When it is worth it
- Homes built before about 1980.
- Mature trees in the front yard or near the line.
- Slow drains or gurgling toilets.
- Any history of backups.
- Homes that have been vacant.
How it works
A plumber or sewer specialist feeds a camera through a cleanout, a roof vent or a pulled toilet and records the line to the city connection. A locator tracks the camera’s depth and position, so problem spots can be marked on the ground.
Common findings
| Finding | What it means |
|---|---|
| Root intrusion | Roots enter through joints; can be cut, but they return |
| Offset or separated joints | Shifted pipe sections that catch debris |
| Belly (sag) | Low spot that holds water and waste |
| Cracks or broken pipe | Needs repair |
| Orangeburg pipe | Fiber pipe used mid-century; prone to collapse |
| Scale in cast iron | Reduces flow, may need descaling |
Repair options
- Spot repair: excavate and replace a section.
- Lining: insert a resin liner that cures inside the old pipe.
- Pipe bursting: pull new pipe through the old one.
- Full replacement: open trench.
Get at least two bids and confirm that permits and street work, if needed, are included.
Common questions
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?
Often a few hundred dollars for a single-family home, more if a cleanout must be located or a toilet pulled to gain access.
Who pays to fix a sewer lateral?
In most Southern California cities, the owner is responsible for the lateral from the house to the city's main, sometimes including the part under the street. Check your city's rules.