Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Memphis, Tennessee Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a critical diagnostic tool for homeowners and property managers in Memphis. This non-invasive procedure uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera to visually inspect the condition of your private sewer lateral-the pipe that carries waste from your home to the city's main sewer line. Understanding what's happening underground can prevent catastrophic backups, identify expensive hidden problems before a real estate purchase, and guide efficient, targeted repairs. This resource helps you understand the process, its importance, and how to connect with local professionals who can provide this essential service.

Crowe Services/Heating & Air

6391 Ferrell Dr, Memphis, TN 38134

Crowe Services/Heating & Air in Memphis, TN provides comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services for residential and commercial customers. Their offerings include air conditioning and furnace repair, maintenance, and installation, as well as plumbing services such as leak detection, toilet repair, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, and sewer camera inspections. The company is equipped to handle complex plumbing issues with capabilities like high-pressure hydro jetting and sewer line camera inspections. Crowe Services/Heating & Air has a strong reputation supported by licensed technicians and extensive experience, serving the Memphis area with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Emergency service availability is also offered to address urgent needs.

5.0

484 Reviews

Memphis Sewer and Water, LLC

6770 Whitten Pl, Memphis, TN 38133

Memphis Sewer and Water, LLC is a family-owned plumbing company serving Memphis, TN, specializing in sewer and water line inspection, repair, and replacement. They use advanced camera inspection technology to accurately diagnose issues such as leaks, blockages, and pipe damage. With over 10 years of experience, the team provides commercial and residential services, focusing on minimizing property disruption during repairs and replacements. Their approach includes thorough consultations, detailed assessments, and transparent communication to help customers make informed decisions.

5.0

111 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

108 Miller Ave, Jackson, TN 38305

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup is a family-owned and locally operated plumbing service based in Memphis, TN. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, and sewer line repairs. As part of a nationally recognized brand with over 90 years of experience, they offer same-day and 24/7 emergency services to address plumbing needs in Memphis and surrounding areas. Their licensed professionals use advanced diagnostic tools such as video camera inspections to ensure accurate and efficient solutions.

4.9

568 Reviews

Avanzi Plumbing

memphis

Avanzi Plumbing is a plumbing service provider located in Memphis, TN. They offer a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, repiping, gas line installation, toilet repairs, and garbage disposal repair. The company is known for handling emergency repairs and providing thorough leak detection and pipe installation services. Avanzi Plumbing is a family-owned business led by Daniel Avanzi, who brings extensive experience and a hands-on approach to each project. They also provide after-hours and weekend service to accommodate urgent plumbing needs.

5.0

62 Reviews

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis

9400 Macon Rd, Cordova, TN 38016

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis offers a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services in Memphis, TN. Their licensed and certified plumbers handle drain cleaning, sewer line repair, water heater installation and repair, leak detection, repiping, and toilet repair. They provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent issues at any time. The company emphasizes upfront flat-rate pricing and guarantees their workmanship and parts for customer peace of mind. Serving Memphis and surrounding communities, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is known for its comprehensive plumbing solutions and customer-focused approach.

4.8

1.5k Reviews

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What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Often called a sewer scope or video pipe inspection, this service involves a technician feeding a flexible, cable-mounted camera into your sewer line, typically through an existing cleanout. ¹ The camera transmits real-time video footage to a monitor, allowing the operator to see the exact interior condition of the pipes. This technology moves beyond guesswork, providing a clear visual record of blockages, structural integrity, and other hidden issues that surface-level symptoms can't reveal. ²

For Memphis residents, this is particularly valuable because the property owner is responsible for the entire sewer lateral, from the house to the connection point at the city or county main line in the street. ³ A video inspection is your best tool for proactively managing that responsibility.

Common Reasons to Schedule an Inspection in Memphis

Several warning signs and common scenarios indicate it's time for a sewer line camera survey.

