When to put a camera down the line
- Repeat blockages in the same line
- Before buying a house, especially an older one
- Sewage smell with no obvious source
- After a backup, to find out why it happened
- Before paying for a sewer replacement quote
How we handle it
- Clear enough to see
If the line is blocked we relieve it first, otherwise the camera sees only water.
- Run the camera
We record the run so you can see roots, grease, bellies, cracks or a collapse yourself.
- Locate the problem
A sonde locates the trouble spot and depth, so any dig is small and in the right place.
- Explain the options
You get what the camera showed and the realistic choices, with prices, before deciding.
What we usually find here
In older San Antonio neighbourhoods the lateral is often jointed clay. Roots at the joints and misalignment from clay soil movement are the two most common findings, along with grease build-up in kitchens. On newer builds we more often find bellies where the line has settled.
What it costs
It depends on what the job turns out to need, so we diagnose first. Your plumber then gives you an upfront price, and you approve it before anything starts.
Questions people ask
Do I get to see the footage?
Yes. You can watch live, and we can provide the recording for your records or for a seller negotiation.
Can you tell how deep the problem is?
Yes, the locator gives the position and depth, which is what keeps excavation small.
Is an inspection worth it before buying?
A sewer replacement is one of the most expensive surprises in an older home. An hour with a camera is cheap by comparison.