If you’re a homeowner, there’s a hidden part of your home that you probably don’t think about often—but it’s working every day to carry waste away from your house: the sewer line. A sewer line inspection is one of the smartest ways to protect your home from expensive plumbing problems. But what actually happens during one? Let’s walk through the process in simple steps, so you know exactly what to expect and why it matters.
Why a Sewer Line Inspection Is So Important
Your sewer line is like a big underground pipe that connects your home’s plumbing to the city sewer or a septic system. Over time, things like tree roots, cracks, or blockages can cause serious damage—and you might not notice until your toilets back up or your yard smells funky.
Getting an inspection can:
- Catch small problems before they become big, expensive repairs.
- Help you make smart decisions when buying a home.
- Give you peace of mind if your house is older or has had plumbing issues.
You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong. In fact, the best time to inspect is before there’s a mess.
When Should You Get a Sewer Line Inspection?
Here are the most common times homeowners should schedule one:
- Before buying a new home – Avoid surprises after moving in.
- When you notice slow drains or frequent clogs – Something may be stuck or broken.
- If your house is older than 30 years – Older pipes wear out or shift over time.
- After tree root problems or ground movement – Roots love growing into pipes!
- As part of regular home maintenance – Especially if you’ve never had it checked.
What Is a Sewer Line Inspection, Anyway?
A sewer line inspection uses a special waterproof camera attached to a long cable. The camera is sent down your home’s main drain line to look inside the pipe and see what’s going on. The video is shown in real-time on a screen, and the plumber can spot any problems like:
- Cracks or holes in the pipe
- Tree roots sneaking in
- Buildups or blockages from grease, wipes, or debris
- Sagging or collapsed parts of the pipe
- Rust or corrosion
The whole goal is to see inside the pipe without digging up your yard. It’s quick, clean, and saves a lot of guesswork.
How to Prepare for the Inspection
Before the technician arrives, a few simple steps can make things smoother:
Pick the Right Pro
- Choose a licensed plumber or inspector with experience using sewer cameras.
- Read reviews and ask about their process and tools.
- Make sure they provide a recorded video and written report.
Clear the Way
- Know where your sewer clean-out is. (This is usually a capped pipe in your yard, basement, or crawl space.)
- Remove any items blocking access to it.
- Don’t run water during the inspection to keep the pipe as clean as possible.
Inspector Setup
- The technician will bring the sewer scope (camera), monitor, and other tools.
- They’ll ask a few questions about your plumbing or any past issues.
- Once set up, the inspection begins.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Inspection
Here’s what actually takes place during a sewer camera inspection:
1. Find the Access Point
The plumber locates the best place to enter the sewer line—usually through the clean-out. If no clean-out is available, they might go through a toilet drain or roof vent.
2. Insert the Camera
A flexible camera on a long cable is gently fed into the sewer line. It’s waterproof, has lights, and can travel deep into your pipes.
3. Watch Live Footage
As the camera moves, it sends a live video to the screen. The plumber watches closely for signs of trouble—like root invasions, breaks, or clogs.
4. Record and Take Notes
Everything is recorded for review. The plumber might also measure how far the camera traveled to locate the exact spot of a problem.
5. Review the Results
After the inspection, you’ll sit down with the plumber to go over the footage. They’ll explain what they saw and what (if anything) needs fixing.
6. Get a Report
Most professionals give you a detailed written report and video file. You can use this for planning repairs or even to negotiate during a home sale.
What Problems Can a Sewer Line Inspection Find?
Here are the most common issues that show up:
- Tree Root Intrusion – Roots can grow through pipe joints and create blockages or damage.
- Pipe Cracks or Collapses – Caused by shifting soil, old age, or heavy loads above ground.
- Buildups and Blockages – From grease, wipes, food, or debris that shouldn’t be flushed.
- Sagging (Bellies) – Sections of pipe that sink and collect waste and water.
- Corrosion – Especially in older metal pipes, which can rust from the inside out.
Catching these early can save thousands of dollars and avoid digging up your yard later.
What to Do After the Inspection
Depending on the results, here’s what might happen next:
If Everything Looks Good
- Great! You now have a clean bill of health for your sewer line.
