Top Sewer Camera Inspection Companies in Virginia Beach, Virginia Ranked

A sewer camera inspection is a vital diagnostic tool that provides a clear, real-time view inside your underground sewer pipes. For Virginia Beach homeowners, this service is crucial because you are responsible for the maintenance of the private sewer lateral-the pipe running from your home to the public main in the street. A video pipe inspection can reveal hidden problems like cracks, blockages, or root intrusion before they lead to messy and expensive sewage backups. This guide will help you understand when you need this service, what it entails, and how to find qualified local professionals to perform it.

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

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Why Virginia Beach Homeowners Need Sewer Line Inspections

The combination of an older housing stock, expansive tree root systems, and sandy soil in coastal Virginia makes sewer line problems a common concern. Unlike a water leak inside your home, issues with your main sewer drain are buried and out of sight until a major backup occurs. A sewer scope inspection is the only non-invasive way to definitively assess the condition of these critical pipes. It transforms guesswork into a documented, visual assessment, empowering you to make informed decisions about maintenance, repairs, or a property purchase ^{1 2}.

Common Reasons to Schedule a Sewer Video Inspection

Homeowners and buyers typically request a drain camera inspection for several specific reasons:

• Preventive Maintenance: Experts recommend inspecting sewer lines every 1 to 3 years as part of a proactive maintenance plan. This can help you avoid catastrophic sewage backups that often cost thousands of dollars to remediate ^{3 4}.
• Persistent Drainage Problems: If you experience slow drains, gurgling sounds from toilets, or recurring clogs that standard plunging or snaking can't fix, a camera can pinpoint the exact cause deep within the line ^{1 5}.
• Real Estate Transactions: This is one of the most critical times for a sewer scope. For buyers, it reveals the condition of a home's most expensive buried utility. For sellers, it provides proof of a clear line, preventing costly surprises and disputes after the sale, especially in homes built before the 1970s ^{4 2 6}.
• Visible Property Warning Signs: Unexplained wet, sunken, or unusually lush patches in your yard, or foul odors near drain lines, can indicate a leaking or broken sewer pipe underground ^{7 8}.
• Cross-Bore Investigation: This specialized inspection ensures that a natural gas line was not accidentally drilled through your sewer lateral during utility installation-a serious safety hazard. If you suspect a cross-bore, Virginia Natural Gas should be contacted immediately at 1.877.572.3342 ^{7 9}.

What Happens During a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A trained technician from a specialized plumbing or inspection company will perform the sewer video inspection. The process is straightforward and typically takes one to two hours.

1. Access: The technician locates and accesses a cleanout fitting on your sewer lateral. This is usually a white, capped pipe in your yard, crawlspace, or basement. If no cleanout exists, they may need to access the line through a roof vent ^{4 10}.
2. Inspection: A flexible, waterproof cable with a high-resolution camera and LED lights on its tip is fed into the pipe. As it travels, it transmits a live video feed to a monitor above ground.
3. Documentation: The technician narrates what they see, noting the location and condition of the pipe. The equipment digitally logs the distance and direction of every feature and defect.

What the Camera Reveals: Common Defects in Virginia Beach

The video feed provides an undeniable look at the health of your sewer lateral. Common issues discovered during sewer lateral inspections in this area include:

• Tree Root Intrusion: This is a pervasive problem. Small roots seek out moisture and can infiltrate even hairline cracks in pipe joints, eventually growing into major blockages that can break the pipe ^{1 11 12}.
• Pipe Breaks and Cracks: Pipes can crack due to ground shifting, freezing, corrosion (in older cast iron pipes), or simple age. Offsets or completely collapsed sections are severe defects that require immediate repair ^{2 6}.
• Bellies or Sags: Over time, sections of pipe can sink due to soil erosion or improper installation. This creates a low spot where wastewater and solids pool, leading to chronic clogs ^{1 11}.
• Obstructions and Buildup: The camera can identify the nature of a blockage, whether it's solidified grease, non-flushable wipes, debris, or a collapsed section of pipe ¹².
• Pipe Material Assessment: The inspection confirms the pipe material (e.g., clay tile, cast iron, PVC, Orangeburg) and its general state. Knowing you have aging clay or brittle Orangeburg pipe informs your long-term maintenance strategy ^{6 12}.

Understanding Your Inspection Report

A professional sewer camera inspection delivers more than just a quick look. You should receive comprehensive documentation, which is invaluable for planning and obtaining repair estimates.

• Video Recording: You will receive a digital copy of the full video inspection, often with narrated commentary ^{13 14}.
• Written Report: A detailed report should summarize the findings, including the pipe's material, length, diameter, and the location (in feet from the access point) of every defect noted ^{15 8}.
• NASSCO-Certified Reporting: Some advanced firms provide reports certified by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO). These standardized reports classify defects by severity and are widely recognized by municipalities and engineers ^{15 16}.
• Recommendations: The report should outline the recommended next steps, which could range from routine hydro-jetting to remove roots to specific repair methods like trenchless pipe lining or excavation ^{17 14}.

Cost Considerations for Sewer Inspections in Virginia Beach

The investment in a sewer scope is minor compared to the cost of an emergency repair. In Virginia Beach, pricing can vary based on the property's size, access difficulty, and the depth of reporting required.

• Standalone Inspection: A basic, standalone sewer line camera inspection typically costs around $225 ^{18 13}.
• Bundled with a Home Inspection: When added to a standard home inspection package, the cost for the sewer scope can be lower, often around $175 ^{13 19}.
• Comprehensive Investigation: More involved inspections, such as those for commercial properties or requiring detailed NASSCO reporting, will be on the higher end of the average range ¹.
• Important Note: The inspection cost is just the diagnostic fee. If problems are found, repair costs are separate and can range from a few hundred dollars for cleaning to several thousand for spot repairs, and potentially over $10,000 for a full sewer line replacement ^{1 19}.

Frequently asked questions

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