A camera inspection is one of the few plumbing services where you get to see exactly what you're paying to fix. Here's how often it's actually worth doing.
Who really needs to think about this
Newer PVC sewer lines are less prone to root intrusion and slow deterioration, so inspections matter less. Older clay or cast iron lines, or homes with mature landscaping near the line's path, are a different story — those systems are far more prone to invisible damage.
A reasonable schedule
For homes with older or higher-risk lines, an inspection every 18 to 24 months is a reasonable baseline. If you've had root intrusion or a backup before, more frequent checks are worth the cost, especially heading into the rainy season.
Do
- Schedule a camera inspection if you've never had one and your home has older plumbing
- Get one before buying a home with mature trees near the sewer line's path
- Have the line checked after any major backup, even once it's cleared
- Ask to see the footage yourself, not just a summary of what was found
Don't
- Don't assume no visible problems means no underlying issue
- Don't wait for a backup before getting a first inspection on an older home
- Don't skip re-checking after a repair to confirm it actually held
Quick tip: A camera inspection typically takes under an hour and gives you a real, recorded look at what's going on underground — ask to see it, not just hear about it.