A sewer line problem that you can’t see is still doing damage. Recurring drain issues, mystery odors, and slow drains that keep coming back often have a cause hiding deep in the pipe that no amount of guesswork will find. A sewer camera inspection gives you a clear picture of what’s actually going on inside the line, so you can make an informed decision about what to do next. If you’re dealing with an ongoing plumbing problem or you’re buying a home and want to know what you’re getting into, a camera inspection is the fastest way to get a straight answer. Our team serves Goose Creek and the Tri-County area with HD sewer camera inspections, and same-day scheduling is available. Call us at (843) 572-8522.
A sewer camera inspection uses a waterproof, high-definition camera mounted on a flexible cable to look inside your sewer line. The camera is fed into the line through a cleanout access point and transmits live video as it moves through the pipe. We can see exactly what’s inside the line in real time, including cracks, root intrusion, pipe belly, joint separation, corrosion, and blockages.
The camera also has a locating transmitter that lets us pinpoint exactly where along the pipe any issue is located. That means we know precisely where to focus a repair rather than estimating based on symptoms alone.
A camera inspection is useful in more situations than most homeowners realize. Here are the most common ones.
A standard home inspection covers a lot of ground, but it does not scope the sewer line. The inspector will run water and check for drainage, but they won’t see what’s inside the pipe. A home built more than 20 years ago may have clay or cast iron pipes that are cracked, corroded, or full of tree roots. Buying without a sewer scope means taking on that risk without knowing it’s there. A sewer line replacement can cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $20,000. A camera inspection before closing costs a fraction of that and tells you exactly what condition the line is in.
If you’re planning to dig near your home for landscaping, a pool, an addition, or foundation repair, knowing where your sewer line runs and what condition it’s in before work starts prevents costly surprises. Accidentally cutting through a sewer line during excavation is an expensive problem. A camera inspection and line locate before the project begins eliminates that risk.
If you’ve had a drain cleared multiple times and it keeps slowing down or backing up, the camera will tell you why. It may be root intrusion that clears temporarily but grows back, a partial collapse that creates ongoing blockage, or a belly in the line that pools waste and restricts flow. Knowing the cause means you can address it properly rather than repeatedly treating the symptom.
A camera inspection can identify a wide range of conditions inside the pipe that would otherwise be invisible.
shows up clearly on camera. We can see how extensive the growth is, where it entered the pipe, and how much of the line it affects.
in the pipe wall are visible even when they haven't caused a complete blockage yet. Catching a crack early means addressing it before it becomes a collapse.
where the line has sunk below its proper grade cause waste to pool rather than flow. Camera inspection identifies the location and severity of any belly.
where pipe sections have shifted out of alignment create a ledge inside the pipe where debris catches and builds up. These are a common cause of recurring clogs in older homes.
on the interior of cast iron and galvanized steel pipes reduces the pipe diameter and can cause flaking material to enter the water supply. Camera inspection shows how far corrosion has progressed.
that have entered the line and lodged in place are visible on camera, which helps determine the best method for removing them.
is useful for older homes where the original pipe material is unknown. Camera inspection confirms what type of pipe is in place, which matters for repair and replacement decisions.
If you’re purchasing a home, here’s what to know before you skip the sewer scope.
Standard home inspections do not include sewer camera inspection. The inspector may run water and check that drains flow, but that tells you nothing about the condition of the pipe itself. A pipe can drain adequately while still having significant root intrusion, corrosion, or early-stage cracks.
The risk increases with the age of the home. Homes built before 1980 are more likely to have clay or Orangeburg pipe, both of which have a finite lifespan and are prone to cracking and root intrusion. Homes from the 1980s and 1990s may have polybutylene or early PVC that has aged and developed issues over time.
If the inspection finds a problem, you have options before closing. You can negotiate a repair credit, require the seller to fix the issue, or decide the cost puts the deal out of reach. If you skip the inspection and discover the problem after closing, those options are gone. Getting a video of the sewer line before you sign is a straightforward way to protect yourself.
We find the cleanout fitting that gives us access to the sewer line, which is typically located outside the home near the foundation or in the crawl space.
The camera is inserted and advanced through the pipe at a pace that allows us to inspect every foot of the interior.
We record the entire inspection on video so you have a complete record of what we found.
When we identify an issue, we note the exact distance from the cleanout access point so we know precisely where it is in relation to the surface.
After the inspection, you get the video recording along with a written summary of what we found and a clear explanation of what your options are. If a repair is needed, we tell you what kind, why, and what it’s likely to cost.
A residential sewer camera inspection in Goose Creek typically costs between $250 and $450. The exact cost depends on the length of the line and the amount of access work needed to reach the cleanout.
In many cases, the inspection fee is applied toward the repair cost if you book the repair with us after the inspection. Ask about this when you schedule.
The inspection report will tell you what’s in the pipe and how serious it is. Here’s how to think about the findings.
Small cracks or early-stage corrosion with no active leaking may not require immediate action. We’ll tell you what to watch for and when to schedule a follow-up.
Active root growth in the line should be addressed. Hydro jetting clears the roots and flushes the debris. A root treatment can slow regrowth. If the roots have entered through multiple points, pipe lining or replacement may be the better long-term solution.
Depending on the severity, the right fix may be trenchless pipe lining or a localized repair. We’ll explain both options. Learn more about our sewer line repair service.
A full or partial collapse means the pipe cannot be lined and needs to be replaced. We’ll explain the scope of the replacement and give you a written estimate. Learn more about sewer line replacement.
We use HD camera equipment that gives a clear picture of the pipe interior. You get the video recording of your inspection so you have a record of what was found. Our reporting is honest and direct. We don’t use inspection findings to push repairs that aren’t needed, and we don’t downplay problems that are. If the line is in good shape, we’ll tell you. If it needs attention, we’ll explain exactly what and why. Our team has been serving Goose Creek homeowners for more than 30 years, and that reputation matters to us on every job.
Residential sewer camera inspections in Goose Creek typically cost between $250 and $450. The fee is often applied toward repair costs if you book a repair with us after the inspection.
Yes. Every inspection includes a video recording of the full run. You can use this for your own records, share it with a real estate agent, or present it to a seller during negotiations.
Most residential sewer camera inspections take between 45 minutes and two hours, depending on the length of the line and how accessible the cleanout is.
Yes, particularly for homes older than 20 years. A sewer line problem discovered after closing becomes your responsibility entirely. A camera inspection before closing gives you the information you need to negotiate or make an informed decision.
We can inspect most residential sewer lines, including clay, cast iron, PVC, and ABS pipe. Lines that have fully collapsed or are too blocked to pass the camera through may require clearing before the inspection can proceed.
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