Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Indiana Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic tool that allows you to see the exact condition of your underground sewer line without any digging. This service is critical for identifying hidden problems like root intrusion, cracks, and blockages before they lead to sewage backups or catastrophic pipe failure. For Indiana homeowners, using this resource helps you find qualified local professionals who can perform this essential inspection, providing peace of mind and protecting your property from costly damage.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

18 E Main St Ste 230, Greenfield, IN 46140

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Indianapolis, IN, including sewer and drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, sump pump services, and leak detection. They specialize in both residential and commercial plumbing, offering advanced solutions such as hydro jetting and trenchless sewer repair to address complex plumbing issues. Established in 1935, Roto-Rooter has a long history of innovation and expertise in plumbing, and they offer 24/7 emergency services to handle urgent plumbing problems at any time.

5.0

919 Reviews

Cornwell Plumbing

5724 N Green St 2nd Floor, Brownsburg, IN 46112

Cornwell Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Indianapolis, IN, and surrounding areas including Brownsburg, Pittsboro, and Hendricks County. Established in 1989, they offer a wide range of plumbing services such as sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, sump pump and sewage pump repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, toilet and garbage disposal repair. Their expertise includes using advanced tools like sewer cameras to diagnose pipe issues accurately. Cornwell Plumbing provides emergency plumbing services when available and focuses on personalized, honest service for both residential and commercial clients.

5.0

267 Reviews

JW's Plumbing Services

indianapolis

JW's Plumbing Services is a family-owned plumbing company serving Indianapolis, IN, and surrounding areas such as Lebanon, Frankfort, and Carmel. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, sewer line repair, leak detection, and water softener installation. One notable capability is their use of sewer camera inspections and trenchless sewer repair techniques, which allow many repairs without extensive excavation. JW's Plumbing Services employs licensed and certified plumbers and holds an A rating from the BBB, emphasizing their commitment to professional and trustworthy service.

5.0

143 Reviews

Mr. Plumber by Metzler & Hallam

1033 3rd Ave SW Suite 205, Carmel, IN 46032

Mr. Plumber by Metzler & Hallam is a licensed plumbing service provider based in Indianapolis, IN, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions. Their services include sewer camera inspection, water heater repair, water softener installation, sump pump repair, sewer line repair with trenchless technology, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet and garbage disposal repair, among others. They utilize advanced tools such as camera snaking systems and infrared cameras to diagnose plumbing issues efficiently. The company emphasizes trenchless sewer line repair methods like pipe bursting and relining to minimize property disruption. Mr. Plumber provides 24/7 emergency service, ensuring assistance is available whenever needed.

4.9

4.6k Reviews

Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

710 E Main St, Brownsburg, IN 46112

Mowery Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is a full-service plumbing and HVAC company serving Indianapolis, IN. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing issues such as sewer line blockages and gas leak repairs. Mowery has a long-standing presence in the community with over 20 years of experience. They also provide emergency plumbing services, including after-hours support for urgent repairs.

4.9

2.3k Reviews

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What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer scope inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure where a licensed plumber inserts a high-resolution, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into your main sewer line. The camera transmits live video footage to a monitor, allowing the technician to visually inspect the interior condition of the pipe from your home to the city main or septic tank ^{1 2}. This process, which typically takes under an hour, replaces guesswork with visual evidence, creating a precise map of your sewer system's health ¹.

The inspection begins at an access point, usually a cleanout pipe or a roof vent. As the camera travels through the line, a locator device above ground tracks its position, enabling the technician to mark the exact location of any issues on the surface ^{1 3}. The final deliverable is a detailed video report that documents the entire inspection, providing you with a clear record of any problems and the professional recommendations for addressing them ^{1 2}.

Why Indiana Homeowners Need This Service

Indiana's climate and soil conditions make sewer inspections particularly valuable. Freeze-thaw cycles can shift the ground, putting stress on pipes, while the state's abundant tree life means roots are a constant threat to sewer lines ^{4 5}. An inspection is the only way to know what's happening out of sight.

The two most common reasons for a sewer scope are home purchases and preventative maintenance. When buying a home, a sewer inspection is as crucial as a standard home inspection; it can reveal defects that cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, allowing for informed negotiations with the seller ^{1 6}. For existing homeowners, scheduling a periodic inspection is a smart form of preventative care. It can identify small issues like hairline cracks or early root intrusion before they escalate into emergencies that cause raw sewage to back up into your home ¹.

The Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

Understanding the process can help you know what to expect when the technician arrives.

