Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Norfolk, Virginia Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera to visually assess the condition of your underground sewer lines. This service is critical for Norfolk homeowners because it reveals hidden problems like root intrusion, cracks, or blockages before they escalate into costly, disruptive emergencies. By understanding the state of your private sewer lateral-the pipe connecting your home to the city main-you can make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs. This guide will help you understand the process, its importance, and how to find qualified local professionals to perform this essential diagnostic service.

Sean Fixes Johns Plumbing

417 Hobart Ave, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

Sean Fixes Johns Plumbing is a locally owned plumbing company serving Virginia Beach, VA, as well as Norfolk and Chesapeake. The business offers a range of plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater installation, sewer line repair, leak detection, and gas line installation. They use modern camera and detection equipment to diagnose and repair sewer line issues efficiently. With over 30 years of experience, Master Plumber Sean Yelton leads the team in providing plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial customers. The company also offers 24-hour emergency plumbing services to address urgent needs.

5.0

616 Reviews

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters

545 S Birdneck Rd Suite 202-E, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

A1 Sewer & Drain Plumbing & Water Heaters provides a wide range of plumbing, sewer, and gas line services in Virginia Beach, VA. Their offerings include sewer camera inspections, water heater installation and repair, drain cleaning, leak detection, repiping, and gas line installation. The company uses advanced diagnostic tools to accurately identify issues and delivers customized solutions for homes and businesses. With nearly four decades of experience since 1987, A1 Sewer & Drain is equipped to handle complex plumbing challenges and offers 24/7 emergency services to the local community.

5.0

147 Reviews

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup

2428 Almeda Ave Ste 144, Norfolk, VA 23513

Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup provides a wide range of plumbing services in Virginia Beach, VA, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repairs and installations, drain cleaning, and sewer line repairs. They use advanced equipment such as hydro jetting and video camera inspections to diagnose and resolve plumbing issues efficiently. The company offers 24/7 emergency plumbing services to address urgent problems at any time. Their expertise also extends to water softener installation and water filtration systems to improve water quality. Roto-Rooter serves Norfolk and nearby areas with licensed and insured professionals.

4.9

2.2k Reviews

Barry and Sons Plumbing

941 W Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23505

Barry and Sons Plumbing provides a range of plumbing services in Virginia Beach, VA, including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, drain cleaning, sewer line repair, and leak detection. They serve both residential and commercial properties, using advanced equipment to diagnose and fix plumbing issues such as clogged drains and damaged sewer lines. Their technicians are experienced in handling commercial plumbing needs for various businesses and can often work around client schedules to minimize disruption.

4.9

430 Reviews

Hampton Roads Home and Commercial Services

5312 Virginia Beach Blvd ste b, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Hampton Roads Home and Commercial Services is a plumbing and home improvement provider based in Virginia Beach, VA. They offer 24-hour plumbing services including sewer camera inspections, water heater repair and installation, and leak detection. Their sewer video inspection uses a small camera to identify damage or obstructions in sewer lines. Serving the broader Hampton Roads area, the company has over ten years of experience addressing plumbing, electrical, roofing, siding, and general home improvement needs. They also assist customers with energy-efficient upgrades eligible for rebates and tax breaks.

4.9

334 Reviews

See more providers in Norfolk, VA

Why Sewer Line Inspections Are Essential in Norfolk

In Norfolk, the responsibility for the sewer lateral from your home to the property line (and often to the city main) falls squarely on the homeowner¹. This means any damage, blockage, or failure within that pipe is your financial responsibility to repair. Hidden from view, these pipes can deteriorate for years without obvious signs until a major backup or collapse occurs. A video pipe inspection is the only way to see inside these lines without excavation, providing a clear picture of their health. For older Norfolk neighborhoods with original clay or cast iron pipes, this service is particularly vital, as these materials are prone to root intrusion and corrosion over time².

The cost of being proactive is minimal compared to the expense of emergency repairs. Unaddressed sewer line issues can lead to catastrophic failures, with repair bills often exceeding $10,000 for major excavation and replacement^{1 3}. An inspection provides the evidence needed to plan and budget for necessary work, potentially saving you from a financial and logistical nightmare.

