Maintain, repair

Why Are Sewer Camera Inspections Needed, and How Often Should They Be Done?

Sewer camera inspections are needed to identify hidden problems inside a sewer line, such as blockages, damage, or deterioration. They are typically recommended when problems occur and periodically for older homes or systems with a history of issues.

When Do You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?

Full Transcript

Think of a video sewer inspection as a kind of exploratory surgery. It’s a great way for our technicians to get an inside view of exactly what might be a current or future problem. Many things can cause sewer lines to run slowly or back up completely. Shifting soil can create a dip, a separation, or even a break in the pipe. As nearby trees mature, their roots can find their way into sewer lines, clogging them and sometimes even cracking the pipe. Sewer backups are unpleasant, messy, and can cause serious damage to the inside of your home. If your system has backed up at any time, a video inspection is the best way to find the cause of the problem. Here’s something you may not have thought about when buying a home, especially one that’s more than 10 years old: a video sewer inspection should be a priority for buyers. Remember, once you close on the home, the sewer line—and any problems or repairs it needs—now belongs to you.

Why Sewer Camera Inspections Matter and When to Schedule One

Sewer camera inspections provide a clear, inside view of a sewer line, helping identify current problems and potential future risks before they turn into major repairs. Many sewer issues develop underground and out of sight, making them difficult to diagnose based on surface symptoms alone.

Common causes of sewer problems include shifting soil, which can create dips, separations, or breaks in the pipe, and tree root intrusion, which is especially common as trees mature. Roots can enter small cracks or joints, gradually slowing wastewater flow or causing complete blockages and backups. When sewer lines back up, the resulting damage can be messy, disruptive, and costly to repair.

A sewer camera inspection is often recommended if a system has backed up, drains are consistently slow, or unexplained odors are present. Inspections are also a smart step when buying an older home, particularly those more than ten years old, since responsibility for the sewer line typically transfers to the homeowner at closing.

For many Denver-area homes, routine inspections may be advised every few years if the sewer system is older or has a history of root intrusion or previous repairs. A professional inspection can help determine an appropriate inspection schedule based on the condition and age of the sewer line.