Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in New Jersey Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a critical diagnostic service that uses a specialized waterproof camera to visually inspect the interior of your underground sewer or drain lines. This process is essential for uncovering hidden problems that can lead to costly backups and property damage. For New Jersey homeowners and buyers, this service provides peace of mind by revealing the true condition of a home's most vital-and expensive-utility. The following information will help you understand the process, its importance, and how to connect with qualified local professionals who can perform this vital assessment.

Electric Sewer & Drain Services- ES&DS

2281 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462

Electric Sewer & Drain Services- ES&DS provides sewer and drain plumbing services in Jersey City, NJ. They specialize in sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, and hydro jetting to clear clogs and maintain pipe health. Their video inspection service uses advanced cameras to identify blockages or pipe damage, helping to pinpoint issues accurately. The company also offers high-powered water jetting to remove grease buildup without chemicals, promoting environmentally friendly cleaning. Preventative maintenance plans are available to keep drains clear and prevent backups through routine service. Snaking is used as a non-invasive method to clear stubborn clogs and restore water flow efficiently.

4.9

140 Reviews

Phil Masucci Plumbing Heating & Drain Cleaning

9 Florida St, Maplewood, NJ 07040

Phil Masucci Plumbing Heating & Drain Cleaning is a full-service plumbing and heating company based in Newark, NJ. Serving Essex, Union, Morris, and Middlesex counties, the company offers a wide range of services including water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, and gas line installation. They provide specialized capabilities such as sewer pipe descaling and video camera drain inspection. With over 20 years of experience, they also handle general contracting for kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room updates.

4.9

112 Reviews

Barolli Plumbing and Heating Inc.

9014 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Barolli Plumbing and Heating Inc. is a plumbing and heating contractor serving Jersey City, NJ, with over 20 years of experience. They provide residential and commercial plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, tankless water heaters, repiping, and gas line installation. Their capabilities include main sewer snaking and camera inspections as well as installation of high-efficiency heating systems. Barolli Plumbing supports projects from product selection through design and project management, ensuring a comprehensive approach.

5.0

26 Reviews

Draper Plumbing Services

799 Bloomfield Ave suite 893, Verona, NJ 07044

Draper Plumbing Services is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Newark, NJ, with over a decade of experience. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, and repiping. Their certified technicians use advanced diagnostic tools such as camera inspections and acoustic leak detectors to efficiently identify plumbing issues. Draper Plumbing Services provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services and backs their work with a one-year labor warranty and manufacturer warranties on parts.

5.0

25 Reviews

Aqua Flow Sewer & Drain Services

8 N Cobane Terrace, West Orange, NJ 07052

Aqua Flow Sewer & Drain Services is a plumbing company based in Newark, NJ, specializing in sewer and drain maintenance for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. They offer a range of services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, and toilet repair. The company serves the entire New Jersey metropolitan area, covering multiple counties such as Essex, Morris, Union, Sussex, and Bergen. Aqua Flow is equipped with high-pressure water jets and video inspection technology to handle complex sewer and drain issues. They provide 24/7 emergency service to address urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

24 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

A sewer scope, or sewer camera inspection, is a non-invasive procedure where a licensed plumber feeds a flexible, waterproof cable with a high-resolution camera on its tip into your main sewer line. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing the technician to see the exact condition of the pipes in real-time. This technology can navigate bends and travel long distances, providing a clear view of issues that are impossible to detect with a traditional home inspection ^{1 2}.

The inspection focuses on the sewer lateral-the pipe that carries all wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer main at the street or to a private septic system. In New Jersey, this lateral is almost always the homeowner's responsibility to maintain and repair, making its condition a direct financial concern ³.

Why a Sewer Inspection is Crucial in New Jersey

New Jersey's housing stock includes many older homes, which often have aging sewer lines made of materials like clay tile, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe. These materials are more susceptible to deterioration over decades ^{1 4}. Furthermore, the state's mature tree populations have extensive root systems that seek out moisture and nutrients, frequently invading small cracks in sewer pipes. A proactive sewer scope is the best defense against unexpected failures.

The most compelling reason for an inspection is financial protection. The cost of the inspection itself is modest, typically between $100 and $600, depending on the length and accessibility of the line ^{5 6}. In contrast, the repair costs for problems it uncovers can be substantial. Minor repairs or root clearing can range from $1,500 to $5,000, while a full sewer line replacement in New Jersey can easily exceed $10,000 ⁵. An inspection before purchasing a home can reveal these liabilities, allowing for informed negotiation or the avoidance of a potential money pit.

