A sewer camera inspection sends a small waterproof camera on a push cable through your drain and sewer line, recording video of roots, cracks, sags, grease and blockages and locating them from above ground. It turns a guess into a diagnosis before you pay for repairs. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Phoenix.
When a scope is worth it
- Before closing on a house, especially in an older central neighborhood
- After the main line has been cleared and backs up again
- When several drains gurgle or slow down together
- Before paying for jetting, a repair or a full replacement
- After landscaping, pool work or other digging near the line
Why it matters for Phoenix owners
The City of Phoenix says property owners are responsible for the sewer line on their property up to the City main. A damaged line is your cost, and from the surface you cannot tell whether it is sound. Phoenix's median home was built around 1984, but older central neighborhoods and historic districts can have cast iron drains and older laterals, so a scope is a smart step during a purchase.
How the inspection goes
- The plumber opens a cleanout, or uses a toilet opening if there is no cleanout.
- The camera is fed through the line while it records.
- The cable counter notes how far each defect is from the access point.
- A locator on the surface picks up the camera head to mark the spot and its depth.
- You review the video and the findings with the plumber.
If the line is full, it may need to be cleared first so the camera can get through.
Reading the footage
| What you see | Usual meaning |
|---|---|
| Root strands at a joint | An opening roots grew through; jetting clears them, sealing keeps them out |
| Water pooled over a stretch | A sag or belly in the pipe |
| Pipe ends out of line | An offset joint |
| Thick grease or scale | Buildup that cleaning or jetting can remove |
| Holes or missing pipe wall | Repair or replacement territory |
Grease shows up on camera
The City of Phoenix lists fats, oils and grease as a leading cause of sewer backups, since grease hardens on pipe walls. Heavy grease in the footage points to kitchen habits as part of the fix.
Cost factors
Access, line length, whether clearing is needed first, and whether you want a written report with the video all affect the price.
Sewer Camera Inspection questions from Phoenix homeowners
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house in Phoenix?
Can the camera find exactly where the problem is?
Can I keep a copy of the video?
What if my house has no sewer cleanout?
Related plumbing services in Phoenix
Helpful guides
Sewer Camera Inspection in nearby cities and towns
Maricopa County
Pinal County
Sources
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