A sewer inspection costs $999 on average but can range from $271 to $1,730, based on actual project costs from licensed inspectors.
That price can vary depending on your location, the type of inspection needed, and the complexity of your sewer system. For example, pipe length, line condition, and accessibility can all affect the cost of your inspection.
Below, we’ll cover how much sewer inspections cost, what to expect during an inspection, when you need one, and how to find a qualified inspector.
What is a sewer inspection?
A sewer inspection is a professional assessment of the pipes that carry wastewater from your home to either a sewer line or a septic tank. The inspection assesses the condition of the pipes, identifies damage or blockages, and notes issues that could lead to defects in the future.
The inspector will examine your home’s main sewer line for things like:
- Cracks
- Root intrusions
- Sagging pipes
- Signs of corrosion/collapse
- Buildup
- Misaligned joints
A sewer inspection is necessary since problems can develop unseen before they become noticeable. For example, issues like backed-up drains, leaks caused by corrosion, and sewage smells can often be avoided through regular inspections.
The main types of sewer inspections include:
- Video/camera inspection: This uses a waterproof camera on a cable to check pipe interiors in real time.
- Hydrostatic pressure test: This is used to test for leaks in your pipes.
- Smoke test: Smoke is released into the pipes to identify leaks and openings.
- Dye test: This test uses colored dye to trace water flow and confirm that connections are set properly.
A sewer inspection isn’t a required element of a standard home inspection, although many inspectors offer it, often for an additional fee.[1] Otherwise, a sewer inspection is typically performed by a licensed plumber.[2]
How much do sewer inspections cost?
A sewer inspection costs around $999 on average. However, several factors can affect that cost, including location.
Factors impacting sewer inspection costs
Your sewer inspection costs can be affected by a number of variables, including:
- Type of inspection: A standard camera inspection will typically cost the least amount. But more specialized tests, like hydrostatic or smoke testing, can push costs higher.
- Size/condition: Larger sewer systems require more time to inspect, which will push up your labor costs. Likewise, pipes that are severely corroded or blocked will be more expensive to inspect.
- Accessibility: If the cleanout (the sewer line’s access point) is buried or obstructed, your inspection costs will increase. In older homes, an accessible cleanout may not even exist, requiring the installation of one.
- Specific tests: If further tests are needed, such as to measure the pipe diameter or confirm the material, your costs will likely increase.
Other factors that can increase costs:
- Locating services to mark where the pipe runs underground.
- Rush fees if you need the inspection done quickly.
- Copies of video recordings are usually included, but you should confirm upfront.
Also, the presence of multiple factors can add complexity to an inspection, which will also increase costs. For example, the presence of trees combined with certain pipe materials is important.
As Casey Callais, a residential inspector with Constructiva Inspections in Austin, Texas, says, “Trees are the #1 destroyer of sewer lines, and a long PVC tube is no match for the tree roots. If the house still has cast iron drain lines, then give it up; corrosion will be present, and roots will be inside the line guaranteed.”
Sewer inspection costs vs. other inspections
| Type of inspection | National average cost |
|---|---|
| Asbestos | $501 |
| Electrical | $125 |
| Foundation | $306 |
| Mold | $687 |
| Roof | $1,239 |
| Septic tank | $184 |
| Sewer | $999 |
| Termite | $133 |
| Well | $400 |
| General inspection | $343 |
What happens during a sewer inspection?
Most sewer inspections use a drain camera to inspect pipes in real time. As Justin Chau, a realtor in San Gabriel, California, says, “A sewer line inspection is performed by a plumbing company with a long camera. They stick this long camera down into your sewer drain and look for any debris blocking water flow.”
While most inspections focus on the internal pipes, some inspectors will look for exterior signs of sewer problems, like soggy lawn patches, foundation cracks, and sinkholes. Otherwise, the inspector will focus on the main sewer line, branch lines, joints, and connections for defects, corrosion, and blockages.
Typically, the inspection should take 30–90 minutes. But factors like long pipes, severe blockages, complex systems, and obstructed access points can increase that time. Inspectors may also use smoke machines and pressure testing equipment to test for odors and leaks, which can increase the total time.
