Sewer line problems are easy to ignore because they're invisible — until they're not. A periodic camera inspection is one of the most useful things you can do for an older home's plumbing.
Who actually needs to think about this
If your home is newer with PVC sewer lines, root intrusion and pipe deterioration are less of a concern, and inspections matter less. If your home has original clay or cast iron sewer lines, or there's mature landscaping near the line's path, it's a different story — those systems are far more prone to slow, invisible damage.
What a typical inspection schedule looks like
For homes with older or higher-risk sewer lines, an inspection every 18 to 24 months is a reasonable baseline. If you've had root intrusion or backups before, more frequent checks make sense, especially heading into the rainy season when ground shifts and saturated soil put more stress on older pipe.
Do
- Schedule a camera inspection if you've never had one and your home has older plumbing
- Get one before buying a home with mature trees near the sewer line's path
- Have your line checked after any major backup, even once it's cleared
- Mention any recurring slow drains to your plumber — they're often connected to the main line
Don't
- Don't assume no visible problems means no underlying issue
- Don't wait for a backup before getting your first inspection if your home is older
- Don't skip inspecting after a repair — confirm the fix actually held
Quick tip: A camera inspection typically takes under an hour and gives you a clear, recorded look at exactly what's going on underground — no guessing required.