You can’t see it, you don’t think about it, but it could cost you thousands—yes, we’re talking about your sewer line. Whether you’re a homeowner in Burlingame or planning to buy a home here, you might be wondering: Is a sewer line inspection really worth it?
Spoiler alert: It is.
Ignoring what’s underground can lead to messy backups, costly repairs, and major headaches. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly why getting your sewer line checked might be one of the smartest things you do for your home.
Understanding Sewer Line Inspections
What is a sewer line inspection?
A sewer line inspection (sometimes called a sewer scope) is when a professional uses a waterproof video camera attached to a long flexible cable to look inside your home’s underground sewer pipe. It’s kind of like giving your sewer a check-up.
How does it work?
Here’s the step-by-step:
- A small camera is inserted into a drain or cleanout pipe.
- The camera travels through the sewer line, recording video in real-time.
- The inspector watches the footage on a screen to look for cracks, blockages, root invasions, or broken pipes.
- You get a report showing if everything’s flowing smoothly or if you’ve got problems below the surface.
Who should perform it?
In Burlingame, these inspections are typically done by:
- Licensed plumbers
- Certified home inspectors
- Specialized sewer scope inspection companies
They have the tools and experience to detect problems accurately without causing damage to your property.
Common Issues Detected During Inspections
You might be surprised by what can go wrong underground. A sewer line inspection helps catch:
- Tree Root Intrusions
Roots from nearby trees can grow into tiny pipe cracks and block the flow. In older Burlingame neighborhoods with mature trees, this is a common issue.
- Old or Worn-Out Pipes
Homes built before the 1980s may still have cast iron or Orangeburg pipes. These materials degrade over time, leading to leaks or collapse.
- Clogs and Grease Build-Up
Everyday use leads to build-up from grease, paper, or things that shouldn’t have been flushed (looking at you, “flushable” wipes).
- Collapsed or Offset Pipes
The ground can shift over time, especially after heavy rain or drought. This can cause pipes to misalign, crack, or cave in.
- Backflow or Standing Water
Slow drains or water pooling inside the pipe may signal that there’s already a blockage forming.
Spotting these issues early means you can fix them before they turn into plumbing disasters.
Importance for Homebuyers
If you’re buying a home in Burlingame, this section is for you.
A sewer line issue won’t show up in a traditional home inspection, but it can cost you a lot after you move in.
Here’s why you should always ask for a sewer inspection before signing those closing papers:
- Unseen Problems
Most of the sewer line is underground. Without a scope, you’d never know if it’s in good shape. - Huge Repair Costs
Fixing or replacing a sewer line can cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $20,000 depending on the issue. A $400 inspection could save you thousands. - Helps with Negotiation
If an inspection finds issues, you may be able to ask the seller to make repairs or lower the sale price. - Protects You from Surprises
It’s better to know before you buy than to discover a sewer backup two months after moving in.
Cost vs. Benefit Analysis
Let’s talk dollars and sense.
What does it cost?
- A sewer scope inspection in Burlingame typically costs between $300 and $500.
- Some plumbers bundle this with general plumbing checks for a discount.
What’s the return?
- Early detection: A cracked pipe or root intrusion caught early can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of full replacement.
- Peace of mind: Even if everything looks good, you’ll feel better knowing.
- Long-term savings: Preventing major repairs means saving money down the road.
When you compare a few hundred dollars for an inspection to the possibility of a $10,000+ emergency dig-up job, it’s a no-brainer.
When Should You Consider an Inspection?
A sewer line inspection isn’t something you need every year—but there are key times when it’s definitely worth scheduling one in Burlingame.
1. You’re Buying an Older Home
Many homes in Burlingame were built decades ago and still have their original pipes. If the house was built before the 1980s, the sewer line might be made of clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg (a type of compressed paper and tar). These materials wear out, break, and are more vulnerable to root invasion.
2. You Notice Plumbing Issues
Keep an eye (and nose) out for these warning signs:
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or toilets
- Gurgling sounds from the plumbing
- Unpleasant odors coming from drains
- Water backing up in the shower when you flush the toilet
- Soggy patches or unusually green spots on your lawn
Even if everything seems fine inside, these could be signs of a problem underground.
3. You’re Planning a Renovation
Thinking of adding a new bathroom or upgrading your kitchen? That’s a great time to check your sewer line. You want to be sure the existing system can handle the extra load.
4. It’s Been a While
Just like changing your air filter or servicing your HVAC, a sewer scope can be part of smart home maintenance. Even if you’re not selling or remodeling, it’s a good idea to get one every 5–10 years—especially in older neighborhoods or homes with lots of trees.