1. Site Evaluation & Access: The plumber will first locate the best point to insert the camera, which is typically a dedicated cleanout. If one isn't present, they may access the line through a toilet drain or roof vent.
2. Camera Insertion: The flexible, push-rod cable with the attached camera head is carefully fed into the sewer line.
3. Real-Time Diagnostic Viewing: As the camera travels, the technician watches a monitor, narrating what they see and looking for signs of damage or obstruction.
4. Problem Identification & Marking: When an issue is found (e.g., a root mass, crack, or offset joint), the technician uses the above-ground locator to pinpoint its depth and location in your yard.
5. Review & Reporting: After the inspection, you can often review the footage with the technician. You will receive a copy of the video and a written report outlining the findings and recommended next steps, which could range from a simple cleaning to more advanced repairs like pipe lining ^{1 2 3}.

Common Problems Found During Indiana Inspections

A sewer camera survey can reveal a wide array of issues that affect the function and integrity of your pipeline.

• Root Intrusion: This is a top problem in Indiana. Tree and shrub roots seek out moisture and nutrients inside sewer pipe joints and cracks. Once inside, they grow rapidly, causing severe blockages and can eventually break the pipe apart ^{4 7}.
• Cracks, Holes, and Fractures: Pipes can crack due to ground settlement, freezing temperatures, or age. These openings allow soil and groundwater to infiltrate the pipe, which can lead to sinkholes or foundation issues on your property ^{8 5}.
• Offset or Separated Joints: Sections of pipe can become misaligned or pull apart at the connections. This creates a "lip" that catches debris, leading to frequent clogs, and allows surrounding soil to wash into the line ^{4 7}.
• Sagging or Bellied Pipes: A "belly" is a low spot in the line caused by improper installation or soil erosion beneath the pipe. Waste and solids collect in this sag, causing chronic slow drains and complete blockages ^{5 7}.
• Grease and Debris Blockages: While a drain snake can clear a clog, a camera inspection confirms it's fully cleared and checks if grease buildup or foreign objects have damaged the pipe walls ⁸.
• Corrosion and Deterioration: Older pipes, especially Orangeburg (bituminous fiber conduit) or cast iron, can corrode, collapse, or deteriorate from the inside out, severely restricting flow ^{5 7}.

Understanding the Cost of Sewer Inspections in Indiana

The cost for a standard residential sewer camera inspection in Indiana typically ranges from $125 to $500 ^{1 9 10}. Several factors influence where your inspection falls within this range:

• Length of Line: Inspecting a longer sewer run from your home to the street main requires more time and camera cable.
• Access Difficulty: If a cleanout needs to be installed or access is obstructed, the price may increase.
• Scope of Service: A basic inspection with a video report is standard. Some companies may offer bundled services or separate fees for detailed written reports.
• Promotional Pricing: It's not uncommon to find special introductory or promotional rates, sometimes as low as $49, to encourage homeowners to try the service ^{1 11}.

While price is a consideration, the value lies in the information gained. Investing a few hundred dollars can prevent a surprise repair bill of $5,000 to $25,000 for a full sewer line replacement.

What to Do After Your Inspection Report

The video report from your inspection is a powerful tool for planning. If the line is clear, you have valuable documentation of its condition, which can be useful for future real estate transactions. If problems are found, the report provides a clear roadmap for repair.

Recommended repairs typically fall into three categories:

1. Hydro-Jetting or Mechanical Cleaning: For root intrusion or heavy grease blockages, a high-pressure water jetting service can scour the pipe walls clean.
2. Trenchless Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe): For pipes with cracks, holes, or minor root damage but are still structurally sound, a resin-saturated liner can be inserted and cured in place, creating a "pipe within a pipe" without major excavation.
3. Traditional Excavation and Replacement: For severely collapsed, bellied, or deteriorated pipes, a section or the entire line may need to be dug up and replaced. This is the most invasive and costly option.

Your inspection professional should discuss all viable repair options with you, along with their associated costs and longevity, so you can make an informed decision.

Choosing a Qualified Service Provider

When looking for a professional to perform a sewer scope inspection, consider the following:

• Licensing & Insurance: Ensure the company is licensed to operate in Indiana and carries both liability and workers' compensation insurance.
• Experience & Equipment: Ask how long they've been performing camera inspections and about the technology they use. Modern, high-resolution cameras provide clearer diagnostics.
• Reporting: Confirm you will receive a copy of the full video inspection and a written summary of findings.
• Repair Capabilities: Some companies specialize only in diagnostics, while others also perform repairs. Knowing their capabilities upfront can streamline the process if work is needed.

A thorough sewer camera inspection is an investment in the long-term health and value of your Indiana home. It transforms the unknown into a documented, manageable situation.

Frequently asked questions

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