Sewer Line Inspection: When and Why Homeowners Need It

When your drains start to gurgle or you notice water pooling in your yard, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Sewer lines are out of sight and, all too often, out of mind—until something goes wrong.

At Down to Earth Plumbing, we help homeowners spot issues early, avoid expensive repairs, and keep life running smoothly. When it comes to emergency plumbing or Preventative Maintenance near you, knowing when to get a sewer line inspection can make all the difference.

What Is a Sewer Line Inspection? 🕵️‍♂️

A sewer line inspection is a close look inside the pipes that carry waste water from your home to the city main or septic system. Professionals use special cameras—imagine a tiny movie crew, right inside your pipes—to spot blockages, cracks, tree roots, and other hidden problems.

Think of your sewer line like a subway tunnel beneath your house. You can’t see what’s inside just by looking at the street above. That’s why an inspection is so valuable, especially if you live in:

• An older home (built before the 1980s)
• A property with large or mature trees nearby
• A house you’re buying or selling

A thorough inspection gives you a clear picture—literally—of what’s happening below your feet.

Signs You May Need an Inspection

Not every plumbing problem starts as an emergency, but many emergencies start small. Watch for these common warning signs:

• Slow drains in sinks, tubs, or showers (not just one, but several at once)
• Gurgling noises from your toilets or drains
• Unpleasant odors (like rotten eggs or sewage) coming from drains
• Water backing up into tubs, showers, or basements
• Soggy patches or unusually green grass in your yard—especially above the sewer line
• Mold growth or unexplained moisture on walls or floors

If you notice any of these, it’s time to think about an inspection before things escalate.

How Camera Inspections Work

Forget digging up your entire yard. Modern sewer line inspections use a flexible, waterproof camera attached to a long cable. Here’s what happens:

1. Access point: The technician finds a cleanout or entry to your sewer line.
2. Camera insertion: The camera snakes its way through the pipe, sending back live video.
3. Real-time viewing: You (and the plumber) can see the inside of your pipes in real time—on a screen, right there in your home.
4. Locating issues: The camera finds roots, debris, corrosion, cracks, or collapsed sections.
5. Documentation: Images or video can be saved for insurance, home sales, or repair planning.

We use the latest inspection technology—no guesswork, just clear visuals. It’s all about transparency, so you know exactly what’s going on.

Typical Problems Found During Inspections

A sewer line inspection often feels like opening a mystery novel. Here are some of the most common “plot twists” we find:

1. Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are drawn to moisture—they’ll slip in through small cracks or joints, eventually clogging the pipe. If you have big trees near your sewer line, this is a prime suspect.

2. Grease, Debris, or Foreign Objects

Everything from grease buildup to kids’ toys can cause a clog. Over time, even routine waste can narrow older pipes.

3. Cracks, Breaks, and Collapsed Pipes

Aging pipes—especially clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg—can crack, shift, or even collapse under pressure. These can lead to leaks underground or sudden backups inside your home.

4. Corrosion and Pipe Belly

Metal pipes rust. Soil can shift. If a section of pipe sags (a “belly”), waste and water collect there, leading to blockages and eventual failure.

A thorough inspection catches these problems early—saving you from the kind of emergency plumbing call no one wants to make in the middle of the night.

What Happens After the Inspection? 📋

Once the inspection wraps up, you’ll receive:

• A detailed report with photos or video of your sewer line’s condition
• Clear explanations of any issues found, in plain language
• Recommended next steps (if repairs are needed), prioritized by urgency

Depending on what we find, options may include:

• Drain cleaning to remove blockages
• Root removal or pipe lining (trenchless repair)
• Partial or full sewer line replacement
• Simple Preventative Maintenance near you to keep things flowing

No two homes are the same. Your report is tailored to your situation—no upsells, just facts you can use.

Safety Checklist for Homeowners

Before you schedule an inspection, run through this quick checklist:

• Is your home older than 40 years?
• Do you have large, mature trees in your yard?
• Are you experiencing repeated drain clogs or backups?
• Are you buying (or selling) a property and want peace of mind?
• Have you noticed any signs of leaks or soggy spots outdoors?

If you answered yes to any of these, it’s time to act.

Sewer Inspections: DIY or Call a Pro?

Sewer line inspections are not a DIY project. Here’s why:

• Camera equipment is specialized and expensive.
• Interpreting video footage accurately takes experience.
• Finding the exact location of a problem underground is tricky.
• Local building codes (like those from the International Plumbing Code and state guidelines) require licensed professionals for any repairs.

Save yourself the headache. Professionals like Down to Earth Plumbing have the right tools and know-how to do it safely and thoroughly.

What Professionals Do On Arrival

Here’s what to expect when you book a sewer line inspection with a pro:

1. Arrival and safety check: We assess your property and explain the process.
2. Locate access: Find your sewer cleanout or another entry point.
3. Camera setup: Prepare and sanitize the inspection camera.
4. Live inspection: Thread the camera through your main sewer line, capturing video and images.
5. Discussion: Show you what we found—right there on the screen, no surprises.
6. Report: Provide a summary with recommendations, so you know your next steps.

Prevention & Maintenance Tips

Regular inspections are smart Preventative Maintenance—like getting an annual physical for your home’s plumbing. Here’s how to take care of your sewer line between inspections:

• Only flush toilet paper and waste—never wipes, feminine products, or grease.
• Schedule professional drain cleaning every 1–2 years.
• Avoid planting trees or shrubs over sewer lines.
• Fix minor leaks or slow drains right away.
• Don’t ignore unusual smells or gurgling noises.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends preventive plumbing maintenance to avoid groundwater contamination and costly repairs. Early action is always cheaper than emergency plumbing.

Costs & Time Factors

Sewer line inspections are surprisingly efficient. Most take about 60–90 minutes, depending on your property’s layout and access points.

Cost factors depend on:

• Length and accessibility of your sewer line
• Whether additional services (like cleaning or locating) are needed
• Age and condition of your pipes

While we’re not quoting prices here, most homeowners find that the peace of mind—and the potential savings—far outweigh the inspection cost.

When It’s an Emergency 🚨

Some situations can’t wait:

• Raw sewage backing up into your home
• Major leaks or flooding in your yard
• Sudden, total loss of drain function

If you encounter any of these, call Down to Earth Plumbing immediately. Emergency plumbing is our specialty—we’ll help you get back to normal, day or night.

FAQ: Sewer Line Inspection

Q: How often should I get a sewer line inspection?
A: For homes over 40 years old or with large trees nearby, every 2–3 years is smart. Before buying or selling property, always get an inspection.

Q: Will the inspection damage my yard or plumbing?
A: No. The camera is non-invasive, entering through an existing cleanout.

Q: Can tree roots really break a sewer pipe?
A: Yes. Roots can invade even the smallest cracks, eventually splitting pipes open.

Q: What if a problem is found?
A: You’ll receive a clear report with photos and next-step options. Many issues can be fixed with trenchless repair—no giant holes in your yard.

Local and Seasonal Considerations

Plumbing issues often spike during spring rains, after big storms, or when ground freezes and thaws. In areas with clay soil or older infrastructure, sewer line problems can be more common.

If you notice issues during these times, don’t wait—schedule an inspection before small problems turn into big headaches.

Sewer line inspections aren’t just for emergencies. They’re a smart move for any homeowner who wants to protect their investment—and their peace of mind.

Call Down to Earth Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-488-8509 .