A standard home inspection covers a lot: the roof, electrical panel, air conditioning, windows, and visible plumbing. What it usually does not cover is the inside of the sewer line — the pipe that carries everything from the house to the city sewer or septic system. That line is buried, out of sight, and can be one of the most expensive things to repair after you move in.
What a Sewer Camera Inspection Is
A plumber feeds a waterproof camera on a flexible cable into the sewer line through a cleanout or other opening. You see live video of the inside of the pipe, and the plumber can locate problems and mark their position and depth from above ground. No digging is involved.
What the Camera Can Find
- Tree roots growing into joints and cracks
- Cracked, broken, or collapsed sections
- Bellies (sagging sections) where waste collects
- Offset or separated joints
- Heavy corrosion and scale inside old cast iron pipe
- Old repairs, grease buildup, and foreign objects
Which South Florida Homes Need One Most
- Homes built before the mid-1970s, many of which have original cast iron drain lines
- Homes with large trees or ficus hedges near the sewer line
- Homes that have been vacant for a long time
- Homes where the seller mentions past backups or recent drain cleaning
- Homes with slow drains, gurgling fixtures, or sewer smells during your showing
Timing tip
Schedule the camera inspection during your inspection period, so you still have time to negotiate or walk away if the footage shows a major problem.
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How to Use the Results
If the line is in good shape, you close with peace of mind. If the camera finds a problem, the footage and the plumber's explanation give you something concrete to work with: you can ask the seller to repair the line, request a credit, adjust your offer, or at least budget for the repair before you move in. Ask for a copy of the video and a written summary.
Not Just for Buyers
Camera inspections also make sense for current homeowners with recurring backups, for landlords between tenants, and for property managers who need documentation before approving a repair. Knowing what is inside the pipe means the fix targets the real problem — and that any digging is limited to the right spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not. Most standard home inspections cover visible plumbing and fixtures, but not the inside of the buried sewer line. A sewer camera inspection is typically a separate service.
It's helpful but not required. If you can't attend, ask for a copy of the video and a written summary of what the plumber found and recommends.