Service · Chicago area
Sewer camera inspection
A small camera on a cable travels through your building sewer and records what is inside. It turns guesswork about repeated backups into something you can see.
Calls are answered by a referral service that connects you with a local plumbing provider. How this works
When an inspection makes sense
- Backups keep coming back after the line is cleared.
- Roots or debris come out on the cleaning cable.
- You are buying an older home — many buyers scope the building sewer before closing.
- Before choosing between spot repair, full replacement, or backflow protection.
- Your municipality requires a sewer inspection at sale (for example Oak Lawn).
What it can show
| Finding | What it looks like | What it can mean |
|---|---|---|
| Root intrusion | Fine or thick roots at joints | Repeated clogs; joint failure |
| Offset or separated joint | A step or gap between pipe sections | Catches debris; soil and water can enter |
| Crack or fracture | Lines or broken pieces in the pipe wall | Progressive failure |
| Sag (belly) | Standing water in a section | Solids settle; slow drainage |
| Scale or corrosion | Rough, narrowed walls in cast iron | Reduced capacity |
| Grease | Coating on the pipe walls | Kitchen drain habits |
How it typically works
- Access through a cleanout (basement, or outside near the foundation).
- The line may need clearing first so the camera can pass.
- The camera records while a locator can mark depth and position above ground.
- You should be able to see or receive the footage and a plain explanation.
Chicago-area context
Chicago and many inner-ring suburbs have old building sewers — clay or cast iron, often under mature parkway trees. Newer suburban homes usually have plastic building sewers, which do not corrode but can still separate, sag or take in roots at joints.
In Chicago, sewer permits are required to construct, repair, rod or clean sewers and can only be obtained by licensed drainlayers; repairs found during an inspection are permit work.
What affects the cost
We do not publish prices. Providers typically consider: access to a cleanout, whether the line must be cleared first, line length, locating, and whether a written report or recording is provided. Ask how the price is calculated before work starts.
Licensing and permits
In Chicago, most plumbing work must be done by a licensed and bonded plumbing contractor holding a City of Chicago license in addition to State licensing. In the suburbs, plumbers are licensed by the State and each municipality runs its own permits. Chicago permits · Illinois licensing
Frequently asked questions
Should I scope the sewer before buying a house?
Many buyers of older homes do, because building sewer repairs can be costly and are rarely visible. Ask the inspector or provider to share the recording.
Is a camera inspection the same as a city inspection?
No. A municipal inspection (where required) checks compliance with local rules. A private camera inspection documents the condition of your line.
Can the camera see the part under the street?
Often it can travel to the connection with the public sewer, depending on access and the line’s condition. Work in the public way involves additional permits.
Related
- Sewer line repairIf damage is found
- Drain cleaningClearing the line
- Oak Lawn point-of-sale inspectionRequired at sale
- Floor drain backupCommon symptom
Sources
- City of Chicago DOB — Sewer Permits Official / primary
- Village of Oak Lawn — Sewers (point-of-sale sewer inspection) Official / primary
Information can change; official sources control.