Best Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Texas Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a modern diagnostic tool that allows plumbers to visually inspect the interior of your underground sewer or drain lines. This non-invasive procedure is critical for accurately identifying hidden problems like blockages, root intrusion, or structural damage without guesswork. For Texas homeowners, using this service helps you find the exact cause of plumbing issues, saving time and money on repairs by connecting you with local professionals who can provide a clear assessment and targeted solution.

Augerpros Plumbing and Drain

206 W McDermott Dr #120, Allen, TX 75013

Augerpros Plumbing and Drain is a licensed and insured plumbing company serving Dallas, TX, and the greater North Dallas area. They provide a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, leak detection, gas line installation, toilet repair, and garbage disposal repair. The company uses advanced sewer and video equipment to diagnose and address plumbing issues thoroughly. Recognized nationally as a Best of the Best winner for three consecutive years, Augerpros Plumbing and Drain combines decades of technical training with customer-focused service.

5.0

1.6k Reviews

Chambliss Plumbing Company

1875 E Borgfeld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78260

Chambliss Plumbing Company is a family-owned plumbing business serving San Antonio, TX, and nearby communities since 1991. They offer a wide range of residential plumbing services including water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, leak detection, and sewer camera inspections. The company is a certified Rinnai ACE dealer with plumbers trained in multiple levels of Rinnai tankless water heater expertise. Chambliss Plumbing uses advanced equipment for leak detection and provides hydro jetting to clear clogged drains. With over 30 years of experience, they maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and provide emergency service when needed.

5.0

1.4k Reviews

The Bearded Plumber

san antonio

The Bearded Plumber is a full-service plumbing company based in San Antonio, TX, offering both residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Founded by Jayson Jimenez, who brings a lifetime of industry experience, the company specializes in sewer camera inspections, drain cleaning, sewer line repairs, trenchless sewer repair, leak detection, and repiping services. They use advanced technology such as hydrostatic testing, camera pinpointing, and multifrequency locators to accurately diagnose and repair plumbing issues, including tunneling beneath foundations for precise sewer repairs. The Bearded Plumber is also certified to provide professional backflow plumbing services.

5.0

625 Reviews

O'Bryan Plumbing Services

800 Fulgham Rd Suite 35, Plano, TX 75093

O'Bryan Plumbing Services is a plumbing company serving Dallas, TX, offering a wide range of plumbing solutions including water heater repair and installation, sewer and drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use advanced technology such as sewer camera inspections to accurately diagnose and address plumbing issues. Established in 1982, O'Bryan Plumbing Services brings decades of experience to their work, providing comprehensive plumbing maintenance and repair services to residential customers.

5.0

601 Reviews

Plumbit Plumbing Services

12419 Stillwater Creek, San Antonio, TX 78254

Plumbit Plumbing Services is a plumbing company located in San Antonio, TX. They offer a wide range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, water softener installation, drain cleaning, and leak detection. With over 30 years of experience, Plumbit combines high-quality parts and equipment with skilled workmanship to address various plumbing needs. Their team is composed of qualified experts who focus on delivering reliable solutions for both residential and commercial clients in the San Antonio area.

5.0

493 Reviews

See more providers in Texas

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera inspection, often called a sewer scope or video line inspection, involves a plumber feeding a specialized, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable down your main sewer line. This camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing the technician to see the exact condition of the pipes underground or within your home's foundation ^{1 2}. It's a straightforward process that turns a hidden system into something visible and understandable, providing definitive evidence of what's happening inside your pipes.

The technology is particularly valuable in Texas, where soil conditions, expansive clay, and persistent tree roots can pose significant challenges to underground plumbing. It moves diagnosis from speculation to certainty.

The Inspection Process: Step-by-Step

A professional sewer inspection follows a logical sequence to ensure accurate results:

1. Preparation & Access: The plumber will first locate the best access point to your main sewer line, typically a cleanout pipe in your yard or basement. They may flush the line with water or use hydro jetting to clear any standing debris or minor obstructions that could block the camera's view or path ^{3 4}.
2. Camera Insertion & Navigation: The flexible, push-rod cable with the high-resolution camera head is carefully fed into the cleanout. The technician guides the camera through the entire length of the line to be inspected, watching the live feed on a monitor ^{1 5}.
3. Real-Time Diagnosis: As the camera travels, the plumber looks for signs of trouble. They can identify the type of pipe material (clay, cast iron, PVC), note its condition, and pinpoint issues like cracks, offsets, or intruding roots. A locating device is often used with the camera to mark the exact depth and horizontal location of any problem from above ground ^{2 4}.
4. Reporting & Recommendations: After the inspection, you should receive a detailed report. This usually includes a copy of the recorded video, a written summary of findings, and a map showing where problems are located. Based on this, the plumber can provide clear recommendations for any necessary repairs, such as spot repairs or full pipe lining ^{3 6}.

