Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Austin, Texas Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a diagnostic procedure that uses a waterproof, high-resolution camera to visually inspect the interior of your home's main sewer line or private lateral. This technology is critical for accurately identifying hidden problems like root intrusion, cracks, and blockages without the need for disruptive excavation. For Austin homeowners, understanding the condition of these underground pipes is essential for preventing costly backups, ensuring a smooth home sale, and maintaining a healthy plumbing system. This guide will help you recognize when you need this service and what to expect from local professionals.

Plumb & Order

austin

Plumb & Order is a plumbing service provider based in Austin, TX, offering a range of residential and commercial plumbing solutions. Their services include sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, and toilet repairs. The company emphasizes expert workmanship and transparent pricing, with licensed plumbers equipped to handle various plumbing needs. Plumb & Order has installed over 1,300 water heaters and fixed more than 2,000 faucets, reflecting their experience in the field. They also provide 24/7 emergency plumbing services for urgent situations.

5.0

291 Reviews

ROD Plumbing Inc

1 Chisholm Trail Rd Suite 450 - #4350, Round Rock, TX 78681

ROD Plumbing Inc is a locally owned plumbing company serving Austin, TX, and nearby areas including Round Rock. They offer residential and commercial plumbing services such as new installations, repairs, maintenance, and sewer camera inspections. The company provides comprehensive plumbing solutions with licensed and insured professionals skilled in camera inspections and backflow prevention. ROD Plumbing values quality workmanship and customer satisfaction in every project.

5.0

251 Reviews

Austin's Greatest Plumbing

2210 Melissa Oaks Ln, Austin, TX 78744

Austin's Greatest Plumbing offers a wide range of plumbing services in Austin, TX, including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use advanced technology such as video camera inspections to accurately diagnose plumbing issues and provide solutions like whole house repiping and slab leak repair. The company provides 24/7 emergency plumbing services to handle urgent problems like burst pipes and significant leaks, ensuring timely assistance whenever needed.

5.0

227 Reviews

Plumbing Outfitters

24 Co Rd 496, Taylor, TX 76574

Plumbing Outfitters is a licensed plumbing company serving Austin, TX, and the surrounding Central Texas area. Led by Master Plumber Warren Stroud and co-owner Ashley Stroud, the team offers a wide range of services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and sump pump repair. They use advanced diagnostic tools such as cameras and pressure gauges to provide code-compliant plumbing solutions with materials like copper and PVC. With decades of combined experience, Plumbing Outfitters focuses on clear diagnostics and honest repairs to address plumbing challenges in both older and remodeled homes. They also provide 24-hour emergency plumbing services for urgent issues like slab leaks and burst pipes.

4.9

1.4k Reviews

Rooter-Man Plumbing Austin TX

15503 Patrica St, Austin, TX 78728

Rooter-Man Plumbing Austin TX provides a wide range of plumbing services in Austin, TX, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer line repair, gas line installation, and toilet repair. With over 50 years of experience and a presence across the US and Canada since 1997, Rooter-Man offers expert solutions such as high-pressure water jetting to clear main drain lines and video inspections to locate pipe issues efficiently. The company also offers emergency services on weekends and holidays to address urgent plumbing needs.

4.9

1.2k Reviews

See more providers in Austin, TX

What is a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Often called a sewer scope or video pipe inspection, this process involves a plumber feeding a flexible, snake-like cable with a camera head into your main sewer cleanout. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing the technician to see the exact condition of the pipe in real-time ^{1 2}. This non-invasive method provides a clear, detailed view of issues that are otherwise impossible to detect, turning guesswork into a precise diagnosis. It's the most reliable way to assess the health of your underground drainage system.

Key Reasons for a Sewer Line Inspection in Austin

Several common scenarios make a video inspection a smart investment for Austin residents.

Persistent Plumbing Problems: If you're experiencing slow drains throughout the house, recurring clogs that standard methods can't fix, sewage backups, or unexplained foul odors, a hidden issue in your main line is likely the culprit ^{1 3}. A camera inspection can pinpoint the exact cause and location.

