Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Honolulu, Hawaii Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a specialized, waterproof camera to visually inspect the interior condition of your private sewer lateral-the pipe that runs from your home to the city's main sewer line. This service is crucial for uncovering hidden problems like root intrusion, cracks, or blockages that can lead to costly backups and property damage. For Honolulu homeowners, buyers, and sellers, using this guide to find qualified local professionals is the first step toward protecting your property investment and ensuring your plumbing system's long-term health.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2106 Lauwiliwili St Ste 101j, Kapolei, HI 96707

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup offers comprehensive residential and commercial plumbing services in Honolulu, HI. Their experienced team handles a wide range of plumbing needs, including sewer line inspections and repairs, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They specialize in trenchless sewer repair and provide emergency plumbing services available 24/7 throughout the year. With expertise in floodwater cleanup and mold remediation, Roto-Rooter is equipped to manage urgent water damage situations efficiently. Serving Kapolei and surrounding communities, they combine local knowledge with advanced tools like hydro jetting to address plumbing challenges effectively.

4.9

1.5k Reviews

535 Plumbing LLC

1130 N Nimitz Hwy Suite B-180, Honolulu, HI 96817

535 Plumbing LLC is a family-owned plumbing company based in Honolulu, HI, serving residential, commercial, and new construction clients. Founded in 2015 by Shane Mizusawa, the company offers a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and hydro jetting. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and pipe relining to diagnose and solve plumbing issues efficiently. 535 Plumbing is available every day, including holidays, and accommodates after-hours service requests to meet diverse scheduling needs.

4.9

597 Reviews

Shoreline Plumbing

honolulu

Shoreline Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Honolulu, HI, and surrounding Oahu communities. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, and fixture upgrades. The team specializes in both traditional and tankless water heaters, providing thorough inspections and reliable repairs to maintain home comfort. Shoreline Plumbing also handles sewer line assessments and root intrusion solutions to keep plumbing systems flowing smoothly. Their approach emphasizes clear communication, honest pricing, and long-lasting results, aiming to prevent recurring plumbing issues rather than quick fixes.

4.9

267 Reviews

Waialae Plumbing & Construction

825 Halekauwila St # D, Honolulu, HI 96813

Waialae Plumbing & Construction has been serving Honolulu, HI, and the entire island of Oahu since 1994. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. In addition to plumbing, they are a licensed general contractor offering renovation and new construction services, allowing them to coordinate plumbing work efficiently with construction projects. Their team is experienced in handling both residential and commercial jobs, and they utilize advanced diagnostic tools for leak detection and other plumbing needs. Waialae Plumbing & Construction operates during regular business hours and does not offer after-hours or emergency services.

4.9

263 Reviews

Little Big Plumbing

honolulu

Little Big Plumbing serves residential and commercial clients in Honolulu, HI. The company offers a range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repairs. They provide specialized capabilities such as slab leak detection, thermal imaging, and solar water and photovoltaic system services. Known for combining local island service with the resources of a national supplier, Little Big Plumbing is a family-owned business with licensed plumbers. They hold endorsements from the Better Business Bureau and are members of the American Home Shield Network.

4.9

155 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Often called a sewer scope or video pipe inspection, this process involves a plumbing technician feeding a flexible, high-resolution camera on a cable through an access point in your sewer line. The camera transmits real-time video to a monitor, allowing the technician to see the exact condition of the pipe's interior^{1 2}. In Honolulu, these inspections are particularly focused on the private sewer lateral, which is the homeowner's responsibility to maintain. The final deliverable is typically a detailed report summarizing the findings, often including flagged video clips or photos that pinpoint defects, their location (measured in feet from the access point), and their severity³.

