Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic procedure that uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera mounted on a flexible rod to visually inspect the interior of your underground sewer or drain lines. This non-invasive technique is crucial for accurately identifying hidden problems like blockages, cracks, or root intrusions without the need for disruptive digging. For Philadelphia homeowners and buyers, this service provides essential clarity on the condition of a property's most critical-and often neglected-utility, enabling informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, and investments.

Scarpignato Plumbing & Heating, LLC

507 Hastings Ave, Wallingford, PA 19086

Scarpignato Plumbing & Heating, LLC is a family-owned plumbing and heating company serving Philadelphia, PA, and nearby Delaware County communities since 2000. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and general plumbing maintenance. The company uses advanced equipment such as video camera inspection tools and trenchless pipe repair technology to handle complex plumbing issues efficiently. Owner Michael Scarpignato is a licensed master plumber with over 25 years of experience, ensuring expert service and multiple repair options tailored to customer needs. Emergency plumbing services are also available for urgent situations.

5.0

212 Reviews

P&A Plumbing & Drain Cleaning

520 Bloomfield Ave, Drexel Hill, PA 19026

P&A Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is a family-owned plumbing company serving Philadelphia, PA, and surrounding counties including Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester. With over 20 years of experience, their licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of services for residential and commercial clients. They specialize in water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, gas line installation, and leak detection. The company uses advanced techniques such as hydro jetting for clearing drains and offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues promptly.

5.0

202 Reviews

A&S Drain Cleaning

165 Crabtree Dr, Levittown, PA 19055

A&S Drain Cleaning is a drainage service expert based near Philadelphia, PA, with over 30 years of experience. They specialize in drain cleaning, camera scoping, toilet and fixture replacement, and garbage disposal installation and repair. Their camera inspection technology helps diagnose plumbing issues precisely, minimizing invasive repairs. As a third-generation plumbing business, A&S Drain Cleaning focuses on maintaining pipe functionality without unnecessary excavation or replacements.

5.0

196 Reviews

Daniel's plumbing drain cleaning and sewer repair of philadelphia

655 Second Street Pike, Southampton, PA 18966

Daniel's Plumbing Drain Cleaning and Sewer Repair of Philadelphia offers residential and commercial plumbing services in Philadelphia, PA. Their services include drain cleaning, water heater repair and installation, sewer line repair, and video sewer pipe inspections. The company is led by a Master Plumber certified by the City of Philadelphia and provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services. They emphasize professional, clean work with fully equipped trucks and a satisfaction guarantee.

5.0

194 Reviews

Air Temp Solutions - AC Repair, Heating Repair, Water Heater Repair & Plumbing Devon PA

philadelphia

Air Temp Solutions - AC Repair, Heating Repair, Water Heater Repair & Plumbing Devon PA provides a wide range of plumbing and HVAC services in Philadelphia, PA. Their offerings include water heater installation and repair, tankless water heater services, water softener installation, sump pump repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair including trenchless methods, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, and toilet repair. They also specialize in advanced sewer services such as video inspections and rooter services to diagnose and clear blockages efficiently. The company serves Philadelphia and nearby areas with comprehensive solutions for both routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Air Temp Solutions combines plumbing expertise with heating and cooling services, handling everything from furnace and boiler repairs to geothermal and mini-split system installations. Their team uses modern technology for leak detection and sewer inspections, and they offer trenchless sewer repairs that minimize property disruption. While the business history is not specified, their service range and technical capabilities reflect a broad skill set in residential plumbing and HVAC systems.

5.0

177 Reviews

See more providers in Philadelphia, PA

Why Philadelphia Homes Need Sewer Line Inspections

Philadelphia's rich history is reflected in its diverse housing stock, from charming row homes to grand Victorian structures. Unfortunately, this also means many properties are serviced by aging underground infrastructure. Original sewer laterals-the pipe that runs from your home to the city main-were often made from materials like clay tile or cast iron, which are susceptible to cracking, corrosion, and root intrusion over decades. ^{1 2} Proactive or diagnostic sewer scoping is the most reliable way to assess the health of these hidden systems before a minor issue becomes a major, costly emergency.

