When an inspection is worth asking for
- The same line has blocked more than once in a year.
- Clearing brought up roots, pipe fragments or soil.
- You're weighing a repair quote and want to see the problem yourself.
- You're buying or selling a property and want the line documented.
What you should get
Agree the deliverables before the camera goes in. Useful items include:
- Video footage you can keep, in a format you can open.
- Distance markers showing how far along the line each finding is.
- A short written summary of what was seen, in plain language.
- Where available, a locate of a finding's approximate position above ground.
Limits of a camera
A camera needs access and a passable line. If the pipe is fully blocked or full of water, it may need clearing first. Footage shows the inside surface — not the soil around the pipe or the exact cause of a sag. Bends, standing water and debris can hide sections. A good report says what couldn't be seen.
Inspection is not a promise
An inspection on its own doesn't clear the line or repair it, and it doesn't decide responsibility between owner and city. Any follow-up work is a separate, approved scope.
Access
The camera usually goes in through a cleanout. Without one, our team may use a fixture opening (for example, by pulling a toilet) or recommend installing a cleanout — which is separate work. See main line clearing for where cleanouts are typically found.
Questions
Can you inspect right after clearing?
Often that's the best time, because the line is open. Ask our team whether both can be included in your visit.
Will the footage show the public sewer?
Sometimes the camera reaches the connection point. It is still a view of conditions, not a ruling on who maintains what.
How long is a report valid?
It documents the day it was recorded. Conditions can change, especially with root intrusion.