How Much Does a Sewer Inspection Cost?

If you’re in the process of buying a home—or just taking care of the one you already own—you might be wondering what a sewer inspection actually involves and how much it costs.

Let me break it down for you.

We perform sewer inspections across San Diego, Riverside, and Orange County, and while prices can vary depending on the situation, I want to walk you through what we actually do during the inspection before we talk numbers. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.

What’s Included in a Sewer Camera Inspection? 

Step 1: We Locate the Cleanouts

Before we can run our camera through the sewer line, we need to find the cleanouts. These are access points that allow us to inspect the line. Sometimes they’re outside in the yard, sometimes they’re tucked away in a garage, and in older homes, they may not exist at all.

If there aren’t any cleanouts, we don’t stop there. We can often go through a plumbing vent on the roof to access the main sewer line. It’s not our first choice, but we’re equipped and trained to do it safely when needed.

Step 2: We Identify the Pipe Materials

As we feed the camera through the pipe, we look at what kind of material the sewer line is made of—clay, cast iron, ABS plastic, or even Orangeburg in older homes. Each type comes with different long-term concerns, so it’s helpful to know what you’re working with.

Step 3: We Look for Damage or Blockages

We’re checking for anything that could cause issues now or down the line:

• Cracks

• Root intrusions

• Off-sets and separations

• Deterioration or corrosion

• Standing water or low spots (also called “bellies”)

Step 4: We Measure the Camera’s Reach 

We also record how far the camera travels through the line. This gives us a clear record of how much of the system we were able to inspect and whether we reached the city connection.

Step 5: You Get a Video Link

The entire inspection is recorded, and we’ll send you a link to watch it. Whether you're a homebuyer or a current homeowner, you’ll see exactly what we saw.

How Much Does a Sewer Inspection Cost in San Diego, Riverside, or Orange County?

We charge $295 for a standard sewer camera inspection.

This includes:

• Cleanout location and access

• Full video inspection

• Material identification

• Detailed observation of any issues

• Recorded video with a shareable link

If your home needs roof access or if anything unusual comes up, we’ll let you know beforehand—no surprise charges.

Why Sewer Inspections Matter

A damaged or aging sewer line can lead to repairs that cost thousands. Having this inspection done—especially during escrow—can help you avoid that kind of surprise. It’s one of those small upfront expenses that can make a huge difference later.

FAQs: Sewer Inspection Basics 

Do I really need a sewer inspection if the house is newer?

Even newer homes can have construction debris or improperly sloped pipes. If you're buying, it’s always worth checking. Sewer repairs aren’t cheap.

How long does the inspection take?

Most inspections take 30–60 minutes. If we need to access the roof or deal with unusual conditions, it might take a bit longer.

Can I use this inspection for negotiation during escrow?

Yes. If we find major issues like root intrusion or a collapsed section, your agent can use our report and video as part of your negotiation strategy.

Is it messy? Do you need to dig?

Nope. We don’t dig or cause any damage. We use existing access points or the plumbing vent on the roof.