The Average Sewer Camera Inspection Cost (Updated 2022)

If you want to know the average sewer camera inspection cost, you’re in the right place. You shouldn’t have to call dozens of different plumbers or search through pages and pages of blogs only to find different prices. This is the article you need. Here, you’re going to learn the average sewer camera inspection cost, what sewer camera inspections are for, and what comes after a sewer camera inspection.

What Are Sewer Camera Inspections?

A sewer camera inspection is an easy, non-destructive way to find out what’s going on inside your pipes. If your drains have slowed or are completely blocked, a sewer camera inspection is the best way to find out where the problem is coming from.

Inspections don’t involve any digging or trenching. The camera is inserted into your pipes using a cleanout, a vent stack, or by removing a toilet (don’t worry, your toilet is put back). The cameras used are designed for pipes 2 to 6 inches in diameter and are hand-operated. They can travel up to 175 feet and are equipped with a light to see in the dark.

Learn how a sewer line inspection can save you money.

The Average Sewer Camera Inspection Cost (Updated 2022)

If the pipes can be accessed using a cleanout, the average cost for a residential home is about $199. The average cost for a commercial property is about $299.

Read more about sewer line cleanouts.

If the pipes need to be accessed from an alternative source, such as a toilet or vent stack, the price is around $299 for a residential home. For commercial properties, the price is around $399.

What Comes After A Sewer Camera Inspection?

Sewer camera inspections are incredibly useful for detecting problems before they get worse. If plumbers do find a problem, what comes next? Plumbers and sewer repair experts will recommend four different solutions.

1. Cleaning Your Sewer Pipes Using Hydro-jetting

If the sewer camera inspection finds tough, deep clogs in your pipes, experts will recommend using hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting uses a self-propelled nozzle that shoots up to 4,000 PSI of water into your sewer pipes. Hydro-jetting is the perfect cleaning solution. Here’s why:

• It’s non-invasive – Hydro-jetting doesn’t involve any digging. Just like the sewer camera inspection, your pipes are accessed using a cleanout.
• It’s safe and environmentally friendly – Hydro-jetting only uses pressurized water to clean out your sewer pipes.
• It’s effective – Restaurants routinely use hydro-jetting to remove grease from their sewer lines. Tree roots, soil, debris, sand, grease, hair, and anything else clogging your pipes don’t stand a chance against 4,000 PSI of water.
• It finds hidden cracks – After your pipes are thoroughly cleaned, cracks that were hidden are now clearly visible.

A sewer camera inspection is always done before hydro-jetting. Sometimes, your pipes can be so damaged that hydro-jetting would actually do more harm than good. Hydro-jetting is so powerful that it could actually worsen the conditions of already damaged pipes.

2. Repairing Your Sewer Pipes Using Pipe Lining

Pipe lining is one of two trenchless sewer repair solutions that most experts will recommend. Pipe lining can safely replace or repair your sewer line without digging up floors, tearing up tile, or trenching through your property.

First, an epoxy-impregnated liner is inserted into your old sewer line. Then, the liner is inflated. This creates a brand new pipe directly inside your old one. Pipe lining can be used to repair a small section of pipe, or it can be used to replace the entire sewer line.

3. Repairing Your Sewer Pipes Using Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursting is another form of trenchless sewer repair. A new HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe is attached to a winch with a cone-shaped bursting head and pulled through the damaged line. The damaged pipe breaks apart as the new one takes its place, giving you a durable, brand-new sewer line.

Read more about trenchless sewer repair methods.

4. Repairing Your Sewer Pipes Using Conventional Trenching

Unfortunately, not all pipes can be repaired using trenchless methods. If the sewer camera inspection finds that your pipes are extremely damaged, professionals will have to use traditional trenching methods. The procedure is very invasive, but it’s the only solution for pipes that have collapsed, disintegrated, or are back-pitched.*

*Back-pitched pipes are sewer pipes that were sloped in the wrong direction. When your sewer line is first installed, it should be sloping towards the city connection, not away from it. This allows gravity to move sewage down the line naturally.

Who Do You Call For A Sewer Camera Inspection?

If you need a sewer camera inspection, and you live in the Greater Los Angeles area, call New Flow Plumbing. You’re in good hands. We’ll find out exactly what’s stopping or slowing your pipes, come up with the best solution, and get your pipes running smoothly again.