Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Reno, Nevada Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic tool that provides a clear, real-time view inside your home's main sewer line. This non-invasive procedure is essential for identifying hidden problems like blockages, cracks, or root intrusion before they escalate into costly emergencies. For Reno homeowners, using this service helps you make informed decisions about property maintenance, understand the condition of aging infrastructure, and connect with qualified local professionals who can accurately diagnose and address sewer line issues.

Savage and Son, Inc.

3101 Yori Ave, Reno, NV 89502

Savage and Son, Inc. is a plumbing and mechanical contractor based in Reno, NV. They provide services including sewer camera inspections, sewer line repairs, and gas line installations. The company has extensive experience managing both plumbing repairs and major construction projects, with a notable capability in coordinating complex mechanical and plumbing systems. Savage and Son, Inc. has been serving the Reno area for over 30 years, demonstrating a long history of handling projects with adjustments and problem-solving on site.

4.8

345 Reviews

Dirty Plumber Reno

reno

Dirty Plumber Reno is a plumbing company based in Reno, NV, offering a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. They provide solutions for both residential and commercial plumbing needs, using advanced tools like high-resolution sewer cameras and trenchless technology to minimize disruption. Their expertise covers water filtration systems and boiler repair and installation as well. The company emphasizes thorough plumbing system upgrades and renovations, ensuring compliance with regulations and smooth operation.

4.8

182 Reviews

Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc.

61 Glen Carran Cir, Sparks, NV 89431

Gibson Plumbing & Mechanical, Inc. serves the Reno, NV area with plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services. They specialize in sewer line repair, tankless water heater installation, and sewer camera inspections, along with heating system maintenance and HVAC solutions. Operating since 2000, the company has over two decades of experience providing comfort solutions to Northern Nevada homes. Their services include boiler and geothermal system work, ensuring year-round home comfort.

4.8

161 Reviews

Master Service Plumbing, Inc

325 Sunshine Ln, Reno, NV 89502

Master Service Plumbing, Inc has provided plumbing services in Reno, NV, and the surrounding Truckee Meadows area for over 30 years. They offer a range of services including sewer camera inspection, tankless water heater installation, plumbing repairs, new construction plumbing, radiant heat systems, and medical gas systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The company operates 24 hours a day to support urgent plumbing needs.

4.7

224 Reviews

United Plumbing

reno

United Plumbing is a licensed plumbing company serving Reno, NV, offering a wide range of services including leak detection, drain cleaning, pipe repairs, and water heater installation and repair. They use advanced electronic tools for leak detection and provide hydro jetting and camera inspections for drain cleaning. The company also offers sump pump maintenance and emergency plumbing services available 24/7. United Plumbing focuses on safe, efficient repairs and installations for both residential and commercial clients.

4.7

183 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Often called a sewer scope or drain camera inspection, this process involves feeding a flexible, waterproof cable with a high-resolution camera on its tip into your main sewer lateral-the pipe that carries all your home's wastewater to the city's main sewer line. The camera transmits live video to a monitor, allowing a technician to visually inspect the pipe's interior condition from the cleanout access point all the way to the street connection ¹. This technology has revolutionized plumbing diagnostics, moving from guesswork to precise, visual evidence of what's happening underground.

Common Reasons to Get a Sewer Line Inspection in Reno

Homeowners and buyers in Reno typically schedule a video pipe inspection for several key reasons:

• Buying or Selling a Home: This is one of the most critical times for a sewer scope. The condition of the private sewer lateral is almost never covered in a standard home inspection and can represent a significant, unexpected repair cost. An inspection provides transparency for both buyers and sellers ^{2 3}.
• Recurring Clogs and Slow Drains: If you frequently experience slow drains or backups, especially in multiple fixtures, it often points to a problem deep within the main line, not just a localized clog. A camera inspection can pinpoint the exact cause and location ^{2 4}.
• Noticing Sewer Gas Odors: Unpleasant smells from drains or around your yard can indicate a crack or break in the sewer line, allowing dangerous gases to escape. A camera can locate the source of the leak ².
• Assessing Aging Infrastructure: Many Reno neighborhoods have older homes with original clay or cast iron pipes, which are susceptible to deterioration, root intrusion, and collapse over time. A proactive inspection can assess their remaining lifespan.
• After a Major Plumbing Incident: Following a significant backup or other issue, an inspection can verify the line is clear and undamaged, or identify any new problems that need addressing.

