Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Stop using fixtures if you suspect a backup, and keep people and pets away from any sewage.
- Ask the technician to record the entire inspection from entry to exit without pausing.
- Request the footage be saved to a USB drive or cloud link you can keep.
- Confirm the report includes the defect type, footage mark, and pipe material.
- Get a written description of any area the camera could not pass or see clearly.
- Compare the recording and report across at least two quotes before choosing a repair.
What a Camera Inspection Should Deliver
A professional sewer camera inspection produces a continuous video recording of the inside of your sewer line, from the access point to the city connection or as far as the camera can travel. The recording should show the pipe material, diameter, and condition at every foot. You should receive a copy of the full video, not just still images or a verbal summary.
The written report should list each defect by type (crack, root intrusion, offset joint, belly, etc.) and its exact footage from the access point. It should also note any areas the camera could not pass, such as a complete collapse or heavy debris. This information lets you compare repair proposals accurately.
- Full, unedited video recording from entry to exit
- Defect type and footage mark for each problem found
- Pipe material and diameter noted in the report
- Description of any impassable or unclear sections
- Date, time, and access point location on the report
What a Camera Cannot Tell You
A camera sees only the interior surface of the pipe. It cannot measure the remaining wall thickness, detect voids in the surrounding soil, or identify every buried utility crossing the line. A pipe that looks smooth on camera may still be weak or near failure from external corrosion or soil movement.
The camera also cannot confirm the exact depth of the pipe or the condition of the bedding material. If the pipe runs under a slab, driveway, or landscaping, the camera alone does not tell you what surface restoration will be needed. You may need additional investigation, such as a utility locate or a pipe-locating sonde, to answer those questions.
- Cannot measure pipe wall thickness or remaining strength
- Cannot detect underground voids or soil washout
- Cannot identify every buried utility crossing the line
- Cannot confirm exact depth or bedding condition
- Cannot predict future failure or remaining lifespan
Questions to Ask Before the Inspection
Before the technician arrives, ask how they will access the line and whether they will clean it first. A camera pushed through sludge or standing water may not show the pipe wall clearly. Confirm that you will receive the full recording and a written report, not just a verbal summary or a few still photos.
Ask whether the inspection includes locating the camera head with a sonde so you know the exact path and depth of the pipe. This is especially important if you plan to compare trenchless repair options or if the pipe runs under hardscape. Also ask if the technician will mark the defect locations on the ground with paint or flags.
- Will you clean the line before the camera inspection?
- Do I get the full video recording and a written report?
- Will you locate the camera head and mark the pipe path?
- Can you mark defect locations on the ground?
- What happens if the camera cannot pass a section?
Using the Inspection to Compare Quotes
A clear camera recording and defect report let you ask every contractor to quote the same scope of work. Give each one the video and the report, and ask them to explain how their proposed repair addresses each defect. If a contractor recommends a full replacement but the camera shows only one offset joint, ask why a spot repair is not an option.
Be cautious if a contractor refuses to provide a quote based on another company’s camera recording. While they may prefer to do their own inspection, a good recording should be enough for a preliminary proposal. If you get widely different repair recommendations, consider a second camera inspection from an independent company that does not perform repairs.
- Share the same video and report with every contractor
- Ask each one to address every defect listed
- Question a full replacement if only one defect is visible
- Get a second inspection if recommendations vary widely
- Confirm who owns the affected pipe section before authorizing work
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Full video recording from entry to exit, saved to a USB or cloud link
- Written report with defect type and footage mark for each problem
- Pipe material and diameter noted
- Description of any impassable or unclear sections
- Camera head located and pipe path marked on the ground
- Defect locations marked with paint or flags
- Access point and date/time on the report
- Confirmation of who owns the affected pipe section
Common questions
What homeowners ask next
Do I need to clean the sewer line before a camera inspection?
Yes, in most cases. A camera pushed through sludge or standing water may not show the pipe wall clearly. Ask the technician if cleaning is included or if you should arrange it separately.
Can a camera inspection tell me if my pipe is about to collapse?
No. A camera shows the interior surface but cannot measure wall thickness or detect soil voids. A pipe that looks intact on camera may still be weak. A professional assessment is needed to evaluate the risk of collapse.
Should I get a second camera inspection if I don’t trust the first one?
Yes. If the first inspection was done by a company that also sells repairs, consider hiring an independent inspection company that does not perform repairs. This can give you an unbiased view of the pipe condition.
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked July 31, 2026
- 811 Before You DigCommon Ground Alliance
Utility-location education before excavation; not a substitute for local permits.
- Trenching and excavation safetyOccupational Safety and Health Administration
Professional worksite safety and a strict no-entry boundary for homeowners.
- Department of BuildingsCity of Chicago
Starting point for current Chicago permits and inspections.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.