DIY vs. Professional Inspections
Some people wonder if they can do a sewer inspection themselves to save money. Here’s why that’s usually not a good idea:
❌ DIY Limitations
- You need a high-quality, waterproof camera with a long enough cable to reach the main sewer line.
- It’s easy to miss cracks, sags, or subtle signs of root intrusion.
- You may not know what you’re looking at—or what it means for your home.
✅ Why Hire a Pro?
Professional inspectors:
- Use commercial-grade cameras that give a clear picture.
- Know how to spot even small issues that could turn big.
- Provide a report or video for your records—great for home sales or insurance.
- Can help you understand what needs fixing and how urgent it is.
Hiring a licensed plumber or certified inspector gives you accurate info and a clear path forward. In Burlingame, where underground conditions and local regulations matter, experience goes a long way.
Don’t Let Problems Stay Hidden
A sewer line inspection may not be the most exciting thing to spend money on—but it can be one of the most important.
It’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your pipes are healthy and your home is safe. Whether you’re buying a new place, planning upgrades, or just being a proactive homeowner in Burlingame, this one-time check can help you avoid huge headaches later.
So yes—a sewer line inspection is 100% worth it.
Don’t wait until your lawn smells like sewage or your shower turns into a swamp. Schedule an inspection and stay ahead of costly surprises. You’ll thank yourself later.
Burlingame Sewer Line Inspection – JK Plumbing
Worried about what’s lurking in your pipes? At JK Plumbing, we offer professional sewer line inspection services right here in Burlingame. Whether you’re buying a home, dealing with slow drainage, or just want peace of mind, our expert team uses advanced sewer video inspection technology to catch potential issues before they turn into expensive repairs.
Our licensed plumbers provide a full inspection report, showing the exact location of any sewer line damage, root intrusion, or blockages—without tearing up your yard. We inspect everything from sewer laterals to main drain lines, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency or sewage backup. Be proactive and protect your home with a comprehensive sewer cam inspection today.
Call JK Plumbing now at (415) 359-4588 to schedule your Burlingame sewer inspection or visit us for trusted, local service!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Line Inspections
Is a sewer inspection necessary?
Yes, a sewer inspection is absolutely necessary—especially for homeowners, prospective buyers, and anyone living in a house more than 20 years old. A standard home inspection typically doesn’t include a detailed look into sewer systems. That’s why a sewer camera inspection is often the only way to spot current issues or potential problems before they become plumbing emergencies.
Sewer lines can suffer from cracks, root damage, slow drainage, and even structural damage. These hidden issues can lead to sewage backups, costly sewer repairs, or complete sewer line replacement. By hiring a licensed professional to perform a sewer cam inspection, you get peace of mind knowing exactly what’s going on underground.
An inspection process usually involves a fiber optic cable with a video feed, giving the inspector and the homeowner a clear view of any blockages in sewer pipes, root intrusions, or collapsed sections. The inspection report helps you make an informed decision about next steps.
Think of a sewer inspection as a preventative measure—an ounce of prevention to avoid expensive repairs later. Whether you’re buying or maintaining a home, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make to prevent unpleasant surprises.
Is sewer line insurance worth it?
Sewer line insurance can be worth it, especially if you live in an area with older sewer systems, expansive soils, or a history of sewer line damage. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover damage to the sewer lateral—the pipe that runs from your house to the municipal sewer system. That means if your original sewer line fails, you’re responsible for the entire repair bill.
The average cost for sewer line repair can range from $3,000 to over $20,000, depending on the location, type of sewer line (concrete, clay pipes, or PVC), and the extent of the damage. Sewer line insurance helps cover these unexpected expenses and can be especially helpful in preventing costly headaches.
This coverage may include:
- Video inspection and diagnosis
- Broken sewer pipe repairs
- Sewer line replacement
- Costs of excavation and restoration
However, always read the fine print. Some policies won’t cover damage due to poor maintenance or tree root intrusion. A comprehensive sewer scope review before you buy insurance can help identify signs of damage or potential issues.
In short, if your home has older plumbing or you want protection from future costs, sewer line insurance is a smart, proactive approach to managing risk.
How often should you check your sewer line?
You should schedule a sewer camera inspection every 3 to 5 years as part of regular maintenance—especially if you live in a home with mature landscaping, older plumbing, or clay pipes. For newer or well-maintained sewer systems, every 5 to 10 years may be enough unless you notice key indicators of trouble.
