Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Ohio Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic procedure that uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera to visually inspect the interior of your home's main sewer line. This service is crucial for accurately identifying hidden problems like blockages, root intrusion, or pipe damage without invasive digging. For Ohio homeowners, understanding this process helps in making informed decisions about necessary repairs and maintaining a healthy plumbing system. This guide explains what the service entails, common issues found in Ohio, and how to find qualified local professionals to perform this essential diagnostic.

Gunther Plumbing

3080 Scioto Darby Executive Ct, Hilliard, OH 43026

Gunther Plumbing is a family-owned plumbing company serving Columbus, OH, and surrounding suburbs. With over 20 years of experience, they offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater installation and repair, sump pump maintenance, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and hydro jetting. Their team uses camera inspection technology to accurately diagnose plumbing issues and provides certified backflow testing to ensure water safety. Gunther Plumbing is known for handling both routine maintenance and emergency repairs efficiently.

5.0

755 Reviews

Adelio's Contracting

24971 Rockwell Dr, Euclid, OH 44117

Adelio's Contracting is a plumbing and waterproofing company based in Cleveland, OH, serving residential and commercial customers in Northeast Ohio. They specialize in sewer inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, basement waterproofing, and foundational repairs. The company has been in business since 1976, offering honest assessments and solutions without high-pressure sales tactics.

5.0

431 Reviews

Ironclad Plumbing and Drain

cleveland

Ironclad Plumbing and Drain is a plumbing service provider based in Cleveland, OH. They specialize in sewer camera inspections, sewer line repairs, and gas line installations, along with comprehensive plumbing inspections and kitchen and bath plumbing services. Using advanced video camera technology, they can inspect deep within plumbing systems to identify and address issues with sewer and drainage lines. Their team handles a range of essential utility system projects to maintain the reliability of home infrastructure.

5.0

375 Reviews

Tom Schaefer Plumbing

4350 Glenbrook Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094

Tom Schaefer Plumbing provides plumbing, heating, and air conditioning services in Cleveland, OH. They offer a range of services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, leak detection, and repiping. The company has been family-owned since 1929 and serves both residential and commercial clients. They also provide 24-hour emergency service to address urgent plumbing and HVAC issues promptly.

5.0

203 Reviews

Chaney Services

5353 Dixie Hwy A, Fairfield, OH 45014

Chaney Services is a plumbing company based in Cincinnati, OH, offering a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, tankless water heater installations, sump pump repairs, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, leak detection, repiping, gas line installations, toilet repairs, and garbage disposal repairs. They specialize in identifying and resolving complex plumbing issues such as broken sewer lines and outdated piping systems, using advanced techniques like camera inspections and code-compliant PVC pipe replacements. The company has a history of providing detailed and thorough plumbing solutions, including gas line upgrades and tankless water heater installations, with a focus on safety and efficiency. Chaney Services is known for their comprehensive approach to plumbing repairs and upgrades, ensuring systems are tested and leak-free upon completion.

5.0

197 Reviews

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What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera inspection, also known as a video pipe inspection or drain scoping, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used by professional plumbers. The process involves feeding a flexible, fiber-optic cable equipped with a high-resolution camera into your home's main sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout in the basement or yard ^{1 2}. As the camera travels through the pipe, it transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing the technician-and you-to see the exact condition of the pipe's interior in real-time ^{3 4}.

This technology provides a clear, undeniable record of what's happening underground. The inspection typically concludes with a detailed report, including a recorded video and a written assessment of any issues, which is invaluable for planning precise repairs ^{1 5}. Unlike traditional methods that involve guesswork, a camera inspection pinpoints the exact location, nature, and severity of a problem.

The Step-by-Step Inspection Process

Understanding the procedure can help you know what to expect when a technician arrives at your Ohio home.

1. Locate and Access the Sewer Line: The technician will first locate the best access point to your main sewer line. This is usually a cleanout pipe, a capped vertical pipe found in basements, crawl spaces, or outside near the foundation. If no cleanout is present, the camera may be fed through a vent stack on the roof or an indoor drain, though a cleanout provides the most direct access ^{1 2}.
2. Insert the Inspection Camera: A flexible, waterproof cable with a LED-lit camera head is carefully fed into the access point. The camera is designed to navigate the twists and turns of residential sewer pipes, which are typically 4 to 6 inches in diameter ^{4 5}.
3. Real-Time Video Diagnosis: You and the technician can watch the live feed on a monitor. The technician will narrate what they see, identifying any anomalies like cracks, offsets, or blockages. The camera equipment often includes a transmitter that precisely locates the depth and horizontal position of any defect from above ground ^{1 3}.
4. Review Findings and Receive Report: After the inspection, the technician will review the recorded footage with you. You should receive a copy of the video and a detailed written report outlining any problems, their locations, and recommended solutions or repairs ^{1 2}.