What Problems Can a Sewer Camera Detect?

The high-definition video from a sewer line camera provides a detailed look at the pipe's interior, revealing a variety of common and serious issues:

• Blockages: The camera can identify the exact nature and location of a clog, whether it's accumulated grease, a buildup of hair and soap, a foreign object, or a collapsed pipe section ^{1 5}.
• Root Intrusion: Tree roots seeking moisture are a major threat to sewer lines, especially at pipe joints. They can create dense blockages and exert pressure that cracks or breaks pipes ^{6 7}.
• Pipe Damage: Inspections clearly show cracks, fractures, holes, and complete breaks in the pipe wall. They can also reveal "bellied" or sagging sections where waste collects and causes repeated blockages ^{1 8}.
• Corrosion and Scale Buildup: In older metal pipes, particularly cast iron, internal corrosion and mineral scale can severely reduce the pipe's diameter and integrity, leading to slow drains and eventual failure ⁵.
• Pipe Material and General Condition: The inspection confirms the type of pipe material (PVC, clay, cast iron, Orangeburg) and provides an overall assessment of its current state, which is invaluable information for maintenance planning ⁸.

The Inspection Process: What to Expect

Understanding how a sewer camera inspection works can help you know what to expect when you schedule one.

1. Locating the Cleanout: The technician will find and access your home's main sewer cleanout, a capped pipe that provides direct entry to the lateral. If no cleanout exists, one may need to be installed, or the camera may be fed through a roof vent.
2. Running the Camera: The flexible, push-rod cable is carefully fed into the line. As it travels, the camera head lights the pipe and transmits a live video feed to a monitor.
3. Live Viewing and Analysis: You and the technician can watch the video in real-time. The technician will narrate what they see, pausing the camera at any defects to examine them closely ^{2 9}.
4. Documenting Findings: Key issues are documented with video recordings and timestamped still photos. Technicians often use a locator transmitter to mark the exact depth and horizontal location of problems in your yard ^{1 10}.
5. Receiving Your Report: After the inspection, you should receive a comprehensive report. This typically includes a copy of the video, photos of defects, a written summary of findings, and a diagram showing the location and severity of any problems. This report is a crucial document for repair estimates or real estate transactions ¹⁰.

Understanding the Cost of Sewer Inspections in Reno

The cost for a sewer scope inspection in the Reno area can vary based on the length of the line, the complexity of the access, and the company you hire. Based on available data, homeowners can expect the following general price ranges:

• Standard Residential Inspection: A typical inspection for a standard-length residential sewer lateral often falls in the range of $100 to $400 ^{11 12}.
• As Part of a Home Inspection: Some home inspectors offer sewer scopes as an add-on service, which may be discounted, sometimes in the range of $100 to $250, when purchased with a full home inspection ¹³.
• Factors That Increase Cost: Costs can be higher for very long lines, properties with difficult access, emergency or after-hours service, or if specialized locating equipment is needed for deep lines ¹⁴.
• Important Note: It's crucial to understand that this fee is for the diagnostic inspection only. It does not include any repairs or cleaning that may be recommended based on the findings. Always ask for a clear, upfront quote for the inspection service itself.

Benefits Beyond Problem-Solving

While primarily a diagnostic tool, a sewer video inspection offers several long-term benefits:

• Preventative Maintenance: Identifying small cracks or early root intrusion allows you to address them before they cause a catastrophic backup or collapse, saving thousands in emergency repair costs.
• Verification of Work: After a sewer line repair or cleaning service, a follow-up camera inspection is the best way to verify the work was completed successfully and the line is clear.
• Informed Decision-Making: For home buyers, the inspection report provides powerful leverage in negotiations, allowing you to request repairs, a credit, or adjust your offer based on factual data.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing the exact condition of one of your home's most critical and expensive systems provides invaluable confidence, whether you're settling into a new home or maintaining your current one.

Choosing a Service Provider in Reno

When looking for a professional to perform a sewer camera inspection, consider providers who specialize in this diagnostic service. Look for companies that use modern, high-resolution camera equipment, provide a detailed video and written report, and have technicians experienced in interpreting the footage for Reno's specific soil conditions and common pipe materials. A reputable inspector will take the time to explain their findings and answer your questions clearly.

Frequently asked questions

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