A sewer line runs underground where nobody can see it, which is why sewer problems cause so much guessing. Is it a simple clog or a broken pipe? Do you need to dig, or will clearing it be enough? A sewer camera inspection answers those questions with video instead of guesswork.
We feed a waterproof camera down your main line through the cleanout and watch the picture live. You’ll see what we see, and we’ll explain exactly what it means.
Reasons to get your sewer line scoped
- Drains that clog again and again after being cleared
- More than one drain backing up at once
- Buying or selling an older home
- Big trees growing near the path of the sewer line
- A sewage smell in the yard or a soggy patch of lawn
- Getting a second opinion before a costly sewer replacement
What we look for
On the camera we watch for roots coming through the joints, which is common in the clay pipe used in many older San Antonio homes. We look for cracks, breaks and offset joints, where two sections have shifted apart. We check for bellies, which are low spots where the line has sagged and waste sits instead of flowing. We also look at the condition of the pipe itself. Old cast iron often shows heavy rust and scale on the inside that narrows the pipe.
If we find a problem, our locator lets us mark the spot on the ground above it. That way, if a repair is needed, we can dig in the right place instead of tearing up the whole yard.
For homebuyers, sellers and realtors
A sewer camera inspection is one of the smartest things a buyer can do before closing on an older home, especially in San Antonio’s established neighborhoods, where many houses still have their original sewer lines. Standard home inspections don’t usually look inside the sewer line. We offer inspections for buyers, sellers, realtors and investors, and we can explain the findings in English or Spanish. Learn more on our real estate plumbing inspection page.
A second opinion you can trust
If another company has told you that your sewer line has to be replaced, we’re happy to take a look. Sometimes a full replacement is the right call. Sometimes a spot repair or a good hydro-jetting is enough. Either way, you’ll see the video and make the decision with real information.