How Much Does a Drain Camera Service Cost?

A man using equipment to inspect a sewer.

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 Variable Cost of Drain Camera Service

The cost of service can vary considerably. A drain camera inspection, according to Angi, averages $685 nationally but can cost as much 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 is 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.

Location Matters

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 pay an average of $1,535. However, in Pittsburgh, PA, the average price of a camera inspection was a whopping $2,315.

Do I Need a Professional?

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.

Other Drain Camera Service Cost Factors

When a plumbing company sets its prices for inspecting drains and sewers, here are some other considerations in deciding what to charge:

Accessibility: Access points, including sewer cleanouts, make it easier for a plumber to insert the video equipment into a pipe. Limited accessibility can complicate matters. The company will have to increase your bill for the additional time and labor, as it may be necessary to remove a toilet or other fixture (then re-install it) to access the sewer line.
Sewer Length: The farther the camera has to go, the more time the inspection will take. That means paying more for the service. But that’s not your fault. You probably have no idea how long your drain or sewer lines are.
Bundled Services: Some plumbing companies bundle video inspection with cleaning and maintenance services. They may even include object retrieval or minor repairs in the price. While the service may cost more overall, the cost per task will be less than if you paid for each individually. A plumber may also include drain camera service as part of a new home inspection.
Type of Equipment Used: It’s typically less costly to use snake cameras (around $40 to $160), but they generally don’t reach that far. Rigid boroscopes offer sharp images and are best for straight piping, but can cost up to $1,700. A CCTV sewer camera can cost up to $10,000 or more, so a plumber will have to consider that.

Call NexGen for High-Quality Drain Camera Service