See the pipe before you decide anything
A sewer line runs underground for dozens of feet, and almost everything that goes wrong in it is out of sight. A camera inspection replaces guesswork with footage. You see roots, cracks, offsets and low spots, and you hear a plain explanation of what each one means.
It is the most useful single step before a repair, before a purchase and any time a drain keeps backing up.
What the camera can show
| What you see | What it usually means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Fine roots at a joint | A small opening that is feeding the roots | Clean the line and consider sealing the joint |
| A long crack or break | Pipe damage that will let water and soil in | Spot repair, lining or replacement |
| A sag filled with water | A low spot, often called a belly, where solids settle | Monitor, clean or correct depending on depth |
| Offset joints | Two pipe sections have shifted apart | Repair at that joint |
| A clean, intact pipe | The problem is probably upstream of the sewer | Check fixture drains and venting |
When an inspection is worth booking
- You are buying a home and the seller has not had the line checked
- A drain has backed up more than once in a year
- You are planning a remodel, a new tree or work near the yard line
- You see wet or sunken ground over the sewer path
- A previous plumber cleared the line and you want to know what was causing the stoppage
Booking a camera visit?
Call and tell us what you have noticed. We will schedule a visit that suits you.
How the visit works
- 1
We find access
A cleanout outside is best. If none exists, we find another entry point.
- 2
Clean as needed
If the line is partly blocked, we clear it so the camera can pass.
- 3
Run the camera
The camera moves through the pipe while you watch the monitor if you like.
- 4
Review together
We point out what we see and say what, if anything, needs action.
What changes the price of an inspection
You get a clear price before work starts.
Inspecting a Bothell house before you buy
Homes in Bothell range from mid-century houses to newer builds in places like Canyon Park and North Creek. A home inspector usually does not scope the sewer lateral. An inspection costs far less than a surprise during a remodel or after closing.
If the camera shows damage, you can ask the seller for repairs or a price change. If it shows a clean line, you know what you are buying. For repairs we offer sewer line repair and sewer line cleaning on the same visit if you want.
Where the footage shows work that falls short of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted in WAC 51-56, we say so plainly in the review.
Sewer inspection questions
Inspections are usually scheduled, and same-day appointments are available when we have openings. If you have a sewer backup right now, call (425) 845-0257 and we will treat it as an emergency.
Yes. Ask for it when you book. Footage helps when you talk to a repair contractor, an insurer or a seller.
A typical residential inspection takes about an hour once we have access. A blocked line or a long run takes longer.
The camera can show cracks, offsets and signs of leaking. It does not measure flow loss. If you suspect a water supply leak, see leak detection.
Not necessarily. It is most useful before a purchase, before major yard work or after repeated problems.
No. A home inspection looks at the house. A sewer camera inspection looks inside the buried pipe, which a home inspection usually does not cover.