Buying or Selling a Home: This is one of the most critical times for a sewer scope. As a buyer, it protects you from purchasing a home with a severely damaged and expensive-to-repair sewer line. For sellers, a clean inspection report can be a powerful selling point and prevent last-minute negotiations or deal cancellations ^{1 4}.

Pre-Remodeling Due Diligence: Before starting a major renovation, especially one involving kitchens or bathrooms, it's wise to verify the integrity of your sewer pipes. Discovering a problem after walls and floors are opened up can lead to massive additional costs and delays.

Austin Water Investigation: If Austin Water has notified you of a potential problem, such as a sewer overflow traced to your property line, or if you need to identify sources of external water entering the city's system, a certified inspection is often the required first step ^{4 3}.

Common Problems Found During Sewer Camera Inspections

The high-definition video reveals a range of defects within your pipes. Common findings in the Austin area include:

• Pipe Damage: This includes cracks, fractures, complete breaks, corrosion in older metal pipes, and misaligned joints where sections have shifted apart ^{1 5 6}.
• Obstructions and Blockages: The camera can identify the nature of a clog, whether it's solidified grease, accumulated debris, a foreign object, or a collapsed section of pipe ^{5 6}.
• Pipe Sags or Bellies: Over time, soil settling can create a low spot or "belly" in the pipe where wastewater and solids collect instead of flowing freely. This leads to chronic slow drains and blockages ^{1 2}.
• Root Intrusion: This is a frequent issue in Austin. Small cracks or loose joints in pipes are an invitation for tree and shrub roots seeking moisture. Roots can grow into the pipe, causing severe blockages and eventually breaking the pipe apart ^{2 5 7}.

What to Expect During the Inspection Process

A professional sewer line video inspection typically follows a clear, structured process.

1. Access and Setup: The plumber will locate and access your main sewer cleanout. If no cleanout is present, they may use a toilet or roof vent. The camera rod is then carefully fed into the line.
2. Live Video Investigation: As the camera travels through the pipe, the technician watches the live feed on a monitor, controlling its movement and direction. They will pause and document any defects, noting the exact distance from the access point ^{1 2 8}.
3. Detailed Reporting and Recommendations: After the inspection, you should receive a comprehensive report. This often includes a video recording of the inspection, a written summary of findings with photos of defects, and a map showing their locations. Most importantly, the plumber will explain the issues and recommend appropriate repair or cleaning solutions, such as hydro-jetting, trenchless pipe lining, or traditional excavation and replacement ^{1 5 8}.

Understanding Costs and Austin Water Programs

The cost for a sewer camera inspection in Austin can vary based on the length of the line, ease of access, and the complexity of the diagnosis. General pricing often falls in the range of $270 to $1,700 or more ^{4 9 10}. It's important to get detailed quotes from local providers.

A unique resource for Austin homeowners is the Austin Water Private Lateral Program. A private lateral (P-Lat) is the section of sewer pipe that connects your home's plumbing to the city's main sewer line in the street. Austin Water manages this program to address defective private laterals that are contributing to sewer overflows, which are both a public health and environmental concern ⁴.

Key points about the program:

• Homeowner Responsibility: Generally, the homeowner is responsible for maintaining and repairing the private lateral. Costs for inspections and repairs are typically borne by the homeowner ^{4 10}.
• Program Involvement: Austin Water may become involved in cases where a defective private lateral is identified as a source of recurring overflows. The program aims to collaborate with property owners to find solutions, which may include financial assistance or coordination for repairs ⁴.
• Proactive Benefit: Having a camera inspection done by a qualified professional can provide the documentation needed if you need to engage with Austin Water's program regarding a known issue.

Choosing a Service Provider in Austin

When selecting a company for a sewer scope inspection, look for licensed, insured plumbers who specialize in drain and sewer diagnostics. Ask if they use high-resolution, locator-equipped cameras that can determine the depth and horizontal position of defects. Inquire about what their inspection report includes-a simple verbal summary is less valuable than a recorded video and written documentation. A reputable provider will take the time to walk you through their findings and explain all your repair options clearly.

Frequently asked questions

Sources