Inspecting a sewer line is a vital step in learning whether your pipes have a clog. The checkup could also show you if there’s a more severe issue that needs repair. Still, it’s helpful to understand sewer line inspection costs before hiring someone for the job.
Do you want to know how much this service costs? Find out how much it costs for sewer line inspection by reading on.
What is the average cost of a sewer line camera inspection?
A sewer line camera inspection costs $125 to $500 on average. You may be able to negotiate a better rate by bundling the inspection with another service, such as sewer cleaning, and paying in advance.
Discover your home’s worth online for free in minutes!
A closer look at home sewer line inspection costs
Again, sewer line camera inspection costs alone can range between $125 and $500. The national average for this kind of inspection is around $685. However, this price only includes the video inspection.
Most likely, the inspection will uncover a problem that you’ll need to fix. The problem could prove as simple as a clog.
Conversely, it can prove as complex as a tree root that’s broken through your sewer line in several places. Either way, you’ll need to fix the problem.
Plumbers charge anywhere from $45 to $150 per hour for their services. Here, you’ll also need to consider the cost of materials needed for the repair.
How do sewer problems start?
A sewer line problem can start for many reasons, but often it starts with tree roots. Over time, tree roots can invade your sewer system and clog the sewer line. Still, that doesn’t mean you need to cut down your trees.
Sometimes, tree roots work into cracks and joints in older main sewer lines made using clay tile or cast iron. Pipes made using an asphalt composite called Orangeburg piping are also subject to invasion by tree roots. In either case, tree roots are hungry for the nutrient-rich waste that flows through your sewer drains to your septic tank.
As a result, they naturally gravitate toward and into your pipes. Still, there are many other potential problems with home sewer lines.
Getting help for the problem
A professional plumber can help you to resolve the problem. The equipment they use works with any kind of sewer system.
What’s more, a sewer camera enables plumbers to diagnose a range of plumbing issues. These problems might include:
• Broken pipes
• Clogs
• Cracks and leaks
• Grease buildup
• Obstructions
• Tree root invasion
A plumbing professional can tell you exactly what’s going on with your sewer line with their special camera. Of course, you most likely want to know how much all of this will cost.
Inspection costs near me
You may find an overview of sewer scope inspection prices in various cities across the United States helpful. In Pittsburgh, for instance, sewer camera inspection might cost $520 to $4,110, with an average cost of $2,350.
In Seattle, the same service may cost between $430 and $2,970, averaging $1,535. On the opposite coast in Orlando, a homeowner might pay $150 to $515 for video sewer inspection with an average cost of $315.
Meanwhile, video inspection in New York City might cost between $260 and $760, averaging $510 for the job. Back on the West Coast, an inspection in Los Angeles might cost between $460 and $2,745, with an average expense of $1,600. Finally, a sewer inspection might cost between $320 and $440 in Hartford, averaging $380 for the service.
Can I do it myself?
It’s possible to do a DIY video sewer inspection. However, you may find the project cost-prohibitive.
For instance, you’ll need to buy the equipment. Equipment can cost between $2,500 to $10,000.
At the higher end of that spectrum, you’ll find professional-grade equipment that can examine 330 feet more of pipe. This kind of equipment will also have HD video as well as a locator. It may even have the capability to retrieve items stuck in your sewer line.
Other sewer line inspection equipment costs
You may also need a screen to view the camera feed. You might also need a memory card and a light source for the inspection.
All these items may come as part of a sewer line inspection equipment package. However, it’s important to make sure these items come with the one that you purchase.
Also, it’s unlikely that you’ll use the device often. You can get around this issue by renting a sewer camera inspection device instead.
Sewer camera rental can cost between $120 to $225 per day. Of course, there’s the matter of whether you can fix the problem you find with the camera.
Sewer line inspection pricing
Sewer line inspection cost varies greatly. Knowing the average sewer scope inspection cost in your area is only part of the equation. It helps to understand the factors that influence the cost of sewer line inspection.
Again, the cost of a sewer line inspection will vary depending on whether you bought it as part of a service bundle. However, the price will also vary based on the accessibility of your sewer line. Furthermore, the length of your sewer line can also affect the cost of the inspection.
Ways to save on inspection costs
If you want to save on the inspection, ask your service provider if you can bundle the inspection as part of a cleaning and maintenance program. This kind of package may also include repairs. It could also include object retrieval.
Initially, you’ll pay more for this type of bundle. Still, it will cost you less per task. You’ll pay more if you purchase all the services separately.
Things that add to the cost of an inspection
More than likely, your home has hundreds of feet of plumbing. Sometimes, it’s challenging to access plumbing lines.
After arriving on-site, your plumber might find that there’s limited access to your sewer line. Again, the difficulty in accessing your home plumbing system will affect sewer inspection costs.
This kind of issue complicates what’s typically a straightforward job. It adds time to the task, which increases labor costs. In turn, this circumstance will increase what you pay for the inspection.
Utility upgrades
Remember, upgrades and repairs are not automatically included in the cost of home sewer line inspection. If you hire a professional for an inspection, they’ll assume the inspection is the only service that you want to purchase.
If you need a repair or other maintenance, you’ll then need to pay for it separately. This circumstance will influence the cost of getting your sewer line back into working order.
Sewer drain cleaning
Basic drain cleaning can cost between $100 and $275. However, you may have a more complex clog, such as a blocked toilet.
Alternatively, your pipes or sewer line may need hydro jetting. This service can cost as much as $400.
Plumbing isn’t something that you can do without. If you have a plumbing problem, you need it fixed fast.
As a result, it’s a good idea to purchase those bundled services we discussed when you schedule the inspection. This way, you can have the repair completed quickly and at the best price.
Let’s take a closer look at various repair services.
Drain clearing
Again, hydro jetting can cost around $400. This service removes greasy buildup in your pipes that can block water flow. It’s true that hydro jetting is a relatively expensive service, but it’s necessary if needed.
On the other hand, the plumber may only have to snake your line to clear it. It’s more affordable to purchase a sewer line inspection and snaking package. What’s more, the plumber can complete this kind of straightforward repair fast.
Sewer line repair
On the other hand, you could have a break in your sewer line. This is another expensive but essential repair.
Sewer line repair costs $50 to $150 per linear foot or $2,250 to $5,750 on average.
Again, sewer inspection costs will depend on the location and accessibility of your plumbing. It will also vary depending on the amount of damage to your plumbing or sewer system.
Is sewer line inspection worth it?
You may wonder if you should invest in a sewer line inspection when you buy a new home. Well, consider this.
There’s no way most new home buyers would purchase a home without a home inspection. Still, those inspections typically overlook the sewer lines.
Unfortunately, this oversight can prove costly. Without an inspection, you could find that you have a sewer line problem as soon as you move into your new home. Resultantly, sewer line inspection costs are well worth the problems that you can avoid.
Are you putting your home on the market and planning to move somewhere new? Great! We have just what you need.
Take the iBuyer.com home value estimator for a spin today and receive a free no-obligation offer on your home.
