The Twin Home Sewer Experts are here today to answer the most frequent questions we get asked about sewer line inspections. Serving Los Angeles for over 32 years, having performed over 4300 sewer inspections, we consider ourselves experts.
Let’s get right into it…
WHAT DOES IT COST TO PERFORM A SEWER VIDEO CAMERA INSPECTION?
This is the most frequent question, the cost depends on how accessible the sewer mainline is. Typically there is a front yard, backyard or on the side of the property, there is a “clean out “ which gives us full access to insert our sewer camera inside the line.
That cost is $150.00 to $250.00
If the clean out is NOT accessible and roof, or removal of toilet are the only other options, then you can expect to pay $350.00 to $550.00
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PERFORM A SEWER CAMERA INSPECTION?
The time it takes depends on the length of the pipe, or how many lines are being inspected, to accessibility, but on average 1 hour.
WHY SHOULD I INSPECT MY SEWER LINE?
Cynthia from Pasadena CA
If your purchasing a property in Los Angeles, we highly recommend that you inspect the sewer line as it can be a costly repair, particularly if it’s in the city street.
Under ground pipes have a life expectancy of 40 years, so it’s imperative to keep an eye on the conditions such as :
1- Root infestation
2- Deterioration
3- Shifting in pipes
4- Belly in pipes
5- Sewer leaks from separations
6- Sewer odors
7- Constant back ups or gurgling
WHY SHOULD I INSPECT MY SEWER LINE?
Mark in Glendale CA.
During our inspection, if we find an issue, we trace out using our locator devices to determine where on the property that issue is, and it will provide us a depth to determine how far underground that pipe is. Using that data, will give us the ability to provide solutions for repairs.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SEWER CAMERA INSPECTION?
Tim from Studio City
A good camera inspection entails being very detailed on the inspection, making sure the line is being inspected inch by inch.
We see so often, where Los Angeles sewer inspectors are not tracing the line and providing depths. This is not fair to the customer, so make sure that if there are issues, you’re not just getting a video narrative, but a tracing & depth of that line so you may get the proper bids for repairs with out the need of paying again.
I HAVE A VIDEO OF MY SEWER LINE ALREADY, CAN YOU BID THE REPAIRS BASED ON THAT?
Chuck in Santa Monica CA.
Absolutely, but again it’s imperative in order to provide an accurate bid, the depth should be revealed in the video sewer inspection. Be careful, many plumbers who are not transparent or honest will not want to give you that information in fear of losing a job.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CAMERA DOESN’T PUSH ALL THE WAY THROUGH DUE TO ROOTS?
Cameron from Burbank CA.
If you’re buying a new property, and you cannot finish the inspection due to root intrusion, then we recommend cleaning those roots to further investigate the remaining sewer line. Those breaks are indications that there could be more issues down stream.
Root extraction using a hydro jetter is the most effective way, you just need a little cleaning to enable the camera push rod to pass.
6 TOP TO ASK A LOS ANGELES SEWER/DRAIN CAMERA INSPECTOR:
1- How much are your fees?
2- When will I receive my report & video?
3- What happens if there is No clean out access?
4- Do you trace & Mark our the lines?
5- Can you provide cost for repairs if you find any issues?
6- Do you use color OR black and white cameras?
HOW DO I FIND MY SEWER CLEAN OUT?
Devin from Sherman Oaks CA.
There are several ways to find a buried clean out. Another way is to remove a toilet. Here’s a video of us on a roof top providing this service:
CONCLUSION:
When you are need of a reliable, knowledgeable sewer camera inspector for your property, make sure you follow the guidelines & tips on this post, it will save you time & money from being flushed down the drain. No pun intended, as always thanks for visiting our site today.
