What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic method that allows us to see the interior condition of your sewer and drain lines in real time. We insert a waterproof, high-resolution video camera attached to a flexible fiber-optic cable into your pipes through a cleanout or drain access point. The camera transmits live video to a monitor, giving us a clear view of the pipe's interior from end to end.
This technology eliminates the guesswork that once required expensive excavation to diagnose underground pipe problems. Before camera inspections existed, plumbers often had to dig up yards, driveways, or even floors to find the source of a sewer problem. Today, a camera inspection provides a definitive diagnosis in about 30 to 60 minutes with no digging, no destruction, and no surprises.
At Wrangler Plumbing, we use professional-grade camera systems capable of inspecting pipes from 2 inches to 12 inches in diameter. The camera head includes built-in LED lighting and a self-leveling feature that keeps the image upright as it moves through the pipe. We can inspect main sewer lines, branch drain lines, and even some smaller fixture drains.
How the Inspection Works
Our camera inspection process is straightforward and typically takes less than an hour. Here is what to expect when you schedule an inspection.
1. Access Point
We locate the best access point for the camera, typically a cleanout in your yard or basement, or through a drain opening inside the home. If your home does not have an accessible cleanout, we may recommend installing one, which also benefits future maintenance.
2. Camera Insertion
The camera is fed into the pipe and advanced through the line at a controlled pace. As it moves, we observe the live video feed on a portable monitor. We note the location, depth, and nature of any problems we encounter. A built-in transmitter in the camera head allows us to mark the exact above-ground location of any issue.
3. Real-Time Review
You are welcome to watch the inspection in real time. We explain what the camera is showing as we go, pointing out any areas of concern. Seeing the inside of your own pipes gives you a clear understanding of their condition and helps you make informed decisions about any recommended repairs.
4. Recorded Video
We record the entire inspection on video. You receive a copy of the recording for your records. This documentation is valuable for insurance claims, real estate transactions, and future reference. If repairs are needed, the video serves as evidence of the problem and its location.
When You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
A camera inspection is not just for emergencies. There are many situations where seeing inside your pipes saves time, money, and headaches.
Recurring Drain Clogs
If the same drain keeps clogging despite repeated cleaning, there is an underlying problem that snaking alone cannot solve. A camera inspection reveals whether the issue is root intrusion, a bellied pipe section, a partial collapse, or buildup that requires hydro jetting. Treating the symptom without diagnosing the cause wastes money on repeated service calls.
Buying a Home
Standard home inspections do not include sewer line evaluation. A camera inspection before purchasing reveals hidden problems that could cost thousands to repair. This is especially important for older homes in Cody that may have original clay tile, cast iron, or Orangeburg sewer lines that are nearing the end of their service life.
Before Landscaping or Construction
Before planting trees, building an addition, or installing a fence near your sewer line, a camera inspection confirms the line's exact location and current condition. This prevents accidental damage during construction and identifies any pre-existing issues that should be addressed first.
Sewage Odors
If you smell sewer gas inside or outside your home, a camera inspection can identify the source. Cracked pipes, failed joints, dry traps, and broken vent pipes all allow sewer gas to escape. The camera pinpoints the exact location so the repair can be targeted and efficient.
After Severe Weather or Ground Settling
Wyoming's freeze-thaw cycles, shifting soil conditions, and seasonal ground movement can stress underground pipes. If you notice new drainage problems after a harsh winter or period of heavy rain, a camera inspection determines whether ground movement has damaged your sewer line.
What We Look For During Inspection
Our experienced plumbers know exactly what to look for when reviewing camera footage. Here are the most common issues we identify in Cody-area sewer lines.
- Tree root intrusion through cracks and joint separations
- Pipe cracks, fractures, and holes
- Bellied or sagging pipe sections where water and debris collect
- Offset joints where pipes have shifted out of alignment
- Mineral scale and buildup from hard water
- Grease accumulation in kitchen drain lines
- Corrosion and deterioration of cast iron or clay tile pipes
- Partial or complete pipe collapse
- Improper connections or previous repair failures
Many older Cody neighborhoods were built with clay tile or cast iron sewer lines that are now 40 to 70 years old. These materials have a finite lifespan, and camera inspections are the only way to assess their current condition without excavation. When we identify problems, we provide repair recommendations with transparent pricing so you can make informed decisions.
How Camera Inspections Save You Money
A sewer camera inspection typically costs between $150 and $350. Compare that to the alternatives and the savings become clear.
Without a camera, diagnosing an underground pipe problem often required exploratory digging, which meant excavation costs of $1,000 to $5,000 or more just to find the problem, before any repair work began. The camera eliminates this expense entirely by pinpointing the exact location and nature of the issue from inside the pipe.
Camera inspections also prevent unnecessary repairs. If a plumber cannot see inside the pipe, they may recommend replacing an entire section when only a spot repair is needed, or vice versa. The camera provides the evidence needed to prescribe the right repair at the right scope, saving you from paying for more work than necessary.
For home buyers, a $200 camera inspection can reveal a $10,000 sewer problem before you close on the purchase, giving you negotiating leverage or the information to walk away from a bad deal. Call Wrangler Plumbing at (307) 587-3713 to schedule your sewer camera inspection.
Sewer Camera Inspection FAQ
A sewer camera inspection uses a waterproof, high-resolution video camera on a flexible cable to see inside your sewer or drain line. The camera transmits live video to a monitor, identifying blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and pipe deterioration without any digging.
Get an inspection if you have recurring clogs, slow drains, sewage odors, wet spots in your yard, or if you are buying a home. Also recommended before and after hydro jetting, when planning landscaping near sewer lines, or anytime you want to know your pipe condition.
A sewer camera inspection typically costs between $150 and $350, depending on pipe length and accessibility. This is a fraction of the cost of blind digging or exploratory excavation, and provides a definitive diagnosis so you only pay for the repair actually needed.
Yes. Tree root intrusion is one of the most common problems identified during camera inspections in Cody. The camera clearly shows roots entering through cracks or joints, the extent of growth, and whether structural damage has occurred, helping determine the best repair approach.
Absolutely. Standard home inspections do not examine sewer line interiors. A camera inspection reveals hidden problems like cracked pipes, root intrusion, and deteriorating clay tile that could cost thousands to repair. The $150-$350 inspection can save you from a $5,000-$15,000 surprise.
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