Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Portland, Oregon Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a critical diagnostic tool that uses a waterproof, high-resolution camera to visually inspect the interior condition of your private sewer line. This service is essential for identifying hidden problems like tree root intrusion, cracks, or blockages before they lead to costly backups or property damage. For Portland residents and homebuyers, understanding the condition of your lateral sewer line-the pipe connecting your home to the city main-is a key step in responsible property ownership and maintenance.

Plumbing and Sewer Renewal Specialists

9350 SW Tigard St, Portland, OR 97223

Plumbing and Sewer Renewal Specialists is a plumbing and sewer service provider based in Portland, OR. They offer services including sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, trenchless sewer repair, and repiping. The team is experienced in using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology for sewer line repairs, which allows for less invasive fixes. Customers have noted their care in protecting property and efficient project completion.

5.0

523 Reviews

Drain Hound (Owner - Operator)

7202 NE Hwy 99 Ste 106, Vancouver, WA 98665

Drain Hound (Owner - Operator) is a plumbing service based near Portland, OR, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses advanced technology such as high-definition sewer cameras and hydro jetting equipment to diagnose and clear blockages efficiently. Drain Hound specializes in trenchless water main replacement, which reduces landscape disruption and preserves property aesthetics. Owner-operated by Taylor Prouty, the business serves the greater Vancouver, WA area and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services.

5.0

294 Reviews

Perfect Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

1011 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214

Perfect Service Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a plumbing company serving Portland, OR, with over 20 years of experience. They provide a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial clients, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet and garbage disposal repairs. The company offers 24/7 emergency response to address urgent plumbing needs and uses high-tech equipment to diagnose and resolve issues effectively.

5.0

137 Reviews

Henco Plumbing Service

2001 Main St #200, Vancouver, WA 98660

Henco Plumbing Service provides plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical solutions in Portland, OR, and surrounding areas including Vancouver and Salem. They offer a range of services such as sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and trenchless sewer repair. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing issues with capabilities like trenchless pipe repair and sewer video inspection. Henco Plumbing Service has been recognized for its customer service and offers same-day repair and replacement options to address urgent needs.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

2900 SE Cornelius Pass Rd Ste 101, Hillsboro, OR 97123

Mr. Rooter Plumbing provides a wide range of plumbing services in Portland, OR, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, and leak detection. Serving the greater Washington County area, they offer both residential and commercial plumbing solutions with options for trenchless sewer repair to minimize property disruption. The company supports customers with same-day and next-day appointments and maintains a 24/7 emergency service line to address urgent plumbing issues promptly.

4.9

967 Reviews

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Why a Sewer Scope is Crucial in Portland

Portland's unique infrastructure and environmental conditions make a sewer line video inspection particularly important. Many neighborhoods feature older homes, some with original clay pipes installed before 1984, which are more susceptible to cracking and root intrusion ¹. Furthermore, the city's abundant, mature tree canopy means roots are a constant threat to underground pipes seeking moisture and nutrients. A proactive sewer scope can reveal these issues on a monitor in real-time, providing a clear picture of what's happening underground without the need for disruptive excavation.

The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) also has specific requirements that often necessitate a camera inspection. For property sales or to confirm the type of sewer connection, the BES may require a video and map of the lateral line ^{2 3}. Having this documentation ready can streamline permitting processes and ensure compliance with city codes.

Common Problems Discovered During Inspections

When a technician feeds the flexible camera through your line, they are looking for a range of potential defects. The live video feed provides immediate visual evidence of problems that could affect your plumbing system's function and longevity.

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is one of the most frequent issues found in Portland. Roots can enter through small cracks or pipe joints, eventually creating a dense mass that catches debris and causes complete blockages ^{4 5}.
• Pipe Damage: This includes cracks, fractures, corrosion (in older metal pipes), or even fully collapsed sections of pipe. Soil shifting, freezing, and general age can all contribute to this type of deterioration ^{6 7}.
• Blockages and Buildup: Beyond roots, lines can be clogged by solidified grease, foreign objects, or mineral scale buildup that narrows the pipe's diameter and restricts flow.
• Misaligned or Offset Pipes: Sections of pipe can shift and separate due to ground settlement, creating a "lip" that catches waste and leads to recurrent clogs ⁵.
• Improper Connections: The inspection can reveal poorly installed fittings or unauthorized connections that violate code and can cause operational issues.

Primary Reasons to Get Your Line Inspected

Homeowners and buyers typically schedule a sewer diagnostic for one of several key reasons.

During a Home Purchase: This is arguably the most common scenario. A sewer scope is a highly recommended addition to a standard home inspection, especially for older properties or those with large trees in the yard ¹. Discovering a major issue like a collapsed pipe before closing can save a new homeowner tens of thousands in unexpected repair costs.

For Known or Suspected Issues: If you are experiencing chronic slow drains, frequent backups, or gurgling sounds from toilets, a camera inspection can pinpoint the exact cause and location of the problem ³. Unexplained soggy or lush green spots in your yard can also indicate a leaking sewer line below.

Preventative Maintenance: Even without current symptoms, a periodic inspection can identify minor cracks or early root growth. Addressing these small issues early is far more affordable than dealing with a full-blown sewer emergency later ⁸.

City Compliance: As mentioned, the BES may require video verification of your lateral's condition and connection type for certain permits or property transactions ².

Understanding the Inspection Report

A professional sewer camera service provides more than just a quick look. The results are comprehensively documented for your records and for any required city submissions.

During the inspection, you and the technician can watch the real-time footage on a monitor. Afterward, you should receive a digital copy of the full video (often provided via a secure link) and a set of still photos highlighting key findings ^{9 10}. The written report will detail the condition of the pipe, note any defects, and typically provide a simple pass/fail assessment of the line's overall health. For BES requirements, the service may also include a detailed map showing the pipe's location, depth, and connection point ^{2 8}.

What Influences the Cost of an Inspection?

The price for a sewer scope in Portland can vary based on several factors. When bundled with a full home inspection, the additional cost is often in the range of $100 to $200 ^{9 1}. As a standalone service, the investment typically falls between $225 and $500, though complex situations may cost more ^{11 12}.

Key factors affecting price include:

• Length of the Line: Longer laterals require more camera cable and more time to inspect.
• Accessibility: Easy access via a cleanout in the basement or crawlspace is simplest. If a new cleanout needs to be installed or the technician must access the line through a roof vent, the job becomes more labor-intensive.
• Location and Complexity: The specific area of Portland and any unique property challenges can influence the final quote.

The Value of Proactive Sewer Line Assessment

While the upfront cost of a camera inspection is an investment, it pales in comparison to the expense of major sewer repairs, which often involve excavation and can easily reach five figures. For homebuyers, it's a powerful due diligence tool. For current homeowners, it's a form of preventative healthcare for your property. By visually confirming the condition of one of your home's most critical and expensive systems, you gain peace of mind and the ability to plan repairs on your own terms, rather than in a panic during an emergency.

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