Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Illinois Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic procedure that uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera to visually inspect the interior of your main sewer line. This service is critical for identifying hidden problems like tree root intrusion, blockages, or structural damage without the need for disruptive and costly excavation. For Illinois homeowners, finding a local professional who offers this precise technology is the most effective way to diagnose persistent drainage issues, prepare for a property sale, or perform preventative maintenance.

Keeley's Plumbing

270 Eisenhower Ln N #6, Lombard, IL 60148

Keeley's Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and nearby areas including DuPage County. They provide a range of plumbing services for residential and commercial clients, including drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, sewer line repair and replacement, repiping, water heater repair, sump pump repair, gas line installation, and hydro jetting. Keeley's Plumbing uses sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose issues before recommending repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services and focuses on serving a limited area to maintain local code knowledge and reduce travel times.

5.0

615 Reviews

Excellent Plumbing

785 Oakwood Rd Suite E101, Lake Zurich, IL 60047

Excellent Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the northern Chicagoland suburbs since 2006. They offer a wide range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, and water softener installation. Their team is equipped to handle specialized plumbing tasks such as high-pressure hydro jetting and comprehensive boiler and radiator services. With over 17 years of experience, Excellent Plumbing provides 24/7 emergency service and same-day appointments to address urgent plumbing needs promptly.

5.0

511 Reviews

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer

chicago

Walsh & Son Plumbing and Sewer is a licensed plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Since 2013, this family- and woman-owned business has provided a range of plumbing services including sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. Their team uses advanced technology for sewer camera inspections and offers a 10-year warranty on pipe installations, reflecting their commitment to durable workmanship. They also provide fast, same-day responses to plumbing issues and offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and first responders.

5.0

364 Reviews

Drain & Plumbing Services

3663 Woodhead Dr, Northbrook, IL 60062

Drain & Plumbing Services offers a wide range of plumbing and drain cleaning solutions in Chicago, IL, including water heater repair and installation, tankless water heaters, leak detection, toilet and garbage disposal repairs, and hydro jetting. Their team uses advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections and hydro jetting equipment to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they provide comprehensive services tailored to local infrastructure needs. The company also offers 24/7 emergency plumbing service to address urgent repairs promptly.

5.0

267 Reviews

Hydro-Man Jetting & Drain Cleaning LLC.

15020 S Illinois St, Plainfield, IL 60544

Hydro-Man Jetting & Drain Cleaning LLC. is a family-owned plumbing company serving Chicago, IL, and surrounding areas. Founded in 2020 by a second-generation plumber, the company offers a range of services including hydro jetting, drain cleaning, sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, and sump pump repair. They use advanced equipment owned in-house to provide precise diagnostics and effective solutions. Hydro-Man Jetting & Drain Cleaning LLC. also provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time.

5.0

246 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Often called a sewer scope or video pipe inspection, this process involves feeding a flexible, cable-mounted camera into your home's main sewer line. The camera transmits live video to a monitor, allowing a technician to see the exact condition of the pipe. This non-invasive method provides a clear, real-time view of issues that are otherwise impossible to detect, transforming guesswork into accurate diagnosis ^{1 2}.

The inspection is a straightforward, typically quick procedure that delivers immediate results and can save thousands of dollars in unnecessary digging.

The Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

Understanding the steps can help homeowners know what to expect when a technician arrives.

1. Locate the Access Point: The technician will first locate a suitable access point to insert the camera. This is usually a cleanout pipe, often found in the basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation. If no cleanout is available, a toilet may be temporarily removed to gain access ^{1 3}.
2. Insert the Camera: A flexible, push-rod cable with a high-resolution, LED-lit camera head on the end is carefully fed into the sewer line ⁴.
3. Conduct the Video Survey: As the camera travels through the pipe (typically up to 200 feet), live footage is displayed on a monitor. The technician narrates and records the inspection, noting the condition of the pipe ^{5 2}.
4. Pinpoint Problems: Modern inspection cameras are equipped with a transmitter that allows the technician to mark the exact location and depth of any issue on the ground above the pipe. This is crucial for planning any repairs ¹.
5. Review Findings & Provide Report: After the inspection (which usually takes 30 to 60 minutes), the technician will review the recorded video with you, explain any problems found, and provide a written report with recommendations for next steps ⁵.

