Sewer scope inspections are done by drain and sewer contractors, plumbing companies, home inspectors who own camera equipment and specialist inspection firms. Choose on deliverables and independence rather than price alone: the full video, distances from a stated zero point, surface locates with depth, a written observation list, a plain statement of limits, and a clear separation between the inspection and any repair sales.
- The provider's business model shapes the inspection: know whether they earn from inspecting, cleaning or repairing.
- Ask the same questions of every provider and compare answers on deliverables before price.
- The video file, distances and locates are non-negotiable; a verdict without them is not an inspection report.
- A repair company's scope is fine if you keep the video and get a second opinion before large work.
- Book early, confirm access, and collect the video before the operator leaves.
01 /Who does sewer line inspections?
Sewer line inspections are done by four main kinds of business, and the way each one earns money shapes the inspection you get. None is automatically better; each has a typical strength and a typical blind spot.
| Provider | How they mainly earn | What that means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection-focused firm or home inspector with a camera | Inspection fees | Independent of repair sales; may not clean a blocked line, so a second visit can be needed |
| Drain cleaning company | Cleaning and maintenance plans | Can clear and re-scope on the spot; may lean toward recurring cleaning |
| Plumbing company | Repairs and installations | Can relate the lateral to the plumbing inside; watch for pressure toward immediate repair |
| Excavation or trenchless contractor | Repairs, lining and replacement | Deep knowledge of repair options; highest incentive to recommend major work |
Municipal crews also inspect sewers, but only the public side, and not on request for a private sale. The difference between a city's mainline survey and a house scope is covered in CCTV sewer inspection.
02 /How do you find a sewer camera inspection company near you?
Find a sewer camera inspection company through people who have seen their reports: your home inspector, your real estate agent, neighbours with similar houses, or a plumber you already trust. Online searches for sewer camera inspection plus your city will list many providers; the job is to narrow them down to two or three that meet the deliverable standard.
- Ask a referral source whether they have seen the company's video and written report, not just whether the company was pleasant.
- Check that the company serves your area without a large travel charge.
- Read reviews for specifics: mentions of receiving the video, locate marks and clear explanations are better signs than general praise.
- Look for a physical business address, a business licence and a written service agreement.
- Ask for a sample report with personal details removed.
SewerInspector.ca does not rank or endorse contractors. If you would like quotes, you can send a request, and it may be shared with suitable local providers who can respond.
03 /What should you ask before booking a sewer scope?
Ask every provider the same ten questions and write the answers side by side. The questions cover equipment, deliverables, access, what happens if things go wrong, and independence.
- What camera will you use? Is the head self-levelling, is there a distance counter, and does it have a sonde with a separate locator?
- Who will operate the camera, and what training or certification do they have?
- Will I receive the full, unedited video, in what format, and on the day?
- Will significant defects be located on the surface and given an estimated depth?
- Will the written report list every observation with its distance from a stated zero point?
- Which access point will you use, and if a toilet must be pulled, is the reset with a new seal included?
- What happens, and what does it cost, if the camera cannot reach the main?
- Is cleaning included, optional or quoted separately, and will you record before and after cleaning?
- Do you also quote repairs, and will the inspection report be separate from any repair proposal?
- Do you carry liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, and what is your policy if equipment gets stuck?
Training is worth asking about, but it is not the whole answer; the certification guide explains what NASSCO credentials do and do not prove.
04 /What are the red flags when hiring a sewer inspector?
The red flags when hiring a sewer inspector are the ones that leave you without evidence or rush you into work. Most honest companies clear all of these easily.
| Red flag | Why it matters | Better sign |
|---|---|---|
| No video offered, or stills only | You cannot check the findings or get a second opinion | Full video handed over on the day |
| Verdict with no distances | Nobody can locate or price the defect | Observation list with distances and a stated zero point |
| Replacement recommended on the spot without explanation | Large spending on one opinion | Options explained, tied to specific observations |
| Pressure to sign for repairs the same day | Removes time for a second opinion | Written quote with time to decide |
| Free scope tied to a repair sale | Incentive to find work | Video provided regardless of what you buy |
| No locate on a defect that needs repair | Excavation quotes become guesses | Paint or flag marks with depth estimates and photos |
| Cannot say where the camera stopped | Coverage unknown | Report states the stop point and reason |
| No insurance, no written agreement | Nothing to rely on if something goes wrong | Certificate of insurance and a clear agreement |
05 /Should the inspector be independent from the repair contractor?
Independence is useful but not essential, provided you keep the video. A repair company's inspection can be excellent, and the same company may be best placed to explain repair options. The protection is procedural: separate the inspection report from any repair proposal, and have another qualified company review the video before large work.
Once you have findings, the decision path is in after the inspection: what next, and SewerQuotes.com explains how to compare repair quotes line by line.
06 /How do you book a sewer inspection?
Book a sewer inspection by giving the provider enough information to plan the visit, confirming the price and deliverables in writing, and preparing access. The sequence below takes a few phone calls and saves most of the problems that make scopes slow or inconclusive.
- Gather the facts
Address, year built, purpose of the scope, any known cleanout, symptoms, past backups and cleaning invoices, and your deadline.
- Call two or three providers
Ask the ten questions above and note the answers.
- Confirm in writing
Price, what triggers extra charges, deliverables, turnaround for the written report and the access plan.
- Arrange access
In a house you are buying, your agent arranges access with the seller, including permission for a toilet pull. In a condo, the property manager arranges access to shared cleanouts.
- Prepare the space
Clear the area around the cleanout, keep pets away and make sure nobody uses water during the visit. Timing is covered in how long a sewer scope takes.
- Collect the evidence
Take the video before the operator leaves, photograph the locate marks, and log the findings in the Lateral Defect Map to see them along the line.
FAQQuestions people ask
Do plumbers do sewer camera inspections?
Many plumbing companies own push cameras and offer inspections, often alongside repair work. Ask for the full video and a report separate from any repair quote.
Is it better to hire the home inspector or a drain company for the scope?
A home inspector with a camera is independent of repair sales but may not clean a blocked line. A drain company can clear and re-scope on the spot. Either works if the deliverables meet the report checklist.
Why are some sewer scopes free?
Free or very cheap scopes are usually offered as part of a cleaning or repair sale. They can be useful if you receive the full video, but get a second opinion before committing to large work.
How many quotes should I get for a sewer inspection?
Two or three is usually enough for an inspection. For repair work that follows, get at least two quotes based on the same video.
Does SewerInspector.ca recommend specific companies?
No. SewerInspector.ca is an independent information and quote-request site. It does not rank contractors, and no contractor can pay to be recommended in its guides.
What information does a sewer inspection company need to quote?
The address, year built, purpose, known access points, symptoms and any deadline. Photos of the cleanout and the basement drain area help.
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