Key Reasons to Get a Sewer Line Inspection in Honolulu

Understanding why this service is essential can help you decide when to schedule one. Here are the most common scenarios:

• Buying or Selling a Home: This is arguably the most critical time for a sewer scope. For buyers, it uncovers hidden defects that could cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair after closing^{4 5}. For sellers, a clean inspection report can be a powerful selling point and prevent last-minute negotiations or deal cancellations.
• Experiencing Recurring Plumbing Issues: If you're dealing with persistent slow drains, frequent backups in multiple fixtures, or unexplained foul odors in your yard or home, a camera inspection is the most effective way to diagnose the root cause^{6 7}.
• Owning an Older Home: Many older Honolulu homes have sewer lines made of aging materials like cast iron or clay tile, which are prone to corrosion, cracking, and root intrusion over time⁸. A proactive inspection can assess their remaining lifespan.
• Routine Preventative Maintenance: Even without active problems, a periodic video inspection is a smart investment. It can identify minor issues like small cracks or early root growth before they escalate into major emergencies, especially if you have large trees near your sewer line⁹.

Common Problems Found During Honolulu Sewer Inspections

A sewer camera survey can reveal a variety of issues that are invisible from the surface. Knowing what technicians look for helps you understand your report.

• Root Intrusion: Tree and shrub roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients in sewer pipes. They can infiltrate pipe joints or cracks, creating dense blockages that trap debris and eventually crush the pipe^{8 10}.
• Blockages and Buildup: Grease, "flushable" wipes, and other debris can accumulate on pipe walls, severely restricting flow and leading to backups⁶.
• Pipe Damage: This includes cracks, holes, and corrosion (common in old metal pipes). Offsets or misaligned sections can also occur due to ground settlement^{5 10}.
• Bellied or Collapsed Pipes: A "belly" is a low section where waste and sediment collect due to soil erosion or improper installation. A fully collapsed pipe is a severe failure that requires immediate replacement⁶.
• Leaking Joints: The seals between pipe sections can deteriorate, allowing sewage to leak into the surrounding soil, which can undermine foundations and attract roots¹⁰.

The Sewer Camera Inspection Process: What to Expect

When you hire a professional for a video pipe inspection in Honolulu, the process typically follows these steps:

1. Locating Access: The technician will find the best point to insert the camera, usually through a cleanout pipe. If no cleanout exists, they may need to temporarily remove a toilet to gain access, which can add to the time and cost⁴.
2. Camera Deployment: The flexible, push-rod camera is fed into the pipe. Advanced cameras are self-propelled and can navigate long distances and turns.
3. Real-Time Video Review: As the camera travels, the plumber watches the monitor live, narrating findings and looking for defects. Modern systems record the entire inspection for later review².
4. Reporting: After the inspection, you should receive a written summary of the findings. The best reports include time-stamped video clips or photos of each defect, a description of the problem, and its exact location³.

Understanding the Cost of Sewer Inspections in Honolulu

The price for a sewer camera inspection can vary based on several factors. While prices can range from $150 to over $500, understanding what influences the cost helps you evaluate quotes^{11 12}.

• Access Complexity: The biggest variable is often access. A simple inspection via an exterior cleanout is the most affordable. If a toilet needs removal or excavation is required to reach the line, the cost will be higher^{4 12}.
• Pipe Length and Layout: Inspecting a longer lateral or one with multiple bends takes more time and may require more advanced camera equipment.
• Technology Used: Basic inspections provide video. More advanced services may include location transmitters that map the pipe's path and depth, which is helpful for planning repairs.
• The Value of Early Detection: It's important to view this cost as an investment. Spending a few hundred dollars to identify a minor crack or root issue can allow for a simple, low-cost repair like root treatment or a spot repair. Left undetected, the same problem could lead to a complete pipe failure requiring a $10,000+ replacement^{5 11}.

Choosing a Service Provider in Honolulu

Selecting the right professional is key to a valuable inspection. Look for a licensed plumber or specialized inspection company with proven experience in sewer scoping. They should use modern, high-resolution camera equipment and be willing to explain the process clearly. Always ask for a sample report to ensure they provide the detailed documentation you need to make informed decisions about your property.

Frequently asked questions

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