Common triggers for scheduling a video pipe inspection in Philadelphia include:

• Before a Home Purchase: This is arguably the most critical time for a sewer scope. An inspection can reveal defects that are not disclosed and are not visible during a standard home inspection, potentially saving you thousands in unexpected repair costs after closing. ^{1 2}
• Recurring Drain Backups or Slow Drains: If multiple drains in your home are consistently slow, gurgling, or backing up despite attempts to clear them, there is likely a persistent obstruction or damage deep within the line. ³
• Unexplained Sewer Odors: Foul smells emanating from drains or in your yard can indicate a crack or break in the sewer lateral, allowing gases to escape. ⁴
• Signs of Foundation or Yard Issues: Sinkholes, unusually soggy patches of lawn, or unexplained foundation settling can sometimes be traced to a leaking sewer line saturating the soil. ⁴
• General Maintenance for Older Homes: If your home is over 40 years old and the sewer line has never been inspected, a camera survey provides a baseline understanding of its condition. ^{2 4}

What a Sewer Inspection Camera Reveals

The high-definition video feed from the inspection camera provides a real-time, firsthand look at the interior of your pipes. A trained technician navigates the camera from an indoor cleanout or through a roof vent, documenting the entire lateral. Here's what they are looking for:

• Pipe Condition & Defects: The camera can identify the pipe material (PVC, clay, cast iron) and pinpoint specific problems like cracks, fractures, holes, severe corrosion, misaligned joints, or completely collapsed sections. ^{5 6}
• Obstructions and Blockages: It visually confirms the nature and location of clogs, whether they are caused by intruding tree roots, hardened grease (FOG), mineral scale buildup, or accumulated debris. ^{7 5}
• Root Intrusion: A very common issue in Philadelphia, roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate even small cracks in pipe joints, eventually creating a dense, tangled mass that catches waste and causes backups. ¹
• Pipe Location and Depth: The inspection equipment often includes a locator that tracks the camera's head, mapping the exact path and depth of your sewer lateral across your property. This is invaluable information for any future excavation or repair work. ^{8 9}

The Inspection Process and Deliverables

A professional sewer camera inspection is a straightforward process. A technician will locate your home's main cleanout access point. If one isn't available, they may access the line through a toilet drain or roof vent. They then feed the flexible, push-rod camera into the line, watching the live video feed on a monitor. The camera is pushed all the way to the connection with the city's main sewer line in the street.

Upon completion, you receive two key deliverables:

1. Video Footage: You will be provided with a digital recording of the entire inspection, often on a USB drive, DVD, or via a secure cloud link. This allows you to see exactly what the technician saw. ^{7 10}
2. Detailed Written Report: A comprehensive report will summarize the findings, including the pipe material, dimensions, overall condition, and the precise location (measured in feet from the access point) of any defects or blockages noted. This report is essential for obtaining accurate repair quotes. ^{7 10}

Understanding Costs in Philadelphia

The cost for a sewer line camera inspection in Philadelphia can vary based on the length of the line being inspected, ease of access, and the service provider. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a standard residential inspection. ¹¹ It's important to note that some reputable companies may offer to deduct the inspection fee from the total cost if you proceed with them to perform the necessary repair work. ^{1 2} While price is a factor, the value lies in the expertise of the technician interpreting the video and the accuracy of the report, which will guide your next steps.

From Inspection to Action: Your Next Steps

The findings from your video pipe inspection will fall into one of three categories:

• Clear/Preventative Maintenance: If the line is clear, you have valuable peace of mind and a baseline video for future comparisons. The technician may recommend routine maintenance like hydro-jetting to keep it clear.
• Minor Issue Requiring Repair: For isolated problems like a small crack, root intrusion, or offset joint, trenchless repair methods like pipe lining (CIPP) or spot repairs may be a viable and less invasive solution.
• Major Issue Requiring Replacement: In cases of a fully collapsed pipe, severe bellies (sags that trap waste), or extensive corrosion, a full sewer line replacement may be necessary. The mapping from your inspection will minimize excavation by pinpointing the problem area.

Frequently asked questions

Sources