Common Problems Found During Illinois Inspections

Sewer camera inspections in Illinois reveal a range of issues, many exacerbated by the state's climate and aging infrastructure.

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the most frequent problems. Tree roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients in sewer pipes. They can infiltrate through tiny cracks or pipe joints, eventually creating a dense, hair-like mass that causes severe blockages ^{1 6}.
• Blockages and Buildup: Grease, soap scum, foreign objects, and debris can accumulate on pipe walls, restricting flow and leading to recurrent slow drains or backups ^{7 8}.
• Pipe Damage: This includes cracks, fractures, and complete collapses. Damage can be caused by shifting soil, freezing ground, corrosion, or simply the age of the pipe material (like old clay tile or cast iron) ^{1 9}.
• Bellied or Sagging Pipes: A "belly" occurs when a section of pipe sinks due to ground erosion or compaction, creating a low spot where waste and water collect instead of flowing freely. This leads to chronic clogs ^{7 6}.
• Misaligned Joints: In older piping systems, sections can become offset at their connection points. This misalignment creates a ledge that catches debris and is a common point for root intrusion ^{1 8}.
• Corrosion and Deterioration: Metal pipes, particularly older cast iron, can corrode from the inside out, leading to rough interiors that catch debris and eventually weaken the pipe structure ^{6 9}.

What Determines the Cost of an Inspection in Illinois?

The cost for a sewer camera inspection in Illinois can vary, but understanding the factors involved helps in evaluating quotes. The general price range is between $100 and $900, with most standard residential inspections averaging $250 to $500 ^{5 10 11}.

Several key factors influence the final price:

• Length of the Line: Inspecting a longer sewer line that runs to the street main requires more time and camera cable.
• Accessibility: If a cleanout is easily accessible, the job is quicker. If a toilet must be pulled or an access point needs to be created, it adds labor time and cost.
• Location and Complexity: Inspections in dense urban areas or properties with complex landscaping may carry different rates than those in more accessible suburban homes.
• Bundled Services: Many companies offer a lower rate for a sewer scope if it is part of a larger home inspection package, especially during a real estate transaction ^{5 12}.
• Trip or Diagnostic Fees: Some plumbers apply a service fee (often $70-$200) that may be credited toward any repair work you authorize based on the inspection findings ¹¹.

When Do You Need a Sewer Video Inspection?

Consider scheduling this diagnostic service if you experience any of the following:

• Frequent or Multiple Drain Clogs: If plunging and snaking provide only temporary relief, there is likely a deeper issue in the main line.
• Slow Drains Throughout the House: When all drains are slow simultaneously, it points to a blockage in the main sewer line.
• Sewage Backups or Foul Odors: Any backup into floor drains, tubs, or toilets is a clear sign of a main line problem.
• Before Purchasing a Home: A sewer inspection is a critical part of a home buyer's due diligence. It can reveal expensive, hidden defects that the seller may need to address ¹⁰.
• Preventative Maintenance: For homes over 20 years old or those with large trees near the sewer line, a periodic inspection can catch small problems before they become emergencies.
• After Major Landscaping or Construction: Heavy equipment can damage underground lines; an inspection verifies the sewer's integrity.

Benefits of a Camera Inspection Over Traditional Methods

Choosing a video inspection offers distinct advantages compared to older diagnostic techniques.

• Accuracy: It provides visual confirmation of the problem's nature, location, and severity, eliminating guesswork.
• Non-Destructive: It avoids unnecessary and costly excavation of your yard, driveway, or foundation to locate an issue.
• Cost-Effective: By precisely identifying the problem, you only pay for the exact repair needed, not exploratory digging.
• Comprehensive Documentation: The recorded video serves as proof of condition for real estate transactions, insurance claims, or warranty purposes.
• Faster Diagnosis: The technician can identify the issue in real-time and immediately discuss repair options.

Frequently asked questions

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