Sewer Line Inspection: When, Why, and What to Expect

When your drains bubble or your toilets back up, you feel it in your day. Plumbing problems don’t wait for a convenient time, and some signs point to trouble deep below the surface. That’s where a professional sewer line inspection can save you time, money, and stress.

At Aark Plumbing, we know how urgent these situations feel. We’ve helped both homeowners and businesses make sense of what’s happening underground, using the right technology and certified inspectors to bring answers—fast.

Why Sewer Line Inspections Matter 🛠️

Think of your sewer line as the silent highway beneath your property. It carries away everything you don’t want to think about. But when traffic jams up—clogs, cracks, or root invasions—the consequences can get messy, expensive, and hazardous.

Sewer line inspections aren’t just for emergencies. Here’s why they matter:

• Home purchases: Inspect before you buy. No one wants a new house with a hidden plumbing headache.
• Aging pipes: Older homes often have pipes that are past their prime, at risk of corrosion or collapse.
• Recurring clogs: If you keep grabbing the plunger, it’s a signal something deeper is wrong.
• Preventative maintenance: Spot small problems before they become emergencies. The EPA and local building codes recommend periodic sewer checks, especially for properties with mature trees or old infrastructure.

Ignoring sewer trouble is like ignoring a strange noise in your car. The longer you wait, the bigger the problem grows.

Symptoms of Sewer Line Trouble

Not sure if it’s time to call for an inspection? Watch for these red flags:

• Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
• Slow drainage in tubs or sinks
• Unpleasant odors coming from drains
• Water pooling in your yard without explanation
• Multiple drains clogging at once—especially on the lowest floor

Sometimes the signs are subtle. Sometimes they’re loud and clear. Either way, don’t brush them off.

How Camera Inspections Work

Picture a snake with eyes. That’s the sewer camera—one of the most important tools in modern plumbing. Here’s what happens:

• Set-up: The inspector locates the main sewer cleanout, often outside or in a basement.
• Insertion: A flexible cable with a high-definition camera slides into the pipe.
• Live feed: The inspector watches a monitor in real time, guiding the camera through twists, turns, and blockages.
• Recording: Video footage is recorded for review and reporting, so you can see exactly what’s happening underground.

This process is safe for your pipes and gives a clear picture—no guesswork, no digging unless it’s absolutely needed. The camera can spot issues as small as a hairline crack or as big as a tree root invasion.

What Inspectors Look For

During a sewer line inspection, certified professionals are trained to spot:

• Cracks or breaks: Often caused by shifting soil, age, or outside pressure
• Blockages: From grease, wipes, or foreign objects
• Root intrusion: Tree roots love finding tiny pipe leaks and can force their way inside, causing clogs or even pipe collapse
• Corrosion or scaling: Especially in older metal pipes, leading to rough surfaces and slow flow
• Pipe misalignment (bellies or offsets): Sections that have sunk or shifted, trapping waste and water

Our inspectors at Aark Plumbing use their findings to generate a detailed digital report. You’ll see images and footage from the inspection, with notes that explain what’s urgent and what can wait. No plumbing jargon, just straightforward information.

After the Inspection: Next Steps

Once you receive your report, what happens next?

• Review findings: Take time to look over the photos and video. We’ll explain what you’re seeing, step by step.
• Discuss solutions: Not every issue means a full replacement. Sometimes a simple cleaning or targeted repair does the trick.
• Transparent quotes: We provide clear, no-obligation estimates for any recommended work, including options for pipe repair, repiping, or sewer line installation.
• Plan ahead: If your pipes are aging but not failing, we’ll help you schedule regular maintenance to extend their life.

Our goal is to give you information, not pressure. You decide the timeline and the work.

Triggers for Inspection: When Should You Call?

Still unsure if it’s time? Here are the most common triggers:

• Buying or selling a property
• Homes over 30 years old
• Recurring slow drains or clogs
• Backups after heavy rain
• Major landscaping or construction projects nearby
• Visible sinkholes or soft patches in the yard

If you’re in doubt, a quick phone call can give you peace of mind—and protect your investment.

