Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Minnesota Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic procedure that provides a clear, inside view of your home's main sewer line. This non-invasive technique is essential for identifying hidden problems like root intrusion, cracks, or blockages before they lead to costly backups or property damage. For Minnesota homeowners, using this service helps you find qualified local professionals who can accurately assess your sewer's condition and recommend precise solutions.

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

611 Bielenberg Dr Ste 3-114, Woodbury, MN 55125

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup serves St Paul, MN, providing full-service plumbing, drain cleaning, and water cleanup for residential and commercial customers. Established in 1935, the company offers a range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, and emergency plumbing. They use state-of-the-art equipment and provide 24/7 emergency service with no extra charges for nights, weekends, or holidays.

5.0

533 Reviews

Cichy's Water & Sewer

3346 Snelling Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Cichy's Water & Sewer is a family-owned underground plumbing company serving St Paul, MN, and the surrounding Minneapolis area since 1989. They specialize in sewer line repair, water line replacement, and trenchless sewer repair, offering customized solutions to protect homes from underground plumbing issues. Their services include sewer video inspections, spot and trenchless sewer repairs, sewer cleaning with Picote descaling, and storm sewer line repair and installation. With over 30 years of experience, Cichy's Water & Sewer provides durable underground plumbing solutions tailored to each property.

5.0

271 Reviews

Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning

101 Horizon Cir NE, Fridley, MN 55421

Right Away Sewer & Drain Cleaning is a family-owned plumbing business serving Minneapolis, MN, and the St. Paul metro area. They provide sewer and drain cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties, including drain pipe cleaning, drain camera inspections, and high water pressure jetting. Their team handles various plumbing issues such as clogged kitchen and bathroom drains and commercial drain system maintenance. The company offers 24-hour emergency service to address urgent leaks and drain clogs.

5.0

182 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

1821 University Ave W #317, St Paul, MN 55104

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in St. Paul, MN, including residential and commercial plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, water softener and filtration system installation, and leak detection. They offer specialized capabilities such as video camera sewer inspections and trenchless sewer repair methods to minimize disruption during repairs. Serving the St. Paul metro area, their team is available 24/7, 365 days a year to address plumbing emergencies and routine maintenance needs.

4.9

3.0k Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

99 5th Ave NW #200, New Brighton, MN 55112

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides full-service plumbing and drain cleaning in St Paul, MN, and surrounding communities. Serving both residential and commercial customers, they offer services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, and toilet repair. Established in 1935, Roto-Rooter has over 90 years of experience and uses state-of-the-art equipment for diagnostics and repairs. They provide emergency plumbing services 24/7, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with no extra charges during these times.

4.9

2.7k Reviews

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What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer line video inspection involves feeding a specialized, waterproof camera on a flexible cable into your home's main drain line. The camera transmits live video footage to a monitor, allowing a technician to visually inspect the interior condition of the pipe from the cleanout access point all the way to the connection with the city main or septic tank ^{1 2}. This process turns a guesswork diagnosis into a precise, evidence-based evaluation, revealing issues that are invisible from the surface.

The inspection provides more than just a quick look. It typically includes locating services, where a transmitter on the camera head pinpoints the exact depth and location of any damage for future repair work ^{1 3}. You will receive a detailed report, often with a recorded video, that documents the pipe's material, size, and any defects found. This report is a powerful tool for planning repairs, negotiating during a real estate transaction, or simply for your own home maintenance records.

Why This Service Matters for Minnesota Homes

Minnesota's unique climate and geology make sewer line inspections particularly valuable. The freeze-thaw cycles can cause ground shifting that stresses underground pipes, leading to cracks, misaligned joints, or sags ⁴. Furthermore, many older neighborhoods in the Twin Cities and across the state have aging clay tile or cast iron sewer lines that are susceptible to deterioration and root intrusion.

Identifying these problems early is a form of financial protection. A major sewer line repair or replacement can cost thousands of dollars and involve disruptive excavation of your yard ⁵. A video inspection allows you to move from reactive emergency fixes to proactive, planned maintenance. It provides the evidence needed to address problems efficiently, often saving significant money by avoiding unnecessary digging or incorrect repairs.

The Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

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

1. Locate Access Point: The technician will find and access a cleanout. This is a dedicated access point, often a white, capped pipe in your basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation ^{1 6}.
2. Insert the Camera: A flexible, push-rod cable with a high-resolution, waterproof camera head is carefully fed into the cleanout and through the sewer line.
3. Live Video Diagnosis: As the camera travels, it sends a live feed to a monitor. The inspector watches in real-time, narrating and identifying any issues like cracks, blockages, or root masses ^{2 3}.
4. Locating & Mapping: For any defect found, the technician can activate a locator beacon. This sends a signal to a handheld device above ground, marking the exact spot and depth of the problem for future repair crews ¹.
5. Comprehensive Reporting: After the inspection, you should receive a written summary and a copy of the video. This report will outline the pipe's condition, note any issues, and recommend next steps.

Common Problems Found in Minnesota Sewer Lines

A video inspection can reveal a variety of issues that compromise your home's plumbing system.

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the most common problems. Small roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate hairline cracks or loose pipe joints. Once inside, they expand, creating a dense net that catches debris and causes severe clogs ^{2 7}.
• Cracks, Breaks, and Collapses: Shifting soil, freezing ground, age, or ground pressure can cause pipes to crack, break, or even collapse entirely. These defects allow sewage to leak into the surrounding soil (infiltration) and can lead to sinkholes or foundation issues ^{4 8}.
• Bellies or Sags: A "belly" is a low spot in the pipe where it has sunk due to soil erosion or improper installation. Wastewater and solids pool in this sag, leading to chronic slow drains and eventual blockages ^{2 4}.
• Misaligned Joints & Offset Pipes: Sections of pipe can become separated or offset at their connections. This is common in older clay tile systems and creates a ledge that catches debris, causing frequent clogs ^{7 8}.
• Corrosion and Deterioration: Older cast iron pipes are prone to rust and corrosion, a condition sometimes called "channel rot." This gradually reduces the pipe diameter and can eventually lead to holes or complete failure ^{4 8}.
• Grease Buildup and Debris Clogs: Accumulated grease, fats, and non-flushable items can create stubborn blockages that a camera can clearly identify, showing the exact nature and location of the clog ⁷.

Understanding Inspection Costs

The cost for a sewer camera inspection in Minnesota is an investment in your home's health and can prevent far larger expenses. Pricing is typically structured around the scope of service provided.

A standard inspection, which includes the video scan and a basic report, generally ranges from $250 to $350^{1 5}. A more comprehensive service, which includes precise locating of defects and detailed mapping for repair planning, often falls in the range of $350 to $500^{1 9}. It's important to note that some companies may charge a diagnostic or trip fee, which is frequently applied toward the cost of any subsequent cleaning or repair work they perform.

While the inspection itself has a clear cost, its value lies in what it reveals. The inspection report provides a factual basis for repair estimates. Repair costs for major issues like a full line replacement can range significantly, from several thousand dollars to over $25,000, depending on the length, depth, and location of the pipe ^{5 9}. The inspection ensures you only pay for the repairs you actually need.

When to Schedule a Sewer Inspection

Consider a video inspection for your Minnesota home in these key situations:

• Before Buying a Home: This is arguably the most critical time. A sewer inspection can uncover hidden defects that are not included in a standard home inspection, potentially saving you from a massive unexpected repair bill after closing ^{1 5}.
• Experiencing Chronic Drain Issues: If multiple drains are slow, you hear gurgling sounds from toilets, or experience frequent backups, a camera can pinpoint the cause deep in the main line.
• Planning a Major Remodel or Landscaping: Knowing the exact location and condition of your sewer line prevents accidental damage during excavation projects.
• Routine Preventative Maintenance: For older homes (typically 30+ years), a periodic inspection every few years can catch small problems before they become emergencies.
• After Severe Weather: Significant storms or rapid freeze-thaw events can stress underground infrastructure, making an inspection a wise check-up.

Frequently asked questions

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