• Recurring Drain Problems: Persistent slow drains, frequent clogs, gurgling sounds from toilets, or foul sewage odors in your home or yard are classic red flags. ^{2 4}
• Pre-Purchase Home Inspection: Real estate agents and savvy buyers increasingly request a sewer scope as part of a home inspection. It can uncover hidden, costly defects like broken pipes or root intrusion that aren't visible during a standard walkthrough. ^{5 6}
• Aging Infrastructure: Many older Memphis homes have sewer lines made of clay tile or cast iron, materials prone to cracking, collapsing, and corrosion over time. ^{2 7} A preventative inspection can assess their condition.
• Tree Root Intrusion: Memphis's mature trees have extensive root systems that seek out water and nutrients, often finding their way into tiny cracks in sewer pipes, causing blockages and damage. ^{2 8}
• Unexplained Property Issues: Soggy, sunken, or unusually lush patches in your yard, especially when not near a downspout, can signal an underground sewer leak. ⁹
• Verification of Repairs: After a repair like hydro-jetting or pipe lining, a follow-up camera inspection confirms the work was successful and the line is clear. ²

What the Camera Reveals: Interpreting the Video

The value of a video pipe inspection lies in the detailed diagnosis it provides. As the camera travels through the line, technicians look for specific defects: ^{2 1}

• Structural Damage: This includes cracks, fractures, complete collapses, and holes in the pipe wall.
• Joint Misalignment: Sections of pipe can become offset or disconnected at the joints, creating a ledge that catches waste.
• Sags or Bellies: Low spots in the pipe line, often caused by shifting soil, where water and debris collect instead of flowing freely. ^{10 11}
• Root Intrusion: White, hairlike roots or thick, trunk-like roots visibly growing inside the pipe. ^{5 12}
• Obstructions: Buildups of grease, mineral scale, or foreign objects that restrict flow.

The Inspection Report: Your Actionable Roadmap

A professional inspection doesn't end with the video. You should receive a comprehensive digital report that includes: ^{2 13 14}

• Video & Photo Evidence: The full recording and timestamped still images of key defects.
• Detailed Findings: A written summary identifying each problem, its severity, and its approximate location.
• Surface Mapping: Using a locating device, technicians can mark the exact spot of a failure on the ground above, drastically reducing guesswork and unnecessary excavation for any subsequent repairs. ^{15 16}
• Repair Recommendations: The report typically outlines the next steps, which could range from routine cleaning to more advanced trenchless repair methods like pipe lining or traditional excavation and replacement.

Understanding Costs for Sewer Inspections in Memphis

Pricing can vary based on the company, the length and accessibility of your sewer lateral, and whether other services are bundled. Based on local service data:

• Inspection Only: A standard sewer camera inspection in Memphis typically ranges from $250 to over $500. ^{13 17 18}
• Combined Services: It's common for inspections to be paired with a high-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting) cleaning service, which will increase the total cost but can be a highly effective two-step solution. ^{5 7}
• Repair Costs: The inspection itself is a diagnostic tool. If significant damage is found, repair costs (for methods like pipe lining or excavation) can run into the thousands of dollars. ¹⁷ The inspection fee is a small investment that can prevent wasted money on incorrect repairs or reveal issues before they lead to emergency-and more expensive-situations.

Trenchless Repair Options After an Inspection

If your sewer scope uncovers problems, you have modern solutions beyond full excavation. Trenchless technologies are often recommended following a camera inspection because the exact problem location is known.

• Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe): A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and inflated. It hardens in place, creating a new, seamless pipe within the old one, sealing cracks and stopping root intrusion. This method minimizes landscape disruption.
• Pipe Bursting: For severely damaged lines, a bursting head is pulled through the old pipe, breaking it apart while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place behind it.

These methods are often more efficient and less invasive than traditional dig-and-replace operations, and a detailed camera report is the first step in planning for them.

Choosing a Service Provider in Memphis

When looking for a sewer inspection service, consider providers who:

• Use modern, high-resolution camera equipment.
• Provide detailed, easy-to-understand reports with video access.
• Employ trained technicians who can accurately interpret the footage. ¹⁸
• Offer surface locating to mark defect locations.
• Are licensed and insured to work in Shelby County.

Frequently asked questions

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