- Consider scheduling regular check-ups every 3–5 years.
If There Are Problems
- The plumber will explain the issue and suggest the best solution.
- Some fixes might include:
- Hydro jetting to blast away blockages.
- Trenchless repairs to fix or replace sections of pipe without digging.
- Pipe relining to add a new layer inside the old pipe.
Always get a few quotes and understand your options before making a big repair decision.
How Much Does a Sewer Line Inspection Cost?
In most areas, a sewer line inspection costs between $300 to $500, depending on:
- Your location
- How long the sewer line is
- How easy it is to access the clean-out
- Whether you get a report or video
It might feel like a lot upfront, but it’s a small price to pay compared to digging up a yard or replacing a sewer line.
Protect Your Home from the Ground Down
Your sewer line might be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. A professional sewer line inspection gives you a clear picture of what’s happening underground—and peace of mind that everything is flowing as it should.
Whether you’re buying a home, noticing weird plumbing problems, or just staying on top of maintenance, this one simple step can save you from a major (and messy) headache later. If in doubt, reach out to a trusted plumber and schedule your inspection. You—and your pipes—will be glad you did.
Burlingame Sewer Line Inspection – JK Plumbing
Worried about what’s hiding in your sewer line? At JK Plumbing, we offer expert sewer line inspection services in Burlingame that give you answers fast—without the mess. Using advanced camera technology, we pinpoint issues like blockages, root intrusions, and cracked pipes before they turn into costly repairs. Whether you’re buying a home or noticing slow drains, our licensed team will guide you every step of the way. No guesswork, no surprises—just clear, honest service from your trusted local plumber.
We’ve proudly helped homeowners throughout Burlingame stay ahead of plumbing problems with fast, accurate sewer inspections. Don’t wait for a backup—call JK Plumbing today at (415) 359-4588 to schedule your inspection or ask questions. Your home deserves proactive care, and we’re here to help. Visit our website or speak with our friendly team to learn more. JK Plumbing is your go-to for dependable sewer camera inspections in Burlingame.
Helpful Answers to Common Questions
How long does a sewer line inspection take?
Most sewer line inspections take about 30 minutes to an hour, but the exact time can vary depending on the length of your sewer pipe, the access point, and whether any issues are found. If the inspector runs into blockages, roots, or tough bends in the line, it might take a little longer to fully inspect and document everything. In some cases, the technician may also take extra time to review the video footage with you and provide a detailed report. Overall, it’s a quick, non-invasive process that delivers valuable insights about your home’s plumbing system.
Can I do it myself with a camera?
While there are DIY sewer cameras available for purchase or rent, they don’t offer the same quality, depth, or accuracy as professional equipment. Most homeowner-grade cameras can’t reach far enough or clearly show cracks, root intrusions, or sagging pipes. More importantly, professional plumbers know exactly what to look for and can interpret the video properly. Without proper training, you might miss signs of damage or misjudge the severity of a problem. A professional sewer inspection gives you expert insight, a full report, and peace of mind—things a DIY attempt simply can’t guarantee.
Is this only for old homes?
Absolutely not! While older homes are more likely to have worn-out or corroded pipes, sewer line issues can happen in newer homes, too. Construction mistakes, poor materials, improper slope, or even tree root growth can cause damage to a brand-new line. Some homes are also built on lots with shifting soil, which can affect underground pipes over time. Whether your home is 5 or 50 years old, a sewer line inspection can spot problems early and save you from costly repairs later. In fact, it’s one of the most important checks you should do before buying any home—old or new.
Will it cause a mess in my house?
No need to worry—sewer line inspections are clean and non-invasive. In most cases, the camera is inserted through an outdoor access point called a clean-out. If no clean-out is available, plumbers may use a toilet drain or even a roof vent, but they take care to protect your space and avoid any mess. The camera itself is waterproof and flexible, so it can move through the pipes smoothly without causing damage. There’s no digging, no cutting through walls or floors, and no disruption to your plumbing. Once it’s done, you won’t even know anyone was there—except for the report!
Read When Should You Get a Sewer Line Inspection? Key Signs to Watch For