Once the inspection is done, you’ll receive a report with the inspector’s findings and recommendations. Usually, you’ll also receive a video recording from the drain camera. However, the report doesn’t usually include repair services. Instead, it simply identifies issues.
Signs you might need a sewer inspection
Sometimes, there are obvious clues that a sewer inspection is necessary. For example, sunken patches of grass over the sewer line, cracks in the foundation, or sewer backups in floor drains and basement fixtures.
Likewise, watch out for multiple slow drains throughout the house, gurgling noises coming from toilets and drains, sewage odors, and toilets that back up when water is used in other areas of the home.
However, there don’t necessarily need to be obvious sewer problems to necessitate an inspection. If you’re buying or selling a home, a sewer inspection provides greater peace of mind. Homes with mature trees near the sewer line are especially vulnerable to pipe damage.
The home’s age is also important. Adam Tucci, owner of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Kernersville, North Carolina, says, “For any home older than 30 years, [a sewer inspection] is an absolute requirement. For newer homes, I’d ask for disclosures on any clogs they’ve had and if the plumber that inspects the home doesn’t point out any issues with the drain layout, a sewer camera inspection is likely not needed, but still well worth the money for the peace of mind.”
Post–sewer inspection steps
You have a few options depending on what was found during the sewer inspection. Your first option is to remediate any problems, the costs of which will vary depending on what type of work is needed:
- Complete pipe replacement: $60–250 per linear foot
- Partial pipe replacement: $50 per linear foot
- Burst pipe repair: $60–200 per linear foot
- Cracked pipe spot repair: $600–1,050
- Sewer trap replacement: $1,500–3,000
- Cured-in-place pipes: $80–250 per linear foot
- Root removal: $100–600[3]
In most cases, you shouldn’t attempt to fix a sewer defect yourself. Essential sewer line repairs often require permits, special equipment, and, in some cases, entail exposure to hazardous waste. It’s usually a job best left to a licensed plumber.[4]
If you’re negotiating the purchase of a home, you can also ask the seller to pay for the repairs before closing, to reduce the sale price, or to offer a credit for the repairs. Be sure to get contract estimates to back up your request and know what to do if the seller refuses to negotiate after the inspection.
Once any issues have been remedied, focus on avoiding future problems by taking the following steps:
- Schedule a sewer inspection every 2-3 years[2]
- Avoid flushing wipes, grease, and non-biodegradable products
- Have a plumber perform annual maintenance
- Install a root barrier if trees are near the sewer line
How to find a sewer inspector
- Referrals: Ask for referrals from your real estate agent, home inspector, family, or friends, especially from those who’ve recently bought or sold a home. Local plumbers can either perform an inspection themselves or refer you to a specialist who can.
- Verify qualifications: You should look for inspectors who are certified by the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO). Also, check reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau.
- Compare multiple vendors: Get quotes from two to three contractors and ask each one what’s included in their price. For example, some contractors may charge extra for video recordings, written reports, and follow-up consultations.
When interviewing contractors and preparing for the inspection, here are some key questions to ask:
- What licenses or certifications do you have?
- How should I prepare my property for the inspection?
- Will I receive a written report and video recording of the inspection?
- What happens if you discover a blockage during the inspection?
- Are there potential add-on fees?
- Do you offer repair services if an issue is found?
- Do you provide estimates for recommended repairs?
The bottom line
A sewer line inspection is essential to ensuring your home’s plumbing system is operating effectively. Sewer line problems are expensive to fix and can affect not just your plumbing, but your foundation, lawn, and more. With the cost of a sewer inspection averaging just $999, that’s a relatively small price to pay in order to avoid a costly repair bill down the road.
And if you’re considering buying a home, a sewer inspection is strongly recommended, especially for older properties or those with mature trees. You’ll potentially save yourself from dealing with an expensive headache in the future, and you’ll be able to uncover potential issues that could help you negotiate a better deal.
Related reading
Methodology
We sourced the national average cost of sewer inspections directly from HomeAdvisor, Based on 2,330 actual project costs reported to Angi.