Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Idaho Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a specialized diagnostic procedure that uses a waterproof, high-resolution camera to visually inspect the interior of your home's main sewer line. This service is crucial for identifying hidden problems like tree root intrusion, cracks, blockages, and pipe deterioration that standard home inspections cannot see. For Idaho homeowners and buyers, using this guide can help you understand the process, benefits, and typical costs, and connect you with qualified local professionals to perform this essential assessment.

Kellogg Plumbing

boise

Kellogg Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Boise, ID, and the surrounding areas. With over 15 years of experience, they offer a wide range of services including water heater installation, repair, and replacement, as well as sewer line inspection, repair, and installation. They also handle water line and gas line installations, backflow preventer services, and general plumbing maintenance. Kellogg Plumbing is backflow-certified and licensed, providing professional and careful service to local properties.

5.0

123 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2399 S Orchard St Ste 101, Boise, ID 83705

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services for homes and businesses in Boise, ID. Their offerings include drain cleaning, sewer line repair using trenchless technology, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and emergency plumbing available 24/7. The company uses advanced tools such as video camera inspections to diagnose sewer issues and offers floodwater cleanup and mold remediation services. Serving Boise and surrounding areas, Roto-Rooter combines local expertise with comprehensive plumbing solutions to address both residential and commercial needs.

4.9

512 Reviews

IdaPros Plumbing & Drains

1800 W Overland Rd Ste 380A, Boise, ID 83705

IdaPros Plumbing & Drains is a plumbing company serving Boise, ID, and the surrounding Treasure Valley area including Meridian, Caldwell, Eagle, and Star. With over 30 years of experience, they offer a range of plumbing services such as sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, and toilet repair. Their team is licensed, bonded, and insured, providing solutions from routine maintenance to emergency plumbing needs. IdaPros also offers 24/7 emergency service to address urgent plumbing issues promptly.

5.0

100 Reviews

Five Star Service Pros Plumbing

500 W Idaho St Suite #265, Boise, ID 83702

Five Star Service Pros Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company based in Boise, ID, serving residential and commercial clients in the area. They offer a range of services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, toilet repair, and flood damage restoration. The company specializes in trenchless sewer repair, a minimally invasive method that avoids digging and reduces disruption to property surfaces. Established in 2018, Five Star Service Pros benefits from nearly 40 years of experience through its owner. They also provide 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

4.9

360 Reviews

American Rooter & Drain

199 E 52nd St SUITE 200, Garden City, ID 83714

American Rooter & Drain is a plumbing and HVAC company serving Boise, ID. They provide a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, repiping, and gas line installation. The company also offers electrical services such as panel upgrades and circuit repairs. Established in 1945, American Rooter & Drain has decades of experience and offers emergency service availability. Their licensed technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and resolve issues efficiently.

4.9

136 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used by professional plumbers. The process involves inserting a flexible, waterproof cable with a high-definition camera attached into the home's main sewer line through an access point called a cleanout. As the camera travels through the pipe-often all the way to the connection with the city main or septic tank-it transmits a live video feed to a monitor. This allows the technician and homeowner to see the exact condition of the pipe in real time, identifying issues that could lead to costly backups or failures ^{1 2 3}.

This technology provides a clear, undeniable record of the sewer line's health. Unlike traditional methods that involve guesswork or excavation, a video pipe inspection offers precise visual evidence. The inspection is typically recorded, and a detailed report with video footage is provided to the homeowner, serving as a valuable document for maintenance planning, repair negotiations, or real estate transactions ^{4 5}.

The Step-by-Step Inspection Process

Understanding the procedure can demystify the service and set clear expectations. Here's how a typical sewer line camera inspection in Idaho unfolds:

1. Locate the Cleanout: The plumber will first find the main sewer line cleanout. This is an access point, usually a white, black, or cast-iron pipe with a threaded plug, located in a basement, crawlspace, or outside near the foundation. If no cleanout exists, the plumber may access the line through a roof vent or toilet drain, though a cleanout provides the most direct path ^{1 3}.
2. Insert the Camera: The technician feeds the flexible, spooled camera cable into the cleanout opening. The camera head is designed to be self-propelling, allowing it to navigate turns and travel long distances-often 100 feet or more ^{2 4}.
3. Live Video Feed & Recording: As the camera travels, you and the plumber can watch the live feed on a monitor. The technician will narrate what is seen, pointing out the condition of the pipe, joints, and any anomalies. The entire inspection is usually recorded for later review ^{3 5}.
4. Comprehensive Inspection: The camera is guided through the entire accessible length of the sewer line. The plumber looks for specific defects and notes the location of any issues using distance markers on the cable and sometimes locator technology to pinpoint the exact spot underground ^{1 6}.
5. Detailed Report & Consultation: After retrieving the camera, the plumber will provide a summary of findings. This often includes a digital copy of the recorded video, a written report describing any problems, and a professional recommendation for any necessary repairs or maintenance ^{2 4}.

