6 Signs You Might Need a Sewer Line Camera Inspection

When a toilet won’t flush or the kitchen sink starts backing up, many homeowners begin searching for sewer line camera inspection, but cost and timing remain common questions. The truth is, getting a clear view of what’s happening underground usually costs far less than repairing flooring or landscaping after a major backup. Spotting the problem early can save time, money, and hassle. Read on to learn the most common signs that it might be time for a sewer line camera inspection.

Should I get a sewer camera inspection?

Water should disappear within seconds after the tap shuts off. If a puddle lingers, the main drain run may be obstructed by grease, accumulated soap, or foreign objects. Localized clogs clear up with household methods, but what about sluggish flow across several fixtures? These symptoms usually hint at a bigger issue farther down the pipe and demand something more than traditional diagnosis options. In that case, it’s best to get familiar with sewer line camera inspections. Let’s take a look at the most common signs that you need one.

1. Bubbles & gurgles after flushing

A healthy waste conduit vents air smoothly. When trapped air struggles to escape, you hear gurgling noises in the bowl or see bubbles rise in the shower drain whenever a toilet flushes. That reaction suggests restricted airflow caused by debris or a partial collapse deeper in the system.

2. Unpleasant odors indoors or outdoors

Rotten-egg smells drifting from floor drains or the yard rarely fix themselves. Persistent foul or musty aromas indicate decaying organic matter caught inside the pipework. Because odors travel through even tiny cracks, their presence often signals damage that only a sewer line camera can really see.

3. Patches of extra-green grass or soggy spots

One part of the lawn looks like you doubled the fertilizer, while everything else struggles in the summer heat. Constant moisture under a specific area may come from wastewater seeping through a fracture. Left untreated, the saturated soil invites sinkholes, insects, and costly landscaping repairs.

4. Recurring backups despite routine drain cleaning

If a professional clears branches, grease, or wipes one month and the same toilet or tub backs up again the next, the blockage sits beyond the reach of standard cables. A deeper obstruction – or even a broken segment – creates a catch-point that traps new debris week after week.

5. Uninvited rodents or insects near the drain exits

Pests like rats, cockroaches, and flies thrive on consistent access to food residue and standing water. A crack or joint separation provides an easy entry path. Increased pest activity around exterior cleanouts or foundation vents is often linked to compromised pipes underground.

6. Cracks in the foundation or pavers along the drain route

Wastewater leaking from a damaged pipe erodes soil, causing gradual shifts beneath concrete slabs, walkways, or driveway pavers. Small surface cracks that widen over time may stem from ground movement tied to persistent moisture loss below grade. Early detection avoids structural repairs that dwarf the price of a diagnostic video check.

Wondering about sewer line camera inspection cost? Reach out now!

Bob the Plumber is the trusted choice for homeowners who want real answers, not guesswork. With 15+ years of hands-on experience and a reputation built on transparency and reliability, we’ve helped countless residents across the area tackle hidden drainage issues before they became costly emergencies. Our team uses precise video diagnostics to identify problems quickly and recommend smart, effective solutions. Whether you’re near the Otay Ranch Town Center or elsewhere in the city, we’re ready to help you spot problems early and resolve them efficiently. Call now to schedule your non-invasive plumbing inspection with Chula Vista’s top-rated team.