The Step-by-Step Inspection Process

A professional sewer camera inspection follows a clear, methodical process:

1. Locate the Access Point: The technician will find a suitable cleanout-a capped pipe usually located near the foundation, in the basement, or at the property line. If no cleanout exists, they may need to access the line through a roof vent or toilet drain, which can add to the complexity ^{1 7}.
2. Insert the Camera: The flexible, push-rod cable with the waterproof camera head is carefully fed into the pipe. Modern cameras are self-leveling to provide a consistent, right-side-up view.
3. Conduct the Video Survey: As the camera travels through the line, the technician watches the live feed on a monitor, narrating and documenting what they see. They look for defects, blockages, and changes in pipe material.
4. Pinpoint Problem Locations: The camera head is equipped with a sonde (transmitter). Using a handheld locator above ground, the technician can mark the exact location, depth, and path of the pipe and any issues found, which is invaluable for planning repairs ^{2 8}.
5. Provide a Detailed Report: You should receive a copy of the recorded video and a written report detailing the findings, including the location and severity of any problems, the pipe material, and recommendations for next steps ⁹.

Common Problems Found in NJ Sewer Lines

During a sewer scope inspection in New Jersey, technicians frequently identify several key issues:

• Tree Root Intrusion: The most common problem. Small hairline cracks or loose joints attract tree roots, which grow into the pipe, causing severe blockages and eventually breaking the pipe apart ^{1 10}.
• Pipe Damage: This includes cracks, fractures, holes, and completely collapsed sections. Older clay pipes can be crushed by shifting soil or root pressure, while cast iron pipes corrode and rust through over time ^{11 12}.
• Sags or Bellies: A "belly" is a low spot in the pipe where gravity has caused it to sink. Wastewater and solids collect here, leading to chronic slow drains and blockages ^{1 11}.
• Blockages and Grease Buildup: Solid clogs from debris, grease accumulation, or foreign objects can completely obstruct flow. A camera inspection can identify the exact nature and location of a stubborn clog ¹⁰.
• Poor Installation or Misaligned Joints: Pipes that were improperly installed may have incorrect slope, separated joints, or connections that cause immediate or long-term flow issues ¹¹.
• Corrosion and Scale Buildup: Inside cast iron pipes, rust and mineral scale can accumulate, severely reducing the pipe's diameter and restricting flow until a complete blockage occurs ⁹.

When Should You Get a Sewer Inspection?

Consider scheduling a sewer camera inspection in these key situations:

• Before Buying a Home: This is arguably the most important time. A standard home inspection does not include the sewer line. A sewer scope can reveal tens of thousands of dollars in needed repairs, giving you crucial leverage in your purchase decision ^{4 2}.
• Experiencing Chronic Drain Problems: If you have frequent slow drains, gurgling toilets, or multiple backups, a camera can find the root cause deep in the line.
• Planning a Major Renovation: Before finishing a basement or adding a new bathroom, ensure your existing sewer line can handle the additional load.
• As Proactive Maintenance: For homeowners with older properties or large trees near the sewer line, a periodic inspection (every few years) can catch small issues before they become catastrophic failures.
• After a Major Storm or Ground Shift: Significant weather events or soil movement can damage underground pipes.

Understanding Costs: Inspection vs. Repair

It's important to separate the cost of diagnosis from the cost of repair. The inspection fee is a fixed cost for the service of scoping the line and providing a report. In New Jersey, this typically ranges from $100 to $600^{5 6}. Factors affecting price include the length of the line, ease of access, and whether location marking is included.

Repair costs are a separate and highly variable expense. They depend entirely on what the camera finds:

• Hydro-jetting or Root Clearing: $300 - $1,000 (temporary solution for roots/clogs).
• Spot Repair or Lining: $1,500 - $5,000+ to fix a specific section without full excavation.
• Full Sewer Line Replacement: $5,000 - $15,000+ in New Jersey, depending on depth, length, material, and landscaping obstacles ⁵.

The value of the inspection is that it provides a clear roadmap, allowing you to budget accurately and choose the most effective repair method.

Choosing a Qualified Professional in New Jersey

Not all plumbers offer advanced sewer camera diagnostics. When looking for a provider, seek out those who specialize in sewer and drain services. A reputable professional will use modern, high-resolution camera equipment, provide a detailed video and written report, and use a locator to mark the precise position of problems. They should be licensed, insured, and able to explain their findings clearly. Asking for a sample report or references can help you gauge their thoroughness and professionalism.

Frequently asked questions

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