Common Problems Found in Texas Sewer Lines

Sewer camera inspections in Texas frequently uncover a few specific issues, largely due to the local environment and aging infrastructure:

• Root Intrusion: This is a top culprit. Texas trees have aggressive root systems that seek out moisture and can infiltrate tiny cracks or loose joints in sewer pipes. Once inside, they grow rapidly, causing severe blockages and eventual pipe damage ^{7 8}.
• Pipe Deterioration and Damage: Older homes may have clay tile or cast iron pipes that are susceptible to cracking, corrosion, or collapse. Shifting Texas soil, especially expansive clay, can also cause pipes to settle unevenly (creating a "belly" where waste collects) or to separate at the joints ^{6 9}.
• Clogs and Blockages: While simple clogs are common, a camera can reveal the nature and location of stubborn blockages caused by grease buildup, foreign objects, or mineral scale that standard snaking can't address ³.
• Installation Faults: Poor initial installation can lead to long-term issues. A camera inspection can reveal misaligned pipes, improper connections, or inadequate slopes that hinder proper drainage ⁸.

Benefits of a Video Sewer Inspection

Investing in a sewer scope offers several key advantages over traditional diagnostic methods:

• Accuracy: It eliminates guesswork. You and your plumber will see the problem firsthand, which leads to more accurate diagnoses and prevents unnecessary or incorrect repairs ^{7 10}.
• Cost-Effectiveness: By precisely locating an issue, repairs can be targeted. This often avoids the massive expense and landscape destruction of "blind" exploratory excavation. Knowing the exact problem also allows you to compare repair quotes more effectively ^{11 6}.
• Non-Invasive: The inspection requires only a small access point. There's no digging up your yard, driveway, or flooring until absolutely necessary for a confirmed repair ^{1 5}.
• Preventive Maintenance: For home buyers, a pre-purchase sewer inspection is invaluable. It can reveal latent defects, saving you from unexpected and costly repairs shortly after moving in. For existing homeowners, it's a proactive tool to assess pipe health before a minor issue becomes a major backup ^{2 9}.
• Documentation: The video recording serves as a permanent record of your pipe's condition at a specific point in time, useful for insurance claims, real estate disclosures, or tracking changes over future inspections ^{3 4}.

Understanding the Cost of Sewer Camera Inspection in Texas

The cost for a residential sewer camera inspection in Texas typically ranges from $100 to $800, with most standard inspections averaging between $250 and $500 ^{3 11 12}. Several factors influence the final price:

• Length of Line: Inspecting a longer sewer line that runs to the street curb requires more time and camera cable.
• Location and Access: Easy access to a cleanout simplifies the job. If a cleanout needs to be installed or access is difficult, the cost may increase.
• Scope of Inspection: A basic check for a clog location will cost less than a full, detailed inspection from the house to the municipal main, including a comprehensive report.
• Additional Services: If hydro jetting is needed to clear the line before the camera can pass, this will be an additional service charge.

While there is an upfront cost, the value lies in the money it saves by enabling precise, less invasive repairs. It's an investment in informed decision-making for your property ^{1 10}.

When Should You Get a Sewer Inspection?

Consider scheduling a sewer line video inspection in the following situations:

• Before Buying a Home: This is one of the smartest times. A sewer scope can uncover hidden defects not covered in a standard home inspection, potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars ^{2 5}.
• Recurring Drain Problems: If you have frequent slow drains or backups, especially in multiple fixtures, a camera can find the root cause deep in the main line.
• After Major Landscaping: If you've had large trees planted or removed near your sewer line, an inspection can check for root damage or disturbances.
• Preventive Maintenance for Older Homes: If your home is over 20-30 years old, a baseline inspection can assess the condition of older clay or cast iron pipes.
• Planning Renovations: Before finishing a basement or adding a bathroom, it's wise to verify the capacity and condition of your existing sewer line.
• After a Severe Clog: Once a major clog is cleared, an inspection can determine if there is underlying pipe damage that caused it.

Choosing a Service Provider in Texas

When looking for a professional to perform a sewer camera inspection, ensure they use modern, high-resolution camera equipment and provide a detailed report with video evidence. A reputable provider will clearly explain the process, answer your questions, and base any repair recommendations solely on the visual evidence gathered. Their expertise in interpreting the video feed for common Texas-specific issues like root intrusion and soil shift damage is crucial.

Frequently asked questions

Sources