Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Michigan Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a specialized, waterproof camera to visually examine the interior of your home's main sewer line. This service is critical for accurately identifying the root cause of persistent drain problems, evaluating the condition of pipes before a home purchase, or planning proactive maintenance. For Michigan homeowners, understanding this process and knowing how to connect with qualified local professionals is the first step toward resolving underground issues efficiently and avoiding costly, unexpected repairs.

Bubby's Plumbing

1074 Crawford Ave, Windsor, ON N9A 5C9, Canada

Bubby's Plumbing offers plumbing, heating, and drain services in Detroit, MI, with a focus on residential and commercial needs. They provide sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, and sewer line repairs. The company serves the Windsor-Essex region and is available 24 hours a day for emergency plumbing support. Bubby's Plumbing emphasizes individualized plumbing options and aims to complete all work to high standards.

5.0

1.1k Reviews

Triton Plumbing

1307 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083

Triton Plumbing is a plumbing company serving Detroit, MI, led by a fourth-generation master plumber. They offer a range of residential and commercial plumbing services including trenchless sewer repair, sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, sump pump services, drain cleaning, leak detection, and toilet repairs. Their trenchless sewer repair uses advanced technology to minimize property disruption by creating small access points for pipe repairs. Triton Plumbing also provides sump pump solutions to protect properties from flooding, especially in Oakland and Macomb County. The company emphasizes quality and integrity in their work and has experience handling complex sewer line replacements and hydro jetting services.

5.0

331 Reviews

Bison Plumbing

25780 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI 48091

Bison Plumbing is a family-owned and operated plumbing company serving Detroit, MI, and the surrounding Metro Detroit area since 1998. They provide a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, and general plumbing repairs. Their expertise in no-dig sewer repairs, such as pipe lining and pipe patching, allows them to rehabilitate sewer and storm lines without traditional digging methods. Bison Plumbing also offers backflow testing and mechanical piping services, ensuring compliance with local codes and standards.

4.9

2.6k Reviews

Motor City Plumbing and Drain

30367 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066

Motor City Plumbing and Drain is a plumbing service provider based in Detroit, MI. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. The company is known for its use of advanced techniques such as hydro jetting and sewer camera inspections to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. Motor City Plumbing and Drain has built a reputation for thorough and professional service, with many customers noting the expertise and clear communication of their technicians. They serve residential and commercial clients in the Detroit area and emphasize customer education and transparency throughout their work.

4.9

2.4k Reviews

Birmingham Plumbing Heating & Cooling Company

655 S Eton St, Birmingham, MI 48009

Birmingham Plumbing Heating & Cooling Company is a family-owned and operated business serving Detroit, MI, and surrounding Michigan areas including Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. They specialize in residential and light commercial plumbing, heating, and cooling services. Their offerings include sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, sump pump repairs, and water heater installations. The company uses advanced technology such as telescope cameras to detect hidden plumbing issues. Founded in 2008 by a third-generation tradesman, Birmingham Plumbing Heating & Cooling has grown to operate over 20 service vehicles and has more than 15 years of combined experience in the industry.

4.9

924 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera inspection, often called a sewer scope or video line inspection, involves feeding a flexible, high-definition camera on a cable through your main sewer line. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing a technician to see the exact condition of the pipes underground or within your home's foundation. This technology provides a clear, real-time view of blockages, damage, and other defects without the need for disruptive digging ^{1 2 3}.

This diagnostic tool is essential because sewer line problems are hidden from view. Symptoms like frequent backups, gurgling toilets, or slow drains can have many potential causes. A visual inspection removes the guesswork, pinpointing the location, nature, and severity of the issue, which is crucial for determining the correct and most cost-effective repair method.

The Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

Professional sewer inspections in Michigan follow a systematic approach to ensure a thorough and accurate assessment.

1. Gaining Access: The technician first locates the main sewer line cleanout. This access point is typically a white, black, or brass pipe with a removable cap, found in a basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation. If no cleanout exists, the camera may be inserted through a roof vent or by temporarily removing a toilet ^{1 4}.
2. Inserting the Camera: A flexible, push-rod cable with a waterproof, high-resolution camera head is carefully fed into the cleanout and down the sewer line. The cable is marked at regular intervals to track how far it has traveled.
3. Live Monitoring & Recording: As the camera travels through the pipe, the technician watches the live feed on a monitor. They look for signs of damage, blockages, or irregularities. The inspection is typically recorded, providing a permanent video record of the pipe's condition ^{2 5}.
4. Diagnosis & Reporting: Using the video evidence, the technician diagnoses the problem. Modern equipment often includes a locator that can determine the exact depth and horizontal location of any issue from the surface. You will receive a detailed report, often including time-stamped video clips and photos, explaining the findings ^{3 4}.

