A drain or sewer camera inspection can save you a great deal of money. It helps find localized issues, that if not fixed, can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. The cost of drain camera service is nowhere near as costly.
According to Forbes, the average cost of a sewer camera inspection in 2022 was $280. On the low end, it could cost as little as $70. While the average price range was between $125 and $500, some inspections cost up to $900 depending on rates, the scope of services provided, and the state or city.
The cost of service can vary considerably. A drain camera inspection, according to Angi, averages $685 nationally but can cost as high as $1,175. If repairs are needed the cost will be higher. For example, the cost of materials and labor will increase the price if a toy was accidentally flushed by a child, a drainage or sewer pipe is leaking, or tree roots have gotten in. Plumbers can charge between $45 and $150 per hour so this is something to consider.
As we’ve said, location will impact the cost of a pipe camera inspection. In Orlando, FL, the average was about $315 while in New York City it was $510. Meanwhile, customers in Los Angeles may pay $1,600 and those in Seattle paid an average of $1,535. However, in Pittsburgh, PA, the average price of a camera inspection was a whopping $2,315.
A drain camera inspection requires dedicated equipment. Technically, most people can perform an inspection. But this means having to purchase the equipment yourself, which can cost up to $15,000, plus the cost of a video monitor, output, and lighting equipment (rentals are available but cost around $200 per day). There are more affordable camera inspection systems. However, video resolution, reach length, and options for retrieval devices will be limited.
When a plumbing company sets its prices for inspecting drains and sewers, here are some other considerations in deciding what to charge:
At NexGen, we use the most state-of-the-art drain and sewer inspection equipment. Fiber optic cameras on long, flexible cables provide crisp views of the interior of pipes so we can quickly identify any problems deep in a drain or sewer line. This avoids digging and lets us make quick repairs at reasonable prices. To schedule a drain and sewer camera inspection in your Southern California home, book a date/time online or call NexGen at 805-301-6788 today.
Sewer pipes are buried underground and thus hidden out of sight. Before video camera inspection, the only way to assess their condition was to excavate the ground around them. But now, whether a plumbing issue must be investigated or it’s time for maintenance, you can rely on sewer camera inspection services. A high-resolution camera, attached to a flexible cable, provides a view deep into the sewer system, in real-time.
The benefits of this process include:
A sewer line can be inspected without invasively digging trenches across yards and landscaping. Equipment is placed in the line via a cleanout or other access point. Once the camera begins transmitting video to a handheld monitor, the technician can immediately start assessing the condition of a pipe. Therefore, sewer camera inspection eliminates a lot of labor and saves a great deal of time.
Issues such as leaks, clogs, and cracked, corroded, or collapsed pipes can be identified wherever in the line they may be. Crushed, bellied, or disconnected pipes can be found as well. And if tree roots have intruded into a sewer line, they’ll be seen right away so a plumbing contractor can get started in removing them. Whatever the situation, your plumber will be able to diagnose it immediately and determine a solution to resolve it.
A sewer backup can flood your home with contaminated and even toxic water. Your yard or landscaping can be flooded as well. In addition to being a major health hazard, wastewater can seriously damage floors, walls, ceilings, furnishings, foundations, or anything else that’s in the way. It can introduce bacteria and harmful chemicals as well as cause mold. In extreme cases, water damage can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
A visual look at the issue allows a plumber to decide how to fix it. For example, they can tell whether inserting a pipe liner will restore the sewer line. Perhaps hydro jetting can be used to remove clogs and buildup. Trenchless methods save time and money while eliminating any further concerns over potential impacts on your home plumbing system.
The costs of digging, property repair, and extensive labor are removed. Since trenches don’t need to be dug or filled, the process is relatively quick. And because camera inspection spots issues fast, more serious issues and potential sewer line failures can be avoided. That can mean preventing future problems such as slow drains, sewage backups, water damage, and home cleanup and restoration.
Sewer pipes can develop many kinds of blockages. Soap scum, cooking grease, trash, food items, and many other compounds can build up on pipe walls over time. Camera inspection helps spot accumulated gunk and grime so a plumber knows when to clean the pipe and avoid a major blockage. They can also determine whether it’s time to repair or replace a sewer pipe.
We use state-of-the-art technology to inspect sewer lines. Fiber optic cameras provide high-resolution, real-time views from inside, while the fiber optic cables we use extend for hundreds of feet. Our process is fast, accurate, and effective in helping us determine how to fix the problem, whether there’s a leak, clog, or mineral buildup. We can find its exact location and also accurately map your drainage and sewer lines.
To schedule drain and sewer camera inspection services, book an appointment online or call 833-729-9735 today.