Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Kansas City, Missouri Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic procedure that uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera to visually inspect the interior of your underground sewer line. This service is critical for identifying hidden problems like root intrusion, cracks, or blockages that can lead to costly backups and property damage. For Kansas City homeowners, using this guide can help you understand the process, recognize when you need an inspection, and connect with qualified local professionals who can provide a clear assessment of your sewer's condition.

Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair

14370 NW 61st St, Parkville, MO 64152

Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair is a locally owned plumbing company serving Kansas City, MO. They provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, gas line installation, and sewer camera inspections. The company is licensed and bonded, with over a decade of experience in the plumbing industry. They also offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services for urgent needs. Their expertise includes sewer line camera inspections to accurately diagnose plumbing issues. Royal Flush Plumbing & Repair has built a reputation for reliable service and comprehensive plumbing solutions throughout Kansas City.

5.0

239 Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Johnson County

13480 S Arapaho Dr, Olathe, KS 66062

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Johnson County provides a range of plumbing services in Kansas City, MO, including water heater repair and installation, sump pump repair, and sewer line repair. They use advanced technology such as hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, and video camera inspections to address plumbing issues with minimal disruption. The company serves both residential and commercial customers across multiple nearby communities. Their plumbers are licensed, insured, and background-checked to ensure qualified service. Mr. Rooter Plumbing offers in-home estimates and flexible scheduling to accommodate customer needs.

5.0

177 Reviews

The Sewer Doctors

110 1, 2 N Sterling Ave, Sugar Creek, MO 64054

The Sewer Doctors is a family-owned plumbing business based in Kansas City, MO, specializing in sewer camera inspections and sewer line maintenance. They focus on providing clear, honest assessments of sewer conditions to help homeowners and real estate professionals avoid costly repairs and surprises. Using state-of-the-art camera technology, The Sewer Doctors deliver detailed video inspections and expert reports to support informed decisions about sewer line health. Their approach emphasizes transparency and education, aiming to protect clients from unnecessary services and expenses. The company is known for its straightforward communication and has built strong relationships with local home inspectors and real estate agents.

5.0

151 Reviews

Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

15203 W 99th St, Lenexa, KS 66219

Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has been serving the Kansas City, MO area for over 70 years. The company offers a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, tankless water heater installation and repair, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. Their experienced plumbers provide detailed problem investigations and multiple solution options tailored to long-term needs and budgets. Anthony Plumbing also offers 24/7 emergency support, ensuring assistance is available whenever needed.

4.9

19k Reviews

Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

17331 East 40th Terrace S Units 111-112, Independence, MO 64055

Anthony Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric has been serving Kansas City, MO, and the surrounding metro area for over 70 years. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, tankless water heater installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and trenchless sewer repair. Their experienced plumbers offer thorough problem investigations and multiple solutions tailored to long-term needs and budgets. The company also offers 24/7 emergency support, ensuring help is available whenever needed.

4.9

5.3k Reviews

See more providers in Kansas City, MO

What is a Sewer Video Inspection?

A sewer video inspection, often called a sewer scope, involves a technician feeding a flexible, cable-mounted camera through a sewer line cleanout. The camera navigates the pipe, transmitting live, high-definition video footage to a monitor above ground ^{1 2}. This non-invasive technology allows for a complete visual assessment of the pipe's interior without any digging. The technician can identify the exact nature, location, and severity of any issues, transforming guesswork into a precise diagnosis. This process is the gold standard for understanding the true state of your home's most critical underground utility.

Common Reasons for a Sewer Line Inspection in Kansas City

Homeowners typically schedule a sewer scope for specific reasons. Recognizing these signs can save you from emergency situations and extensive repair bills.

• Pre-Purchase Home Inspection: This is one of the most valuable times for a sewer scope. Before buying a home, especially an older one in KC, an inspection provides peace of mind or crucial leverage for negotiation by revealing hidden defects ^{1 3 4}.
• Recurring Slow Drains or Clogs: If multiple drains are slow or you experience frequent clogs despite snaking, the root cause is likely deeper in the main sewer line. A camera inspection finds the underlying issue ^{1 3 5}.
• Foul Odors or Gurgling Sounds: Sewage smells in the yard or gurgling noises from toilets and drains often indicate a leak or blockage in the line that needs to be pinpointed ^{1 4 6}.
• Yard Issues: Unexplained soggy patches, sinkholes, or unusually lush grass in a specific area can signal a leaking sewer line underground ^{4 7}.
• Older Home Maintenance: Homes built before the 1980s often have clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg piping materials that are more prone to deterioration, root intrusion, and failure. Proactive inspection is wise ^{1 4}.
• Preventative Maintenance: Even without symptoms, a periodic inspection can catch small problems like hairline cracks or minor root intrusion before they escalate into a major backup or collapse ^{8 7}.

What Problems Can a Sewer Camera Find?

A video pipe inspection in Kansas City can reveal a wide array of common subterranean issues. The region's soil composition and freeze-thaw cycles can exacerbate certain problems.

• Root Intrusion: This is a prevalent issue in KC. Tree and shrub roots seek moisture and can infiltrate pipe joints or cracks, eventually creating a dense mass that causes blockages and damage ^{1 8 4 9}.
• Pipe Damage: The camera can identify cracks, fractures, breaks, and even completely collapsed sections of pipe. It also reveals offsets, where pipe sections have become misaligned due to ground settlement ^{1 3 4}.
• Pipe Sagging (Bellies): A "belly" is a low spot in the line where water and waste pool instead of flowing freely. This leads to chronic blockages and sediment buildup ^{1 3 9}.
• Buildup and Blockages: Beyond roots, cameras find accumulations of grease, mineral scale (hard water deposits), and foreign objects that shouldn't be in the line ^{3 10}.
• Other Intrusions: On rare occasions, inspections have revealed nests or evidence of small wildlife that have entered the pipe system ¹⁰.

What to Expect During and After the Inspection

Understanding the sewer scoping process and deliverables ensures you know what you're paying for.

The Process: A technician will locate your main sewer cleanout (typically in the basement, outside the foundation, or in a front yard). They will feed the camera into the line and navigate it to the city main or the end of the property line. You can often watch the live video feed as they operate the camera ^{1 2}.

The Deliverables: A professional inspection provides more than just a quick look. You should receive:

• A Written Report: This details the technician's observations, notes the severity and location of any issues, and includes repair recommendations ^{8 3 11}.
• Video Evidence: A copy of the recorded video inspection is provided, often on a USB drive or via a digital link. This is invaluable for showing to repair contractors or for your own records ^{3 11}.
• Surface Marking: Using a locating device, the technician can mark the exact location of a problem on the ground above the pipe. This allows for precise, minimally invasive excavation if repairs are needed ¹¹.

Understanding the Cost of Sewer Inspection in Kansas City

The investment in a sewer line camera inspection is minor compared to the cost of major repairs it can help you avoid or plan for.

• Typical Inspection Cost: For a standard residential sewer scope in the Kansas City area, homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $500^{8 2 12}. This generally covers the inspection of a typical line length from the house to the street.
• Factors Affecting Price: The final cost can vary based on the length of the line, its accessibility (e.g., needing to access from a roof vent), and the overall complexity of the job ^{2 12 13}.
• Cost vs. Value: It's important to view this cost in context. A full traditional sewer line replacement can easily exceed $10,000-$25,000^{8 12}. An inspection that costs a few hundred dollars can either provide peace of mind or pinpoint a small, repairable issue, saving you tens of thousands in unnecessary or overly extensive work.

Frequently asked questions

Sources