Sewer camera inspection — at a glance
- What it is: a waterproof camera on a flexible cable fed through the sewer line.
- What it shows: root intrusion, cracks, collapses, bellied sections, scale buildup, misaligned joints.
- Cost in Utah: $250-$450 as a standalone inspection; often discounted when combined with cleaning.
- When to get one: before buying a pre-1980 home, after a backup, every 3-5 years with mature trees nearby, before major landscaping.
- Vault does camera inspection in-house under Utah DOPL #11876543-5501. Video is yours. (385) 250-2825.
What a sewer camera actually sees
A sewer camera is a small color video camera (1-2 inches diameter) mounted on a flexible push rod. Range is typically 100-200 feet. What it reveals:
- Root intrusion — tree roots through pipe joints or cracks.
- Cracks and fractures — in cast iron, clay, Orangeburg, PVC.
- Pipe collapse — sections where pipe has crushed inward.
- Bellied sections — low spots where pipe sags, trapping waste.
- Scale and grease buildup.
- Foreign objects and misaligned joints.
The camera has a transmitter that lets us locate findings precisely from the surface — important when digging is required for repair.
When to get an inspection
Before buying a pre-1980 home
Older Utah homes often have cast iron, clay, or Orangeburg sewer laterals degraded over 50-80 years. A $350 inspection before closing can reveal a $5,000-$15,000 repair the sellers should disclose or negotiate on.
After any sewer backup
Backups don’t happen randomly. Camera inspection identifies the specific cause so the fix addresses it.
Every 3-5 years with mature trees
Mature trees within 20 feet will eventually find and penetrate joints. Periodic inspection catches early intrusion.
Before major landscaping or selling the home
Know where issues are before you dig or list.
Cost in Utah
- Standalone inspection: $250-$450
- Camera + snake combo: $500-$950
- Camera + hydro-jet combo: $850-$1,750
Common findings and typical repair costs
- Grease blockage: hydro-jet $650-$1,500
- Root intrusion (minor): mechanical cutting $450-$1,200
- Root intrusion (severe): spot repair $1,500-$3,500
- Partial collapse: spot repair $1,500-$3,500
- Full line replacement: $3,500-$12,000+
Trenchless repair options
Pipe bursting — pulls a new pipe through the old. Two small access pits, no major digging.
Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining — resin-saturated liner cured inside the old pipe. More expensive per foot but saves landscape restoration.
Insurance and sewer lines
Standard Utah homeowner’s policies exclude sewer line repair itself. Some carriers offer a service line endorsement ($40-$100/year) covering water, sewer, electric, gas service lines outside the home. Worth considering with pre-1980 lateral or mature trees.
Need a sewer camera inspection?
Call (385) 250-2825. We’ll scope the inspection and give you the video with findings.
Sewer line services · Sewage cleanup · Sewer backup — what to do · Sewage cleanup cost
More guides: Sewer gas smell in the house · Cast iron drain failure
Our Provo sewage cleanup crew handles Category 3 backups and in-house sewer line work. Call (385) 250-2825.
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