If you’re on the hunt for the average sewer camera inspection cost, look no further! Say goodbye to sifting through countless blogs or calling numerous plumbers; this article has got you covered. Get ready to delve into the world of sewer camera inspections, their purpose, and what follows once the camera has done its job.
What Exactly Are Sewer Camera Inspections?
Wondering what lurks inside your pipes without resorting to digging and trenching? A sewer camera inspection is the answer! When your drains are sluggish or completely clogged, this non-destructive method reveals the root of the problem.
The process is straightforward: a hand-operated camera designed for 2 to 6-inch diameter pipes is inserted through a cleanout, vent stack, or toilet removal (your toilet will be safely replaced, don’t worry!). These cameras can travel up to 175 feet, equipped with lights to see in the darkest corners.
Let’s Find Out the Average Sewer Camera Inspection Cost (Updated)
For a residential home with accessible cleanout pipes, you’re looking at an average cost of about $199. Meanwhile, for commercial properties, the price rises to approximately $299.
However, if alternative access points are required, such as through a toilet or vent stack, the cost for a residential home is approximately $299, and for commercial properties, it’s around $399.
What Happens After a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Once the sewer camera inspection uncovers potential issues, what’s the next step? Here are four solutions recommended by expert plumbers and sewer repair professionals:
Hydro-Jetting for Thorough Cleaning
Tough, deep clogs discovered during the inspection call for hydro-jetting. This powerful method utilizes a self-propelled nozzle that releases up to 4,000 PSI of water into your sewer pipes, eradicating any stubborn blockages. Hydro-jetting is the ultimate cleaning solution because:
It’s non-invasive: Access is via cleanouts, just like the inspection.
It’s safe and eco-friendly: Only pressurized water is used.
It’s effective: 4,000 PSI of water can tackle roots, debris, grease, and more.
It reveals hidden cracks: After a thorough cleaning, previously concealed cracks become visible.
A crucial point to remember: always conduct a sewer camera inspection before hydro-jetting. If your pipes are severely damaged, hydro-jetting might worsen the situation due to its immense power.
Pipe Lining for Seamless Repair
When it comes to trenchless sewer repair, pipe lining is a top choice. This method involves inserting an epoxy-impregnated liner into your old sewer line and inflating it, creating a brand-new pipe within the existing one. Pipe lining can either repair a small section of the pipe or replace the entire sewer line.
Pipe Bursting for Durable Replacement
Another trenchless solution is pipe bursting. Here, a new HDPE pipe is attached to a winch with a bursting head, which pulls it through the damaged line, replacing the old pipe in the process. This leaves you with a robust, new sewer line.
Conventional Trenching as a Last Resort
Unfortunately, not all pipes can be repaired using trenchless methods. For severely damaged pipes, traditional trenching becomes the only solution. While invasive, it’s the necessary approach for collapsed, disintegrated, or back-pitched pipes.
What’s Included and What’s Not?
The sewer camera inspection uncovers any issues lurking in your sewer line, but it doesn’t cover the expense of fixing those problems. Here are some additional services that may come with separate charges:
Cost to clean a drain: $100–$300
Cost to clear a sewer line: Snaking ranges from $150–$500, while hydro jetting averages about $400
Repairing the main sewer line: $1,100–$4,100, depending on the line’s length
Sewer line replacement cost: $8,000–$30,000
Plumber rates: A local sewer line repair pro may charge $45–$150 per hour
Diving into Sewer Inspection Methods
Sewer inspection cameras offer a glimpse into the hidden world beneath your property. Here are five methods and their associated costs:
Digital Inspection Cameras: Prices range from $3,000 to $35,000. These high-resolution, live digital scanning cameras swiftly recommend repairs or replacements and record inspections for future reference.
Snake Cameras: Affordably priced between $40 to $160, snake cameras are ideal for DIY inspections but may only go about 20 feet down a sewer line, limiting their ability to detect certain obstructions.
Rigid Borescopes: This camera type costs $1,000 to $1,700, or possibly more. Best suited for straight paths without bends, rigid borescopes offer durability and sharp images.
Drones: High-tech drones come with a price tag of $200 to $300 per hour. While they provide precise location pinpointing and safety for workers, they might not be the most cost-effective option for homeowners.
CCTV Cameras: The purchase price for a CCTV sewer camera ranges from about $2,500 to $10,000, and rentals go for $120 to $250 per day. This equipment allows plumbers to view live video feeds inside sewer pipes to identify clogs or damage.
Unravel the Factors Influencing Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost
Several factors affect the overall cost of a sewer line camera inspection:
- Sewer Length: Longer inspections necessitate more time and money, with systems over 330 feet often requiring specialist services.
- Accessibility: Hard-to-reach areas, obstructed by trees or other obstacles, can increase project quotes.
- Fixes or Upgrades: Plumbers may charge separately for any repairs or upgrades to your system.
Choosing Between DIY and a Professional
Though you can rent sewer inspection cameras for DIY use, hiring a licensed professional plumber like Smart choice Plumbing offers numerous advantages, such as expertise and accurate identification of problems. Safety concerns and potential future damages make professional services a smart investment.
Scope Out the Possibilities
Before making any decisions, understand your options and seek advice from a plumbing professional to ensure a smooth and successful inspection process.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of sewer camera inspections and their potential solutions, you can make informed decisions about your sewer system’s health. Remember, a little insight today can save you from a major plumbing headache tomorrow!
