Sewer problems aren’t just gross—they’re expensive, stressful, and damaging to your home and property. What makes them worse is not knowing what’s actually going on underground. Most sewer issues are hidden from view until they erupt into something major, like sewage backups or flooding in your yard.

Luckily, modern plumbing tools like sewer camera inspections can take the guesswork out of the equation. These high-tech inspections allow plumbers—and homeowners—to see exactly what’s happening inside the pipes without digging up the yard or tearing apart the home.

Here are five benefits of sewer camera inspection to consider:

In this article, we’ll break down the 5 major benefits of sewer camera inspections in plain language, focusing on real-life situations that people in Sacramento deal with. You’ll learn how these inspections can save money, prevent property damage, help with home purchases, and even give you peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with frequent drain clogs, strange smells, or you’re just being cautious, a sewer camera inspection could be one of the smartest decisions you make this year.

Table of Contents

What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection and How Does It Work?

A sewer camera inspection is a modern plumbing method that uses a small, waterproof video camera attached to a flexible cable. A plumber guides this camera through your home’s sewer lines and drainpipes, recording live footage of the inside of your pipes.

The camera captures everything: clogs, cracks, corrosion, tree roots, and even collapsed sections. The video is transmitted to a screen, allowing the plumber to see the condition of your sewer line in real time without any guesswork or digging.

This method is non-invasive, accurate, and quick. It’s used not only to find problems but also to confirm that a repair was done correctly or to check the overall condition of older pipes.

Why Sewer Problems Are So Hard to Diagnose Without One

Without a camera inspection, plumbers are left using old-school methods like running snakes blindly or digging around to find the issue. This leads to three major problems:

It’s time-consuming – Hours of work without results.
It’s expensive – Digging and guessing racks up labor costs.
It’s frustrating – Homeowners often feel like they’re paying for “maybes” instead of facts.

Sewer camera inspections remove the uncertainty and let you see exactly where the problem is—if there is one.

Benefit #1: No Guesswork or Yard Destruction

Imagine trying to find a leak underground without knowing where to dig. That’s what happens without a sewer camera. Plumbers might have to tear up the lawn, break through concrete, or open up walls—all without being 100% sure they’re in the right spot.

With a sewer camera, the plumber can locate the exact area of the issue. Whether it’s a crack in the pipe under the driveway or tree roots blocking a section near the sidewalk, the camera finds it quickly.

This means:

Less damage to your yard
Less mess to clean up
Faster and more accurate repairs

For homeowners in Sacramento neighborhoods like Land Park, East Sacramento, or Arden-Arcade, where landscaping and driveways are a major investment, this is a big deal.

Benefit #2: Catch Problems Before They Get Worse

Not all plumbing issues happen overnight. Many problems start small, like a minor crack, a slowly growing root intrusion, or a grease buildup. These may not be obvious at first, but over time, they can turn into major disasters.

A sewer camera inspection lets you:

Spot small issues early
Schedule repairs before emergencies happen
Avoid surprise plumbing bills

In Sacramento, where older homes often have clay or cast-iron pipes, early detection is especially important. These older materials are more prone to corrosion, shifting, and collapse.

Benefit #3: Saves You Money on Costly Repairs

Let’s say you don’t do a sewer camera inspection. Weeks later, a pipe bursts, sewage floods the basement, and your yard is torn up. The total cost? Possibly tens of thousands of dollars.

Now imagine this:
You spend a couple of hundred bucks on a camera inspection. The plumber finds a weak spot in the line. You repair it for a fraction of the emergency cost.

That’s the power of prevention. Sewer camera inspections:

Save money by avoiding large-scale repairs
Help identify exact problem areas so no extra digging is needed
Can confirm if a home is sewer-problem-free before you buy

For anyone on a budget—or anyone who just wants to be smart about home maintenance—this is one of the best return-on-investment plumbing tools available.

Benefit #4: Helps When Buying or Selling a Home

Home inspections usually include the roof, HVAC, and electrical systems. But they don’t always include the sewer line. That’s a huge risk.

Sewer repairs are expensive, and most home warranties or insurance policies won’t cover existing damage.

A sewer camera inspection before buying or selling a home can:

Uncover hidden plumbing issues before closing
Give buyers peace of mind
Help sellers fix problems upfront and ask for a better price

In hot Sacramento real estate markets like Midtown or Elk Grove, showing a clean sewer report can help your home stand out to buyers.

Benefit #5: Protects Your Property and Health

One of the biggest dangers of hidden sewer problems is wastewater backing up into the home. This isn’t just smelly—it’s a serious health risk. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can contaminate your home, furniture, and air.

Other risks include:

Flooded basements
Rotting foundation or flooring
Mold and mildew growth

A sewer camera inspection helps spot the problems that lead to these issues before they happen. It protects your home, your wallet, and your family’s health.

Bonus Benefits Most People Overlook

Sewer camera inspections offer more than just visual confirmation. Here are a few extra perks:

You get a video recording of the inspection for your records.
Insurance claims are easier to file when you have visual proof of damage.
You can compare inspections over time to track how your system is aging.

These extras make inspections not just helpful in the moment, but valuable for years down the line.

Common Signs You Might Need a Sewer Camera Inspection

Here are warning signs that you may need a sewer inspection soon:

Frequently clogged drains
Gurgling or bubbling toilets
Water backing up in sinks or tubs
Strong sewer odor in the house or yard
Wet patches or sunken areas in your yard
Older home (especially if built before 1980)
Planning a home remodel or addition

If you’ve experienced any of these signs, it’s a smart move to schedule an inspection before things get worse.

How Often Should You Get One in Sacramento?

If you live in an older part of Sacramento or a home with clay or cast iron pipes, once every 2–3 years is a smart schedule—even if you don’t notice any symptoms. If you’ve had issues before or done repairs, an annual check might be best.

Always schedule an inspection:

Before buying or selling a home
After major clogs or backups
If you notice recurring drain issues
Before or after rooter or hydro jetting service

What to Expect During the Inspection Process

The process is simple and usually takes under an hour:

Plumber locates an entry point – usually through a cleanout or drain.
The camera is inserted into the pipe and guided through.
A live video feed is shown on a monitor while the plumber explains findings.
A recording is made and saved for your records.
You get a full report with findings and repair suggestions (if needed).

There’s no digging, no mess, and you get answers right away.

Final Thoughts: Small Step, Big Results

Sewer camera inspections aren’t just for emergencies. They’re a smart, simple way to stay in control of your home’s plumbing. Whether you’re trying to prevent future problems, confirm a home’s condition before purchase, or figure out a mysterious backup, this tool provides real answers fast.

And for Sacramento homeowners dealing with aging plumbing, tree roots, or just peace-of-mind concerns, this could be the best home maintenance investment you make all year.

Our sewer camera inspections can make all the difference to avoid major repairs in the future. Contact us now!