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R&L Plumbing

Sewer Video Inspection

A sewer line is easy to ignore because you can’t see it—until something goes wrong. A sewer video inspection uses a small camera to look inside the pipe and identify problems such as cracks, root intrusion, buildup, or blockages.

We provide sewer camera inspections across San Francisco and the East Bay for homeowners, buyers, and sellers. They can also help with sewer lateral compliance when local requirements call for an inspection.

R & L Plumbing
Why get oneWhat it protects you from
Buying a homeAn expensive sewer line surprise right after closing
Selling a homeA failed inspection derailing your sale at the last minute
Recurring clogsGuessing at the cause instead of seeing it directly
Routine home maintenanceCatching a small problem before it becomes a big one
Sewer Video Inspection

What a Sewer Video Inspection Can Show

Depending on how far the camera can travel, the inspection may show:

The inspection helps us understand the condition of the pipe and determine whether cleaning, sewer line repair, or sewer line replacement may be needed.

Why Home Buyers and Sellers Request One

A sewer line can be an expensive part of a property to repair or replace, and its condition isn’t always obvious during a standard home inspection. A sewer video inspection can give buyers more information about the line before closing.

For sellers, an inspection can identify problems before they come up later in the sale process. If the line needs attention, you’ll have more information about the available options and next steps.

R & L Plumbing

What Happens During a Sewer Video Inspection?

We feed a small camera through the pipe while viewing the footage on a monitor. How far the camera can go depends on the condition of the line and whether there’s a blockage or other problem that limits access. We’ll explain what we’re able to see and what the findings mean.

We also provide residential plumbing services for other plumbing problems throughout the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a home?

We’d say yes, especially for older properties. A sewer line replacement is a significant cost, and a video inspection gives you real information before you close rather than after.

How long does a sewer video inspection take?

Most residential inspections take under an hour. A blockage or difficult access can make the inspection take longer.

Can the footage be used for sewer lateral compliance?

Sometimes. Sewer lateral requirements vary by city, so we’ll check what applies to the property and whether the inspection meets the local requirements.

What happens if the inspection finds a problem?

We’ll show you what we found and talk about possible next steps. Depending on the condition of the line, that could mean cleaning, a targeted sewer line repair, or sewer line replacement.

RL Plumbing Team Member

Schedule a Sewer Video Inspection

Whether you’re buying, selling, or trying to understand a recurring sewer problem, we can inspect the line and explain what we find.