Common Problems Found in Idaho Sewer Lines

Sewer camera inspections in Idaho reveal a variety of issues, many specific to our region's climate and soil conditions. Identifying these problems early is key to preventing emergencies.

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the most common issues. Seeking moisture and nutrients, tree and shrub roots can infiltrate tiny cracks or loose joints in sewer pipes. Once inside, they grow rapidly, causing severe blockages and can eventually crack the pipe ^{1 7}.
• Cracks, Fractures, and Breaks: Ground shifting from freeze-thaw cycles, soil settlement, or pressure from above can crack clay, cast iron, or even PVC pipes. These cracks allow soil and groundwater to enter the line, leading to blockages and potential sinkholes ^{7 6}.
• Blockages and Clogs: Beyond roots, lines can be clogged by accumulated grease, non-flushable items (like "flushable" wipes), mineral scale buildup, or collapsed pipe sections. A camera inspection identifies the exact nature and location of the clog ¹.
• Pipe Sagging or Bellies: A "belly" is a low spot in the sewer line where waste and water collect instead of flowing freely. This is often caused by improper installation or soil erosion beneath the pipe. Standing waste leads to chronic blockages and corrosion ^{7 6}.
• Pipe Separation: The joints between pipe sections can pull apart due to ground movement or poor installation. This creates a direct leak into the surrounding soil and allows roots and debris easy entry ⁶.
• Corrosion and Deterioration: Older pipes made of Orangeburg (bituminous fiber) or cast iron are prone to corrosion, collapse, and decay over time. A camera inspection can assess the remaining integrity of these aging materials ¹.

Cost of Sewer Camera Inspections in Idaho

The cost for a sewer scope in Idaho is typically straightforward and is a wise investment compared to the price of unexpected repairs. For a standard residential inspection, homeowners can expect to pay between $150 and $500^{2 7 8}. In the Boise area, prices frequently fall within this same range ⁸.

Several factors influence the final cost:

• Length of Line: Inspecting a longer sewer line to the street takes more time.
• Accessibility: If a cleanout needs to be installed or access is difficult, the price may increase.
• Severity of Blockages: A heavily blocked line may require preliminary clearing before the camera can pass through.
• Location & Complexity: Properties with complex layouts, deep lines, or multiple access points may incur higher charges.
• Reporting: The inclusion of a detailed video recording and written report is standard but confirms the service value ^{2 7 9}.

Key Benefits for Idaho Homeowners

Investing in a sewer video inspection offers significant advantages, particularly in the Idaho real estate market and for long-term home maintenance.

• Reveals Hidden Problems: This is the primary benefit. A general home inspector cannot see inside buried sewer lines. A camera inspection uncovers latent defects that could cost thousands to repair, transforming unknown liabilities into known, manageable situations ^{1 8}.
• Essential for Home Purchases: For buyers, a sewer scope is one of the most important due diligence steps. It can reveal deal-breaking issues or provide leverage for repair requests or price negotiations before closing. It is highly recommended, especially for homes over 20 years old or those with large trees near the sewer line ^{2 9 10}.
• Proactive Maintenance & Peace of Mind: For existing homeowners, a periodic inspection can identify minor issues like root beginnings or small cracks before they become major backups or collapses. This proactive approach saves money and prevents the hassle of emergency repairs ^{1 8}.
• Accurate Diagnosis for Repairs: If you are experiencing slow drains or backups, a camera inspection precisely identifies the cause and location of the problem. This ensures that any recommended repair (such as hydro-jetting or trenchless repair) is targeted and effective, avoiding unnecessary guesswork or excavation ^{3 4}.

When Should You Get a Sewer Inspection?

Consider scheduling a sewer camera inspection in the following situations:

• Before Buying a Home: Make it a non-negotiable part of your inspection contingency.
• If You Own an Older Home: Homes built before the 1980s are more likely to have deteriorating pipes.
• When Experiencing Chronic Drain Issues: Frequent slow drains, gurgling toilets, or unexplained backups are clear warning signs.
• After Major Landscaping: If large trees have been planted near your sewer line, an inspection can establish a baseline.
• As Part of Regular Maintenance: Consider an inspection every 3-5 years for older homes to monitor pipe health.

Choosing a Professional in Idaho

When seeking a sewer inspection service, look for licensed, insured plumbers who specialize in drain and sewer diagnostics. Ask if they use high-resolution, locator-equipped cameras and if they provide a recorded video and written report. Experienced technicians will not only perform the inspection but also clearly explain their findings and discuss all repair options, from traditional excavation to modern trenchless methods.

Frequently asked questions

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