Stop Guessing. Start Knowing.
Traditional plumbing diagnosis is guesswork — dig here, check there. An HD sewer camera inspection eliminates guesswork entirely. We push a self-leveling HD camera through your main sewer line and view the interior in real time on a monitor — recording footage that can be saved and shared.
In older communities like Des Plaines, Park Ridge, and Niles where original clay tile or cast iron sewer lines are common, camera inspection is an essential diagnostic tool. It identifies the exact location and nature of problems — root intrusion, pipe cracks, offset joints, bellied sections, and debris buildup — before any repair money is spent.
HD Real-Time Video
We watch live footage of your sewer line interior as the camera travels through. You see what we see — cracking, root growth, offset joints, buildup — on a monitor right there at your property.
Precise Problem Location & Depth
The camera transmits its exact position underground, so we pinpoint the location and depth of any problem to within inches. Targeted repairs — not exploratory digging.
Written Report Included
You receive a written report of our findings with documented observations and recommendations. Essential for real estate transactions, insurance documentation, and permit applications.
Prevents Unnecessary Repairs
Inspection tells us what the pipe actually needs — cleaning, lining, or spot repair. You do not pay for repairs you do not need, and you do not miss repairs you do.
When To Schedule a Camera Inspection
Sewer condition is rarely included in a standard home inspection. A pre-purchase camera inspection can reveal problems worth thousands of dollars in repairs before you close.
If your main line backs up more than once a year despite cleaning, there is an underlying structural issue. Camera inspection finds it.
Mature oak, elm, and maple trees — common in Des Plaines and Park Ridge — send roots long distances in search of water. Sewer lines are a prime target. Inspection catches intrusion before it becomes a crisis.
Homes built before 1980 frequently have original clay tile or cast iron sewer pipe. These materials have finite lifespans and are overdue for condition evaluation in many northwest suburb homes.
Before investing in a basement finish, inspect the existing sewer to confirm capacity, grade, and pipe condition. Avoid discovering problems mid-renovation.
Annual sewer inspections for restaurants, apartment buildings, and commercial properties identify developing issues before they become operational emergencies.
Common Issues Found During Sewer Camera Inspection
Camera inspection regularly reveals conditions that explain recurring problems — and conditions that have not caused problems yet but will. Here is what our camera finds in northwest suburb sewer lines.
Tree Root Intrusion
The most common finding in older Des Plaines and Park Ridge homes. Tree roots enter through pipe joints and cracks, then grow into a mass that catches debris and eventually blocks flow. Camera shows extent and location precisely.
Cracked or Fractured Pipe
Clay tile pipe develops hairline cracks that widen over time. Camera identifies whether cracks are stable surface fractures addressable by lining, or structural breaks requiring excavation.
Offset or Separated Joints
Ground movement, freeze-thaw cycles, and soil settling cause pipe joints to shift out of alignment. Offset joints create ledges that catch debris and allow root entry — camera pinpoints exact locations.
Bellied or Sagging Pipe
A section of pipe that has settled downward creates a low point where solids pool instead of flowing to the street. Recurring backups in an otherwise clean-looking line often trace back to a belly.
Scale & Grease Buildup
Years of grease, soap, and mineral deposits narrow the effective pipe diameter. Camera shows how significant the restriction is and whether cleaning alone is sufficient or lining is advisable.
Pipe in Good Condition
Sometimes the inspection finds nothing concerning — and that is valuable information too. You get peace of mind, documented pipe condition for your records, and a baseline for future comparison.
How a Camera Inspection Works — Start to Finish
Access the Line
We access your sewer line through a cleanout port, a pulled toilet, or the roof stack depending on your home's configuration. No destructive access is needed in most cases.
Run the Camera
A self-leveling HD camera is pushed through the line. We advance it slowly, watching every inch of pipe interior on a monitor. Footage is recorded throughout.
Locate & Document Issues
When we identify a problem, we note the camera's precise location and depth underground using the transmitter. We document each finding on the written report.
Review & Recommend
We review the footage with you, explain each finding clearly, and recommend the appropriate course of action — whether that is nothing, cleaning, lining, or targeted excavation repair.
Know What's In Your Pipes Before It Becomes an Emergency.
HD sewer camera inspection with written report. Free when combined with a repair estimate.