Sewer Camera Inspection in Gardena, CA

What is a sewer camera inspection?

Short answer: a sewer camera inspection sends a small waterproof camera on a flexible cable through your main sewer line, usually from a cleanout outside the house. The live video shows the pipe's condition, and a locator on the camera head lets the provider mark where a problem is on the ground above and how deep it sits.

When a camera inspection makes sense

• Repeat clogs in the main line, even after snaking. See drain cleaning.
• Before hydro jetting, to check that the pipe can handle it. See hydro jetting.
• Before agreeing to a sewer repair or replacement, so you can see the damage yourself.
• Buying an older home. Many Gardena houses are decades old, and a sewer line problem isn't always obvious during a normal home inspection.
• Sewage odor, a soggy patch in the yard or gurgling drains.
• After a repair, to confirm the line is clear and the work is sound.

What the camera can find

• Tree roots growing through joints or cracks.
• Cracked, broken or collapsed pipe.
• Sags ("bellies") where wastewater and debris collect.
• Offset or separated joints.
• Grease, scale or debris buildup.
• The pipe material (for example clay, cast iron, ABS or PVC) and where it changes.

What happens during the inspection

1. The provider finds an accessible cleanout. If there isn't one, they may access the line another way or suggest installing a cleanout.
2. The camera is pushed through the line toward the city sewer connection while they watch the screen.
3. Problems are noted with their distance from the cleanout, and the locator marks their position and depth outside.
4. They explain what they found and what, if anything, they recommend.

If the line is badly blocked, the provider may need to clear it first so the camera can pass.

Ask for the video

Ask for a copy of the recording and a note of the distances and depths of any problems. With the video you can understand the recommendation, compare options, or share it with another provider before deciding on repair, lining or replacement.

Cost factors

We don't publish prices; each provider sets its own. Price usually depends on access (an existing cleanout or not), whether the line needs clearing first, the length of the line, whether locating and a recorded video are included, and whether it is combined with cleaning or a repair visit.

Questions to ask

• Will I get a copy of the video and the locations of any problems?
• Is the inspection included if I go ahead with cleaning or a repair?
• Does my line need to be cleared before the camera can see it?
• What is your California contractor license number? Check it with the Contractors State License Board.