Root intrusion
Roots that have worked into joints or cracks and are narrowing or blocking the line
Sewer Camera Inspection Cost
Sewer Camera Inspection: What to Expect
A plain-language walkthrough of the process, the cost, and what the footage actually tells you about your pipes.
- Free camera inspection with any drain line cleaning
- Free estimate on every job
- Licensed in GA & SC
GA Plumbing License MP209430Kevin J. Coleman holds a Georgia Master Plumber (Non-Restricted) license. The number is published so you can verify it.15 Years Trenchless-SpecificTrenchless-specific service in the Augusta area since 2011.120+ Trenchless JobsTrenchless repairs completed across the CSRA, residential and commercial.
The Process
A Diagnostic Step, Not a Repair
A sewer camera inspection is a diagnostic step, not a repair. A waterproof camera is fed into the sewer line while a technician watches a live video feed to see exactly what's happening inside the pipe — no digging, no guessing. It's the same step plumbers, home inspectors, and property managers rely on before recommending any fix, because until someone has actually looked inside the pipe, any diagnosis is an educated guess at best.
TDS Trenchless includes a sewer camera inspection free with any drain line cleaning, which makes it one of the lowest-cost ways to get a definitive answer about what's going on underground. Here's what the appointment actually looks like, what the camera can and can't tell you, and what typically happens next.
The Detail
How the Inspection Process Works
- 01Access pointthe technician locates a cleanout, a fixture drain, or another accessible entry point into the line. No cutting or digging is needed to get the camera in.
- 02Camera insertiona flexible, waterproof camera head is fed through the pipe on a push-cable, sending a live video feed back to a monitor the technician (and you, if you're present) can watch in real time.
- 03Locatinga distance-tracking locator travels with the camera head, so any issue that shows up on screen can be pinpointed to a specific depth and location from the surface — useful information if excavation ever becomes necessary.
- 04Full-line passthe camera is run the length of the accessible pipe run, checking joints, bends, and the pipe wall itself rather than stopping at the first sign of trouble.
- 05Reviewthe technician walks you through what the footage shows and explains, in plain terms, whether the line is clear, has a developing problem, or needs a specific repair.
In Practice
What the Camera Can Detect
Because the camera shows the actual interior surface of the pipe, it catches problems that a snake or a plunger never will:
Cracks, fractures, or full breaks in the pipe wall
Bellies (sags)
Low spots where the pipe has settled and wastewater pools instead of draining
Corrosion and scale buildup, common in older cast iron pipe
Offset or separated joints where sections of pipe no longer line up
Blockages from grease, debris, or collapsed material
The general condition and remaining structural soundness of the pipe
Worth Knowing
How Long Does It Take
A standard residential inspection typically takes well under an hour once the camera is in the line — most of the appointment time is access setup and the walkthrough of findings afterward. Longer or more complex runs, such as a full commercial line or a property with multiple access points, take longer. Because scheduling depends on the line length and access, an exact appointment window is confirmed when you book.
The Specifics
What It Costs
If you're already having a line cleaned, there's rarely a reason to skip the camera — it's included at no extra cost. A standalone inspection, most common for pre-purchase real estate due diligence when there's no clog to clean, runs $250. Every service includes a free estimate, and a quote is confirmed before any work begins.
Closer Look
When a Camera Inspection Makes Sense
You're buying a home
Especially an older property in Augusta, North Augusta, Evans, Martinez, Grovetown, or Aiken — and want to know the sewer line's condition before closing
You have recurring clogs or slow drains and want to know the actual cause instead of paying to clear the same blockage repeatedly
You're weighing trenchless repair against excavation and need to see the pipe's real condition before deciding
You manage a commercial property and want documentation of line condition for lease or pre-purchase due diligence
A previous repair or root treatment was done and you want to confirm the line is actually clear
Context
What Happens After the Inspection
If the line is clear, that's the whole appointment — you get peace of mind and, often, video documentation you can keep. If the footage shows a problem, the technician explains what was found and which repair method actually fits it, rather than defaulting to the most expensive option. A partial defect or a line that's still structurally sound might be a candidate for CIPP pipe lining ($75–$200/ft for 4-inch pipe, $100–$300/ft for 6-inch pipe) or epoxy pipe coating ($125–$175/ft for 4–6 inch pipe), both trenchless methods that repair the pipe from the inside without digging up the yard. Scale buildup in an older cast iron line may call for pipe descaling (starting at $10/ft once accessible) as a standalone fix or as prep before coating. A pipe that's collapsed or too far gone for a liner points toward excavation repair (starting at $60/ft for sewer line, starting at $15/ft for water line). Every one of those repairs carries its own workmanship warranty — 10 years on CIPP lining, 10 years on epoxy coating, 1 year on traditional excavation repair — so whatever the camera finds, you're not just getting a quote, you're getting a documented reason for the recommendation and a warranty backing it.
Go Deeper
Already Dealing with a Slow Drain?
Start with a camera inspection — free with any drain line cleaning — so the quote you get is based on what is actually in your pipe.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a sewer camera inspection really free?
It is when it's bundled with any drain line cleaning — the camera inspection is included at no extra cost as part of that service. A standalone inspection with no cleaning involved (most commonly requested before a home purchase) is $250.
What can a sewer camera inspection find that I can't see myself?
The camera shows the interior of the pipe itself — root intrusion, cracks, corrosion, bellies (sags), offset joints, and blockages — none of which are visible or diagnosable from a fixture, a cleanout opening, or a plunger. It replaces guesswork with an actual look at the pipe.
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
A standard residential inspection typically takes well under an hour once the camera is in the line, though total appointment time depends on line length, access points, and whether it's paired with a cleaning. A commercial line or a longer run takes more time.
Should I get a sewer camera inspection before buying a home?
It's one of the most useful pre-purchase checks you can order, especially for older homes in the Augusta area. A standalone inspection starts at $250 and gives you documented video evidence of the sewer line's condition before you're committed to the purchase.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?
The technician walks you through the footage and explains which repair method actually fits what was found — CIPP lining, epoxy coating, descaling, or excavation — along with the applicable price range. You get a free estimate and a required quote before any work begins, so there's no obligation from the inspection itself.
Ready When You Are
Not sure what's going on underground? Get a free estimate and, if a repair is needed, a required quote before anything starts.
Every job starts with a free estimate. Licensed in Georgia and South Carolina.
- Free estimate on every job
- Licensed in GA & SC
- 10-year workmanship warranty on CIPP