrieval will be additional charges. Your local sewer servicer can let you know exactly what additional add-ons you’ll need, but these are a few common ones:
| Upgrade | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Drain cleaning | $150–$350 |
| Drain line breakage | $1,300–$5,000 |
| Object retrieval | $75–$275 |
| Foreign object penetration | $600 |
Knowing when to schedule a sewer line camera inspection is crucial for ensuring the health and functionality of your home's sewer system. Ideally, you should have your sewer line inspected annually, but life happens, and there might be times when this project gets put off. Here are some key situations in which you should consider this proactive step.
Before buying a new home, it's wise to have a sewer line camera inspection to ensure there are no surprises after you move in. This can uncover potential hidden issues in the sewer line, helping you avoid unexpected costly repairs after an already costly purchase.
While a single slow drain probably means there’s a simple clog in that individual pipe, several slow drains indicate a bigger issue. When you notice a gradual decline in drain performance across multiple fixtures, it may be a sign of a blockage or damage in your sewer line. A camera inspection can pinpoint the problem's location so that you can get it repaired properly.
While poor water pressure is often a problem with your water line, it can also indicate a clog or damage within your sewer line. A sewer line camera inspection can reveal the cause and enable timely repairs to restore proper water flow to your home.
Regular sewer line inspections are essential for maintaining an older home's plumbing system. Aim for annual inspections for older homes, and get an inspection every three years for newer ones to catch potential issues early and prevent major damage.
Sewer lines that are clogged or broken can lead to sewage gas in the house. This gas is a mix of several gases, and while you might not smell it, exposure to it could cause severe health problems. If you start experiencing any of the following without other explanation, it’s best to call a sewer pro ASAP to investigate.
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Frequent headaches
Eye irritation
Poor memory
Sewer line camera inspections are valuable for detecting issues in your plumbing system early, but there are some ways to save on their cost. Here are some tips to help you save money both upfront and over time on this essential service.
Consider bundling the sewer line camera inspection with other plumbing services you may need, such as drain cleaning costs or plumbing repairs. Many companies offer discounts for combined services, reducing your overall expenses.
Ask a sewer company near you if they offer reduced rates during off-peak hours or specific days of the week. Booking appointments during less busy times can help you secure a lower inspection cost.
Obtain multiple quotes from different plumbing and sewer companies to find the most competitive price for a sewer line camera inspection. Make sure to compare the services included in each quote to ensure you're getting the best value.
Keep detailed records of all previous sewer line inspections and repairs. Some plumbing companies offer loyalty discounts to repeat customers, so maintaining a history of your plumbing services can lead to cost savings over time.
If you have a home warranty in place, check whether sewer line inspections or repairs are covered. Using your warranty can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Most professional drain cameras run up to about 330 feet. If that's not enough, your plumber may move the camera to a different entry point, or you may need more specialist equipment. An inspection usually runs from the chosen entry point until the professional finds the problem, or until the camera reaches the main sewer line.
Even with a high-resolution camera, what you're looking at on the screen may not be recognizable to the untrained eye. Your plumber should be willing to walk you through the video and explain what they found. With high-res images, bright lighting, and self-leveling technology, you should get clear, steady views of the pipes that make up your plumbing system.
Yes. Sewer cameras are invaluable tools that can help pros safely diagnose problems with your septic system. Without a camera to look into your system, septic issue diagnoses would be a combination of guessing and past experience. However, a camera can help confirm ideas that your pro may already have about what’s wrong.
Your sewer pro will take about an hour to complete your sewer line camera inspection. However, if your home does not have cleanout access and the pro needs to remove the toilet to access the sewer line, the time to completion will take longer. Note that this estimated time does not include the time for repair, drain cleaning, or any other services you may need.
