Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost Factors

The cost of a sewer line camera inspection can vary greatly depending on the following factors.

Sewer Length 

If your camera needs to travel further inside the sewer, you’ll need to factor in additional time and money for the inspection. Unless you know the length of your plumbing system, it can be difficult to get an accurate quote. Systems longer than 330 feet may require specialist services.

Method

Sewer inspection cameras allow you (or your plumber) to see any problems that may be lurking underneath your floorboards, down drains, and anywhere else you normally can’t see. Different types of cameras might be used depending on the situation.

• Digital Inspection Cameras: High-resolution, live digital scanning cameras can provide immediate recommendations for sewer repair or replacement. Plus, the camera can record all inspections to help predict possible future problems. Prices range from $3,000 up to $35,000.

• Snake Cameras: Using these cameras ranges from $40 to $160, though snake cameras are not as accurate as most other camera types. Homeowners usually use them for DIY inspections, as they only go about 20 feet down a sewer line. Though this depth isn't enough to locate many problems, snake cameras work well to find some obstructions.

• Rigid Borescopes: Rigid borescopes can cost $1,000 to $1,700 or more. A rigid borescope is usually the best choice for straight paths that don’t bend or curve. This type of camera is durable, cost-effective, and offers sharp images.

• Drones: Drones cost as much as $200 to $300 per hour. They can pinpoint the exact location of problems, offer quality images and video, and go into very tight areas. Using a drone also significantly improves safety for workers. However, its expense makes it a much less attractive option for homeowners.

• CCTV Cameras: The purchase price for a CCTV (closed-circuit TV) sewer camera can range from about $2,500 to $10,000 on average, though you can rent them for $120 to $250 per day. This camera is a very small piece of equipment attached to a thin cable that allows a plumber to view a live video feed inside sewer pipes to pinpoint clogs or damaged areas.

Labor

The average cost for a sewer camera inspection is about $999, with labor costs making up essentially 100% of the price. You may pay less if the pipes can be accessed using a sewer line cleanout access point rather than through a toilet or vent stack. This cost does not include anything other than the sewer inspection. 

Some inspectors charge a nominal one-time fee to come to your home, which could cost $20 to $30. Your local sewer scope inspector will likely do the following:

• Open the drain to run the camera through the line

• Use a camera to do a visual check of the plumbing for any possible problems

• Create a detailed report with the results of the inspection

• Provide a digital file of the recording

• Discuss costs and next steps

Accessibility 

Most properties have hundreds of feet of plumbing running through them. Prepare for a higher project quote if you’re hoping to inspect a hard-to-access area blocked by trees or if your home doesn’t have a cleanout point to access the pipes. For example, you can expect to pay $125 to $500 if your home has a cleanout access point or $175 to $750 if it does not.

Fixes or Upgrades

To address additional fixes or upgrades, you’ll need to hire a local plumber. Plumbers typically charge $45 to $150 per hour. If you opted for an inspection only rather than a full-service package, you’ll be charged separately for any needed fixes or upgrades to your system. This can include repairs as simple as removing a clog or as complex as addressing a break in your sewer line. 

Other Repairs

The camera inspection shows you problems in your sewer line but does not include the price to fix those problems. 

Plumbers who charge little or nothing for the inspection may charge more for any related services, such as: 

• Cost to clean a drain: $100–$400

• Cost to clean a sewer line: Depending on the length of your sewer line, snaking costs $150–$450, while hydrojetting costs about $900 to $1,000 on average 

• Repairing the main sewer line: $50–$250 per linear foot

• Sewer line replacement cost: A new sewer line costs anywhere from $225 to $9,800, depending on pipe length

• Plumber rates: A local sewer line repair pro will charge $45–$150 per hour

Budgeting for Sewer Line Camera Inspection

Fortunately, the sewer line camera inspection itself is quite inexpensive, but there are a few ways to reduce the overall costs of sewer inspection and repair as well:

• Bundle your sewer line inspection with related services like drain cleaning, pipe clearing, or sewer line repair to save on all of them.

• Inquire about booking your sewer inspection during off-peak days of the week for potential savings.

• Keep your service records of previous sewer repairs organized and in a safe place to avoid unnecessary labor expenses in the future.

• See if your home warranty covers the cost of sewer inspection and repair.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.