Sewer Line Inspection FAQs

For most residential homes, it takes about an hour. Commercial or multi-family buildings take roughly 1-2 hours on average to inspect.

This is the only method, outside of digging the sewer line up, of finding the true condition of the sewer line. Problems with the sewer line remain hidden until the line itself backs up with sewage.

If you are in escrow on the property in question, it gives you the chance to discover the true condition of the sewer line. If issues are found, it could potentially save you thousands of dollars.

The most common material used in homes built in the last 10-15 years is PVC plastic. Older homes used cast iron as well as vitrified clay.

The equipment we use is state of the art. The cameras are in color and have a 410,000 CCD pixel resolution. They are pushed through the line using a fiber optic cable. The video is recorded and pictures are taken in real time so that nothing gets missed.

Root intrusions, displaced connection joints, bellys, foreign objects (water bottles, clothes, toys, etc.), and cracked or broken pipes.

If problems that require repairs are found, a qualified plumbing professional should do this work. We can give you a few referrals or leave it up to you to find someone that you would like to do the work. We are an inspection only company that does not do any of the repair work.

We feel that in order to give you an accurate and unbiased report that gives you the true condition of your sewer line, we should not be in the repair business. The added pressure or incentive for the inspector to also sell work could potentially color the report to favor extensive repairs. In addition, using a report done by an inspection only company during escrow will help strengthen your position for this reason.

Our inspectors are professionals who now work in the inspection field. They are trained professionally to operate the camera equipment and inspect the sewer line for problems.

This varies from building to building. Most buildings have a cleanout located outside the structure that would be used to access the line. If one cannot be found, access is normally gained by removing a toilet or using a roof vent if conditions are safe to do so.

Your report will be to you by the end of the next business day, if not sooner.

It will be a detailed report written in laymen’s terms. Both you and your contractor or plumber will be able to understand the report. It includes pictures of issues found and depending on the severity, will include the exact location and depth so that repairs can be easily made. You can also see a sample report here.

The simple answer is no. Commercial and multi-family properties tend to have more complex plumbing systems, so the report may end up being longer for a commercial or multi-family property.

For residential, the cost starts at $275.00. For commercial the cost starts at $325.00.

Yes. If there are additional sewer lines or the access to the sewer line is unconventional, there would be costs associated with this due to the extra time needed to inspect and prepare a report. Call us and we can go over the potential additional costs with you before the inspector comes out.

Yes, for a reduced fee.