Sewer Safety Checklist

Before you schedule—or if you’re waiting for a pro—keep things safe:

• Avoid chemical drain cleaners; they can eat through aging pipes.
• Don’t flush wipes, feminine products, or grease.
• Know where your main shutoff valve is, just in case.
• Check your property records for pipe material and age.
• If you smell sewer gas indoors, ventilate and call immediately.

For specifics, refer to your local plumbing code or the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) for best practices.

Camera Inspection: DIY vs. Call a Pro

It’s tempting to rent a camera and see for yourself. Here’s why most property owners choose a professional:

• Equipment: Professional cameras offer better resolution, longer range, and the ability to record.
• Experience: Trained eyes spot problems you might miss—like a sagging pipe or signs of root growth.
• Safety: Navigating tight sewer lines can be hazardous. Certified inspectors understand proper protective equipment and safe entry procedures, following guidelines from OSHA and state agencies.

DIY can work for minor drain clogs above ground. For anything involving the main sewer line, it’s smarter—and safer—to call for help.

What Aark Plumbing Pros Do On Arrival

Here’s what you can expect from an Aark Plumbing inspection appointment:

• Friendly arrival, on time, with ID and relevant certifications displayed
• Walk-through and listening to your concerns before starting
• Locating the main cleanout and setting up equipment
• Careful camera inspection, with explanations as we go
• Digital report delivered to your inbox, including images and recommendations
• Respect for your property—no unnecessary mess, no hidden fees

We know your time is valuable. Most inspections take 60–90 minutes, depending on access and pipe length.

Prevention & Maintenance Tips

You don’t have to wait for trouble. Keep your sewer line healthy with these habits:

• Schedule preventative drain cleaning annually, especially for commercial properties or homes with large families.
• Install drain strainers in sinks, showers, and floor drains.
• Plant trees and shrubs away from sewer laterals.
• Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures.
• If you have frequent problems, consider a water filtration system or backflow prevention device.

Regular maintenance keeps emergencies at bay and extends the life of your plumbing.

Costs & Time Factors

What should you budget for a sewer line inspection? Costs vary based on:

• Pipe length and property size
• Accessibility of cleanouts
• Whether additional services (like drain cleaning or leak detection) are needed

Inspections are an investment—usually a fraction of the cost of digging up a yard for major repairs. For most properties, expect an inspection to take under two hours.

Remember, catching issues early often saves thousands down the line.

When It’s an Emergency

Certain signs mean you should call for emergency plumbing right away:

• Sewage backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets
• Strong sewer gas odors indoors
• Flooding or standing water around your foundation
• Sudden, unexplained drop in water pressure throughout the building

These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re health hazards. Fast response matters. Aark Plumbing is available around the clock for urgent sewer line inspections and repairs.

FAQ: Sewer Line Inspection

How often should I get my sewer line inspected?
For most homes, every 3–5 years is a good rule of thumb, or sooner if you notice symptoms.

Can a camera inspection find all problems?
Cameras reveal most issues—cracks, clogs, roots. Some leaks may require additional leak detection methods.

Is the process disruptive?
Most inspections require no digging, no mess, and no interruption to your daily routine.

Will I get a copy of the video?
Absolutely. Digital reports and footage are standard, so you can review findings and share them with your insurance or real estate agent if needed.

Local and Seasonal Considerations

In areas with clay soils or older infrastructure, sewer lines are more prone to shifting and root invasion. Seasonal changes—especially heavy rains or freeze-thaw cycles—can stress aging pipes.

For businesses and multi-family buildings, local regulations may require regular inspections. Always check with your city’s building department or refer to the International Plumbing Code (IPC) for requirements in your area.

Don’t wait for a small warning sign to become a major headache. Schedule your sewer line inspection with Aark Plumbing—your partner for reliable, certified, and transparent emergency plumbing and pipe installation near you.

Call Aark Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-403-1101 .