Common Reasons to Schedule a Sewer Scope Inspection

Homeowners typically call for a sewer video inspection for several key reasons:

• Recurring Drain Problems: If you experience frequent clogs, slow drains throughout the house, or gurgling sounds from toilets, the issue likely lies deep within the main sewer line, not just a single fixture^{4 2}.
• Home Purchase or Sale: A sewer scope inspection is a crucial due-diligence step during a real estate transaction. It can reveal defects that aren't apparent during a standard home inspection, protecting buyers from unexpected repair costs and giving sellers a clear understanding of their property's condition^{5 6}.
• Unexplained Property Issues: Foul odors near floor drains or in your yard, as well as unexplained soggy patches or sinkholes in the lawn, can indicate a leaking sewer line^{7 2}.
• Proactive Maintenance: Even without symptoms, experts recommend a sewer line camera inspection every 3-5 years as part of a responsible home maintenance plan. This is the best way to catch small issues like hairline cracks or early root growth before they become major problems^{2 6}.

What a Sewer Camera Inspection Reveals

During the inspection, a technician feeds a flexible, articulated cable with a high-resolution camera lens into your cleanout or through a roof vent. The live feed is displayed on a monitor, allowing for a real-time tour of your pipes. Here's what the technician is looking for:

• Root Intrusion: Tree and shrub roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients in sewer pipes. They can infiltrate pipe joints, creating dense blockages and eventually cracking or collapsing the pipe^{7 8}.
• Structural Damage: This includes cracks, fractures, complete breaks, or collapsed sections of pipe. Older clay tile pipes are brittle and susceptible to ground movement, while cast iron can corrode and weaken over decades⁷.
• Blockages and Buildup: The camera can identify the cause and location of stubborn clogs, whether from grease accumulation, non-flushable items like wipes, or mineral scale buildup^{7 8}.
• Pipe Misalignment and Bellies: Sections of pipe can settle or shift over time, creating offset joints where they separate or "bellies" (low points) where waste and debris collect, causing chronic blockages^{7 8}.

The Inspection Process and Reporting

A professional sewer camera inspection is a systematic process designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of your sewer line's condition.

1. Access and Camera Insertion: The technician will locate and access your main sewer cleanout. If one isn't present, they may access the line through a toilet flange or roof vent. The camera head is then inserted and begins its journey through the pipe.
2. Live Video Review: As the camera travels, the technician narrates what they see on the monitor. You are encouraged to watch and ask questions during this live review, gaining immediate insight into any issues^{9 7 10}.
3. Locating and Mapping: When a problem is identified, the technician uses a radio transmitter on the camera head and a handheld locator above ground. This allows them to pinpoint the exact location, depth, and distance of the defect, marking it on your lawn with spray paint or flags. This precise locating minimizes guesswork and unnecessary digging for any future repairs^{11 12}.
4. Detailed Reporting: After the inspection, you should receive a comprehensive digital report. This typically includes a summary of findings, still images of key defects, and often a video recording of the entire inspection. The report will classify issues by severity and provide a professional diagnosis with recommended next steps, such as hydro-jetting, spot repair, or full line replacement^{9 7 11}.

Understanding Costs and Potential Assistance

The cost of a standard professional sewer camera inspection in the Norfolk area typically ranges from a few hundred dollars, though it can be higher for more complex situations or longer lines^{11 13}. It's important to view this not as an expense but as a valuable investment in information that can prevent vastly larger costs.

While specific city-subsidized programs in Norfolk may vary, some municipalities offer incentives for inspections to help prevent stormwater from infiltrating the sewer system, which can overload treatment plants¹⁴. It's always worth checking with the City of Norfolk Wastewater Department for any current rebate or assistance programs¹⁵. Remember, the potential cost of not inspecting can be staggering, with emergency repairs for a failed lateral often costing $7,500 or more¹³.

Choosing a Service Provider in Norfolk

When seeking a sewer scope inspection, look for licensed, insured plumbing companies with specific experience in video pipe inspections. They should use modern, high-resolution camera equipment and provide full diagnostic reports with video evidence. Many reputable local plumbing and drain cleaning companies offer this specialized service^{9 16}. Be sure to ask what is included in their inspection fee and how they report and locate any problems they find.

Frequently asked questions

Sources