You can’t see inside a buried sewer line, but a camera can. A sewer camera inspection shows exactly what’s going on underground, from tree roots and cracks to sagging pipe and buildup, without digging up your yard. In North Idaho, tree roots, aging pipes and freeze-thaw cycles in the soil can quietly damage a sewer line long before you notice a backup.
Trademark provides sewer camera inspections across Hayden, Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and the Spokane area. Whether you’re dealing with repeat clogs or buying a home, our licensed plumbers give you a clear look at your sewer line and an honest explanation of what they find. And because we offer 24/7 service, a real person answers your call day or night.
Stop guessing what’s going on underground. Call 208-962-1522 or schedule your sewer camera inspection and see your sewer line for yourself.
How a Sewer Camera Inspection Works
A sewer camera inspection is quick, clean and non-invasive:
- Access the line. Your plumber feeds a waterproof, high-resolution camera on a flexible cable into the sewer line, usually through a cleanout.
- Record the inside of the pipe. The camera sends live video to a monitor as it travels down the line, so the plumber can see the pipe’s condition foot by foot.
- Pinpoint the problem. A locator shows where problems sit and how deep they are, so any repair can target the exact spot.
- Review the findings. Your plumber walks you through what the camera found and explains your options.
No digging is needed, and in most homes the inspection is done without disrupting your day. If your home doesn’t have an accessible cleanout, your plumber will explain the other ways to reach the line and recommend the option that works best for your home.
Diagnosing Sewer Line Problems
When drains keep clogging or sewage backs up, a camera inspection replaces guesswork with facts. It helps us find the real cause instead of clearing the same clog again and again. Schedule an inspection if you notice:
- Clogs that come back soon after the drain is cleared.
- Several slow drains, gurgling toilets or backups into a floor drain.
- Sewer odors inside or around the house.
- Soggy or unusually green patches over the sewer line.
The camera can reveal tree root intrusion, cracked or collapsed pipe, offset joints, sagging sections (bellies), grease and scale buildup, and objects stuck in the line. Once we know what’s wrong, your plumber can recommend the right next step, whether that’s sewer line cleaning or repair, hydro jetting or a trenchless fix, with an upfront price before any work begins. Catching a small crack or early root intrusion is usually far less disruptive than waiting until the line backs up or collapses, and it often means a simpler repair.
A camera inspection is also smart after a repair or cleaning, to confirm the line is clear and flowing properly. It’s worth scheduling before major projects too, such as a bathroom addition, a kitchen remodel, new landscaping or a driveway replacement, so you can fix any sewer problems before new work goes on top of the line.
Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspections for Home Buyers
A standard home inspection usually doesn’t look inside the sewer line, yet a damaged line can be one of the most expensive surprises a new homeowner faces. A pre-purchase sewer camera inspection lets you see the line’s condition before you close.
It’s especially worth considering if the home:
- Is older, with original cast iron or clay sewer pipe.
- Has large trees near the sewer line.
- Has been vacant for a while, or the sellers can’t share the line’s history.
- Has a history of slow drains or backups mentioned in the seller’s disclosure.
If the camera finds a problem, you’ll know before you buy. That gives you room to ask for a repair, negotiate the price or plan ahead for the work.
For the best results, schedule the sewer inspection early in your inspection period, around the same time as your general home inspection. That leaves time to review the findings with your agent and get repair pricing, if needed, before your deadlines.