Common Problems Found During Ohio Inspections

Sewer lines in Ohio face specific challenges due to climate, soil conditions, and the age of housing stock. A camera inspection can reveal a variety of issues that, if left untreated, can lead to severe backups and property damage.

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the most frequent problems. Tree and shrub roots are attracted to the moisture and nutrients in sewer pipes. They can enter through tiny cracks or loose joints, eventually growing into thick masses that completely block the flow of wastewater and cause repeated clogs ^{6 7 8}.
• Grease and Debris Blockages: Over time, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) poured down drains can solidify inside pipes. Combined with non-flushable items like wipes or hygiene products, these materials create stubborn blockages that restrict flow and cause backups ^{9 10}.
• Pipe Damage and Deterioration: Older homes in Ohio may have sewer lines made of clay tile, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipe. These materials can crack, fracture, or collapse due to ground shifting, freezing and thawing cycles, or simply old age. A broken pipe requires immediate attention ^{7 9 8}.
• Pipe Corrosion: Particularly in older cast iron pipes, internal corrosion can create rough, uneven surfaces that catch debris and lead to blockages. Eventually, corrosion can eat through the pipe wall, causing leaks ^{10 8}.
• Misaligned or Separated Joints: Sections of pipe can become offset or separated at their connections due to ground settlement or poor initial installation. These gaps allow soil and roots to enter the line, creating a major point of failure ^{6 9}.

When is a Sewer Camera Inspection Recommended?

Proactive or diagnostic inspections can save Ohio homeowners significant time, money, and hassle. Consider scheduling an inspection in these situations:

• Before Purchasing a Home: This is arguably the most critical time for an inspection. A sewer line repair can cost thousands of dollars; knowing the condition of this hidden but essential system before you buy is a vital part of your due diligence.
• Recurring Drain Problems: If you experience frequent slow drains or backups in multiple fixtures (like toilets and basement drains), it indicates a problem deep in the main line that snaking alone won't permanently fix.
• After a Major Blockage: Once a severe clog has been cleared, an inspection can determine its cause (like root intrusion or a broken pipe) and prevent it from happening again.
• Planning for Landscaping: If you're planning to plant new trees or install hardscaping near your sewer line's path, an inspection can confirm the line's location and condition to avoid future root damage or accidental strikes.
• For Older Homes: If your home is over 25 years old and the sewer line has never been inspected, it's a wise investment to assess its remaining lifespan.

Understanding the Cost in Ohio

The cost of a sewer camera inspection in Ohio can vary based on several factors. Nationally, homeowners can expect to pay between $250 and $1,175, with many basic inspections falling in the $200 to $600 range ^{6 11}. In Ohio, prices often start around $150 to $300 for a straightforward inspection of an accessible line ^{1 2}.

Several key factors influence the final price:

• Line Length and Accessibility: Inspecting a longer sewer line or one that is difficult to access (e.g., no cleanout, requiring roof access) will take more time and may cost more.
• Location of the Property: Labor rates can vary between metropolitan areas like Columbus or Cleveland and more rural parts of the state.
• Scope of Service: A basic inspection with a video recording differs from a comprehensive service that includes a detailed printed report, precise location mapping of defects, and a consultation on repair options. Always confirm what is included in the quoted price ^{2 11}.
• Emergency vs. Scheduled: An emergency inspection for an active backup may incur a higher service fee than one scheduled during normal business hours.

While it's an added expense, the investment in a camera inspection is minor compared to the cost of unnecessary excavation or repeated, ineffective repairs. It provides a definitive diagnosis that leads to a correct and cost-effective solution.

Choosing a Qualified Professional in Ohio

Not all plumbing services offer sewer camera inspections with the same level of expertise and equipment. When searching for a provider in Ohio, consider the following:

• Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the company is licensed to operate in Ohio and carries both liability and workers' compensation insurance.
• Experience with Inspections: Ask how long they have been performing camera inspections and how often they do them. An experienced technician is better at identifying subtle signs of pipe distress.
• Technology: Inquire about the type of camera equipment used. Modern, high-resolution cameras with locating transmitters provide the most accurate results.
• Reporting: A reputable professional should provide you with a copy of the video footage and a clear, written report explaining their findings. Be wary of any service that only offers a verbal summary.
• Transparent Pricing: A trustworthy company will provide a clear estimate upfront, explaining what the inspection includes and any potential additional fees.

Frequently asked questions

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