Signs You May Need a Camera Inspection

Not every slow drain requires a camera inspection. But certain patterns suggest a closer look is warranted:

Recurring clogs in the same spot. If you have had the same drain snaked more than once, something structural may be catching debris. A camera shows what the snake cannot.

Multiple slow drains at once. One slow drain is usually a local clog. Several slow drains at the same time often point to the main sewer line.

Foul odors from drains or the yard. Sewage smells indoors or in the yard can indicate a break or leak in the line.

Gurgling sounds. If you hear gurgling from drains or toilets after using water, the line may be partially blocked or not venting properly.

Water pooling in the yard. Unusually wet or lush green patches in the yard can signal a leaking sewer line.

An older home. Pittsburgh has many homes with original clay tile or cast iron sewer lines. These materials degrade over time, and the pipes are often 50 to 100 years old.

Before buying a home. A standard home inspection does not cover the underground sewer line. A camera inspection during the buying process can reveal problems that would otherwise become the new owner’s responsibility.

Why Pittsburgh’s Sewer Lines Need Extra Attention

Pittsburgh’s underground infrastructure has characteristics that make camera inspections particularly valuable here.

Vitrified clay pipe. Many older Pittsburgh homes were built with vitrified clay sewer laterals. This material is hard and durable if left undisturbed, but it snaps easily when the ground shifts or when heavy equipment works nearby. Clay pipe joints are also a common entry point for tree roots.

Ground movement from coal mining. Parts of Allegheny County sit over abandoned coal mines. When old mine pillars fail or weather, the ground settles. Buried pipes cannot bend with it, so joints separate and create catch points for debris and roots.

Tree root intrusion. Pittsburgh’s mature tree canopy is beautiful, but roots seek moisture. A small crack or loose joint in a clay pipe is an open invitation. Camera inspection shows exactly where roots have entered and how severe the intrusion is.

Freeze-thaw cycles. Pittsburgh winters stress pipes. The ground expands and contracts, which can shift already fragile clay lines and open new cracks.

What Happens During the Inspection

Knowing the process makes it easier to prepare. Here is what to expect:

Step 1: We locate the access point. Most homes have a cleanout — a capped pipe that provides entry to the sewer line. If you do not know where yours is, we can help locate it. Some homes require access through a toilet, which we can handle.

Step 2: We feed the camera into the line. The camera travels through the pipe, and we watch the monitor as it goes. We note the distance and depth of anything we find.

Step 3: We document what we see. Most inspections are recorded. You see the footage, and we point out problems or areas of concern.

Step 4: We explain the findings. This is the most important part. A video alone is not useful if you do not understand what it means. We tell you what we found, where it is, how serious it appears, and what options you have.

Step 5: We provide recommendations. Not every defect requires immediate repair. Some conditions can be monitored. Others need cleaning. Some may need repair or replacement. We explain the difference.

How to Prepare for Your Inspection

A few simple steps make the visit smoother:

• Clear access to the cleanout or the area where the camera will be inserted

• Move any vehicles or obstacles that might block access

• Avoid running large amounts of water during the inspection window — no laundry or long showers

• Know where your main water shutoff is, just in case

If the only access is through a toilet, we may need to remove and reset it. Let us know in advance if that is a possibility.

How This Connects to Other Services

A camera inspection often leads to other work. If we find a problem, here is what might come next:

• Drain Cleaning — if the issue is buildup or a blockage that can be cleared

• Hydro Jetting — for grease, scale, or roots that need high-pressure cleaning

• Sewer Line Repair — if the pipe itself is damaged and needs fixing

• Plumbing Repair — for related issues inside the home

• Leak Detection and Repair — if the inspection reveals a leak that needs locating

The inspection does not commit you to any of these. It gives you the information to decide what makes sense.

Questions Homeowners Ask

How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?

Pricing depends on the length of the line, access, and complexity. We provide a clear estimate before starting. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

How long does a sewer camera inspection take?

Most residential inspections take about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the length of the line and whether there are complications with access or heavy blockage that limits visibility.

Do I need a camera inspection if my drain was just cleaned?

Not necessarily. If a single drain was snaked and the problem is resolved, monitoring may be sufficient. A camera inspection is most valuable when problems recur, when multiple fixtures are affected, or when you need to understand the condition of the line for a property transaction.

Can you find the exact location of a problem?

Yes. Our equipment includes locating capability. When we find a defect, we can mark its location on the surface so you know exactly where the issue is. This is important if repair or excavation is needed.

Will I get to see the video?

Yes. You see the footage as we record it, and we explain what we are seeing. The goal is for you to understand your system, not just take our word for it.

What if the camera cannot get through the line?

Heavy blockage or a collapsed section can limit what the camera can see. If that happens, we tell you what we could and could not confirm. In some cases, cleaning the line first allows for a more complete inspection.

Do you offer camera inspections for home buyers?

Yes. A pre-purchase sewer inspection is one of the most valuable things a buyer can do. It can reveal problems that would otherwise become your responsibility after closing.