It’s also wise to schedule inspections:
- Before buying or selling a home
- If you experience frequent slow drainage
- If there are signs of sewage line backups
- Prior to home renovations that add plumbing load
- After natural disasters like earthquakes or floods
During the inspection process, a licensed sewer inspector uses a video camera to examine your sewer drains for blockages, corrosion, or cracks for root intrusion. The detailed footage and inspection report give you a full picture of your pipe’s condition.
Regular sewer scope inspections help spot issues early—before they become costly sewer repairs. This preventative measure not only protects your plumbing but also adds buyer confidence during a sale and supports a comfortable, stress-free home environment.
How do I know if my sewer line is bad?
There are several clear signs that your sewer line might be in trouble. Being able to spot key indicators early can help you avoid extensive damage and major repair costs.
Look for the following symptoms:
- Frequent clogs in multiple drains
- Gurgling noises from toilets or sinks
- Unpleasant sewer smells in the yard or crawl space
- Patches of lush grass in certain areas of the lawn
- Sewage backups in bathtubs or floor drains
- Visible mold growth or water stains on walls or floors
A professional home inspector can confirm these issues through a sewer video inspection using a fiber optic cable and location device. The camera sends back a real-time video feed that helps pinpoint the exact location of cracks, blockages from tree roots, or pipe sagging.
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a plumbing scope inspection right away. A small issue like a clog could point to a broken sewage pipe or even the need for a full sewer line replacement.
Identifying problems early through drain inspections helps prevent plumbing emergencies and gives you peace of mind knowing your home is protected.
How much does a sewer line inspection cost?
In most cases, a sewer camera inspection costs between $300 and $500, depending on your location, sewer access, and whether it’s bundled with a full home inspection or plumbing service. While it might seem like an extra expense, it’s minor compared to the average septic repair costs, which can climb into the thousands.
The cost typically includes:
- A comprehensive sewer scope review
- Real-time video feed of your entire sewage line
- Identification of current and potential issues
- A full inspection report for your records
If you’re buying a home, some real estate agents recommend including a sewer inspection as an additional service. Many prospective buyers are now requesting sewer cam inspections to avoid costly headaches down the line.
In some cases, sewer inspection costs can vary based on:
- The type of inspection (residential vs. commercial sewer lines)
- The condition of the sewer cleanout
- The presence of a septic tank or garbage disposal
- How long the sewer lateral is
Bottom line: the cost upfront is well worth the informed decision and protection it provides against future costs and expensive repairs.
What is a pipe video inspection camera?
A pipe video inspection camera is a special tool used by plumbing experts and sewer inspectors to check the inside of sewer lines, drain lines, or even septic tank connections without digging. It’s a key part of the inspection process and helps homeowners and professionals locate potential issues, signs of damage, or blockages quickly and accurately.
Here’s how it works:
- A fiber optic cable with a high-definition camera is inserted into the pipe through a sewer cleanout or access point.
- The camera sends a real-time video feed to a monitor, letting the inspector examine the pipe’s condition from start to finish.
- Many systems include a location device to identify the exact location of cracks, dips, or other problems.
- After the inspection, homeowners receive a detailed footage recording and a written inspection report.
This technology is commonly used for residential homes, commercial sewer lines, and during construction or renovation projects. It’s especially helpful for identifying blockages in sewer pipes, cracks in sewer pipes, and root damage.
Using a sewer video inspection camera is far more effective than guesswork. It provides a clear view of both current issues and future issues and supports a proactive approach to avoiding costly sewer repairs.
When can you safely skip doing a sewer scope?
While a sewer scope inspection is highly recommended in most situations, there are a few rare cases where it may be safe to skip—especially if the home is new and specific conditions are met.
Here’s when you might safely pass on a sewer cam inspection:
- Brand-New Construction Homes
If your home was built recently and you have documentation showing that brand-new PVC or ABS sewer lines were installed and tested, the risk of immediate sewer issues is low. - Recent Sewer Line Replacement
If the home recently had a complete sewer line replacement, and you have access to the inspection report, photos, and plumber verification, you may not need another scope right away. - Regular Maintenance and Records Available
Some well-maintained sewer systems have a history of annual inspection records showing no signs of damage or concern.
However, even in these cases, skipping a sewer inspection carries potential liability and risk. Blockages from tree roots, shifting soil, or unexpected structural damage can still occur—even in newer or recently repaired systems.
Most real estate agents and professional home inspectors agree: it’s better to be cautious and conduct a drain inspection than risk plumbing emergencies. A sewer scope is a low-cost, high-value preventative measure that gives you peace of mind knowing there won’t be unpleasant surprises under your lawn or inside your walls.
Read How Often Should You Call a Plumber for Maintenance? A Simple Guide for Burlingame Homes