Common Problems Found During Michigan Inspections

Sewer camera inspections in Michigan frequently uncover specific issues related to the state's climate, soil conditions, and aging infrastructure.

• Root Intrusion: This is one of the most common problems. Tree and shrub roots are attracted 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 catches debris and causes severe blockages ^{1 6}.
• Pipe Damage (Cracks, Breaks, Collapses): Older pipes made of clay tile, Orangeburg (bituminous fiber), or even cast iron can crack, break, or completely collapse due to ground shifting, freezing and thawing cycles, soil pressure, or simple age ^{2 7}.
• Sags or "Bellies": A sag occurs when a section of the pipe sinks due to unstable or eroded soil, creating a low spot. This belly collects water and waste, leading to chronic slow drains and blockages because gravity can no longer effectively move material through the pipe ^{3 6}.
• Grease and Debris Blockages: While roots are a major culprit, accumulations of grease, oil, fat, and non-flushable items (like wipes) can create solid obstructions that restrict flow and cause backups ².
• Corrosion and Deterioration: Older metal pipes, particularly cast iron, can corrode from the inside out, leading to rough interiors that catch debris and eventually thin the pipe wall until it fails ⁷.
• Misaligned or Separated Joints: In older clay tile pipe systems, the sections can shift or separate at the joints due to ground movement, creating an opening for roots and soil to enter ⁶.

When Do You Need a Sewer Inspection?

Consider scheduling a sewer camera inspection for any of the following situations:

• Recurring Drain Problems: If you experience multiple slow drains, frequent backups in toilets or tubs, or gurgling sounds from drains, an inspection can identify a deeper issue in the main line.
• Before Buying a Home: A pre-purchase sewer scope is one of the smartest investments a Michigan homebuyer can make. It reveals hidden defects that could cost thousands to repair after closing ^{3 5}.
• Selling a Home: Providing a recent, clean inspection report can be a powerful selling point, demonstrating the home's well-maintained condition and preventing last-minute negotiations over sewer issues.
• After a Major Clog: Once a severe clog is cleared, an inspection can confirm the pipe is fully clean and check for underlying damage that caused the clog in the first place.
• Planning a Major Remodel or Landscaping: Knowing the exact location and condition of your sewer line prevents accidental damage during excavation and helps plan for any necessary upgrades.

Understanding Costs in Michigan

The cost for a sewer camera inspection in Michigan is typically straightforward. The average price for a standard residential inspection ranges from $250 to $350^{1 8 9}. Several factors can influence this price:

• Location: Prices may vary slightly between metropolitan areas like Detroit or Grand Rapids and more rural regions.
• Access Complexity: If a cleanout needs to be installed or access is difficult, it may add to the cost.
• Trip Fees: Some companies charge a separate trip or diagnostic fee, often between $70 and $200, which may be waived or applied toward the cost of the inspection or any subsequent repairs ^{8 9}.
• Additional Services: If the inspection reveals a problem requiring immediate attention, such as hydro-jetting to clear roots, that will be an additional service quoted separately.

It's always wise to ask for a clear, upfront quote that details what is included, such as the video recording and written report.

Choosing a Qualified Service Provider

Not all plumbing companies offer the same level of expertise or technology for sewer inspections. Here's what to look for:

• Licensing & Insurance: Ensure the company is fully licensed and insured to work in Michigan. This protects you in case of any accidental damage.
• Modern Equipment: Ask about their camera technology. High-resolution, pan-and-tilt cameras provide a much clearer and more comprehensive view than older, fixed-lens models.
• Experience & Specialization: Look for technicians who specialize in drain and sewer diagnostics. Their experience helps them identify subtle signs of trouble a less-experienced eye might miss.
• Detailed Reporting: The value of the inspection lies in the report. You should receive a clear explanation of the findings, along with a copy of the video. Some companies provide digital links for easy sharing.
• Transparent Pricing: A reputable provider will be able to give you a firm price for the inspection service before starting the work.

The Value of Proactive Sewer Care

For Michigan homeowners, a sewer camera inspection is more than a repair tool; it's a key component of proactive home maintenance. Identifying a small crack or early root intrusion before it causes a catastrophic backup can save you from the mess, inconvenience, and high cost of an emergency repair. It provides peace of mind, knowing the exact condition of one of your home's most critical and expensive-to-repair systems.

Frequently asked questions

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