Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection

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Know when to schedule a sewer camera inspection. Learn the key signs of underground sewer issues, from recurring clogs to foul odors and unexplained lawn patches.

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Sewer problems often develop out of sight, leaving homeowners unaware until extensive damage occurs. A sewer camera inspection provides a clear look inside your underground lines, revealing blockages, cracks, roots, or collapsed sections. This guide explains the most common signs that indicate it’s time for a camera inspection — and how early detection can save thousands in repairs and protect your home from hidden plumbing issues.

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Most homeowners never think about their sewer line until something goes wrong. It’s buried underground, completely hidden, and quietly moving waste away from your home every day. But when a sewer line develops a problem — whether from clogging, corrosion, root intrusion, or collapse — the signs eventually surface. The danger is that most of these signs look harmless at first. A slow drain, occasional gurgle, or random wet patch in the yard doesn’t always trigger alarm. Yet these subtle clues often indicate a more serious issue below the surface.

A sewer camera inspection is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools a plumber can use. Instead of guessing, digging, or relying solely on symptoms, a camera inspection reveals exactly what’s happening inside the pipe. This precise visibility saves time, prevents unnecessary excavation, and ensures repairs are accurate.

Let’s break down the major signs that indicate you may need a sewer camera inspection — and why early detection matters so much for your home and budget.

1. Recurring or Widespread Drain Clogs

One clogged drain is usually just a local issue — something stuck in that particular sink or shower. But when multiple drains clog repeatedly or slow down at the same time, the problem often lies deeper in the sewer line.

Recurring clogs are caused by:

• Grease buildup

• Mineral scale

• Paper and wipes

• Tree roots entering the line

• Structural pipe shifts

A camera inspection can pinpoint whether the blockage is:

• Near the house

• Deep in the yard

• At a pipe joint

• Caused by damage

Addressing clogs without discovering their cause often leads to repeat issues and higher repair costs.

2. Gurgling Sounds from Drains and Toilets

Gurgling is one of the earliest signs of sewer distress. It typically indicates that air is trapped in the line because water cannot flow freely. Air bubbles escape through the nearest opening — usually a toilet or bathtub drain.

If you hear bubbling, gurgling, or unusual drainage noises, it often means:

• Sewer line blockage

• Partial pipe collapse

• Venting issues

• Root intrusion

• Sludge buildup

These sounds are like plumbing “warning signals.” A camera inspection identifies the obstruction or damage causing the imbalance.

3. Unpleasant Sewage Odors

A healthy sewer line is sealed and odor-free. Wastewater travels through it without releasing foul smells. If you notice a persistent sewage odor — either indoors or around the yard — it is a clear sign something isn’t right.

Possible causes include:

• Cracked sewer pipe

• Loose or damaged sewer cleanout

• Blocked line pushing odors back

• Vent pipe obstruction

These smells should never be ignored. A camera inspection can quickly locate the break or clog responsible for letting gases escape.

4. Water Backing Up Into Sinks, Tubs, or Floors

Water backing up into fixtures is one of the strongest indications of a sewer line issue. This happens when wastewater cannot travel through the pipe and instead reverses its flow.

Examples of backup include:

• Shower water rising when you flush the toilet

• Kitchen sink water backing up into another drain

• Wastewater overflowing from floor drains

These types of backups rarely come from a simple clog — they typically indicate a deep blockage or pipe failure. A camera inspection is the safest way to determine the cause.

5. Slow Drains Throughout the Home

A single slow drain is normal. But if every drain seems sluggish — kitchen, bathrooms, tubs, toilets — the sewer line is often the source of the problem.

Slow household drainage may indicate:

• Advanced buildup inside the sewer

• Partial collapse

• Root infiltration

• Shifting ground movement

• Heavy grease or sludge layers

A camera inspection reveals whether the problem is buildup or structural damage.

6. Random Wet or Soggy Patches in the Yard

If your yard develops unexplained wet patches, soft spots, or unusually green areas, your sewer line may be leaking underground. Sewage acts as fertilizer — grass becomes greener and faster-growing directly above the leak.

Common underground pipe issues include:

• Cracks from pressure or age

• Root penetration

• Disconnected joints

• Soil shifting from weather changes

A camera inspection helps confirm the leak’s exact location so repairs are efficient and precise.

7. Increased Water Bills Without Explanation

Sewer line issues can sometimes cause water to flow irregularly, leak, or overwork indoor fixtures. Although sewer leaks don’t affect your clean water supply, related problems can trigger increased usage elsewhere in the system.

A camera inspection helps determine whether a leak, obstruction, or fixture overuse is responsible for rising costs.

8. Foundation Cracks or Settling

When a sewer line leaks underground for a long time, the soil around the foundation can erode. This may cause:

• Foundation shifts

• Small cracks that widen over time

• Uneven flooring

• Doors and windows sticking

While these issues may have multiple causes, one of the first things a plumber checks is the sewer line. A camera inspection rules out or confirms hidden water damage under the home.

9. You’re Buying or Selling a Home

Sewer inspections can reveal serious problems that general home inspections miss. The sewer system is not visible or accessible without specialized equipment, so the only way to know its condition is with a camera.

Buyers get peace of mind.Sellers avoid surprises and negotiation setbacks.

Many homeowners consider sewer inspections the new standard in real estate due diligence.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can Reveal

A sewer camera provides real-time, high-resolution footage inside the pipe. It can detect:

• Buildup and debris

• Blockages

• Pipe cracks

• Tree root intrusion

• Corrosion

• Collapsed or sunken sections

• Misaligned joints

• Foreign objects

• Old pipe material nearing failure

This diagnosis eliminates guesswork and ensures the correct repair is made the first time.

Why Early Inspection Saves Money

Catching sewer issues early prevents:

• Sewage backup into the home

• Expensive excavation

• Major pipe replacement

• Foundation damage

• Mold growth

• Flooding in basements or crawlspaces

A camera inspection is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of emergency sewer replacement or contaminated cleanup.

Final Thoughts

Sewer lines may be out of sight, but they should never be out of mind. The signs of a brewing issue are subtle at first, but when recognized early, they provide a valuable warning. A sewer camera inspection is the most effective, least invasive way to diagnose underground issues before they become expensive disasters.

The key takeaway is simple: when the warning signs appear, don’t wait. A quick inspection can save you thousands and protect your home from unexpected sewer trouble.