How Long Does a Sewer Inspection Take?
Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber, Responsible Master Plumber (RMP), MBA, and host of The 4 Guys Education on YouTube.
One of the most common questions home buyers, homeowners, Realtors, and investors ask before scheduling a sewer inspection is:
How long does a sewer inspection take?
In most cases, a professional sewer camera inspection takes between 30 and 90 minutes. However, the actual inspection time depends on the length of the sewer line, the accessibility of the cleanouts, the condition of the sewer system, and whether additional locating services are required.
Most residential sewer camera inspections are completed within 30 to 90 minutes, but larger homes, commercial properties, difficult access situations, or extensive sewer defects can extend the inspection time.
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Typical Sewer Inspection Time Frames
| Property Type | Typical Inspection Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Residential Home | 30-60 Minutes |
| Large Residential Home | 45-90 Minutes |
| Commercial Property | 60-180 Minutes |
| Inspection with Sewer Locating | 60-120 Minutes |
What Factors Affect Sewer Inspection Time?
Several factors influence how long a sewer inspection will take.
- Length of the sewer line
- Number of cleanouts available
- Accessibility of the cleanout
- Property size
- Pipe material
- Presence of roots
- Standing water or sewer bellies
- Pipe collapses or severe damage
- Need for locating underground defects
- Whether multiple sewer lines require inspection
Access Is One of the Biggest Factors
The fastest sewer inspections are usually performed through a readily accessible exterior cleanout.
If no cleanout exists, additional access may be required through a roof vent, toilet removal, or another approved access point.
Additional access work may increase inspection time significantly.
The presence of a cleanout can often reduce inspection time while improving the quality of the inspection.
What Happens During a Sewer Inspection?
A professional sewer inspection typically involves:
- Locating and opening the cleanout
- Preparing the camera system
- Inserting the sewer camera
- Inspecting the line toward the city connection
- Inspecting additional accessible sections
- Identifying defects
- Locating defects when necessary
- Recording video footage
- Documenting findings
- Preparing recommendations
Equipment Used During a Sewer Inspection
Professional sewer inspections utilize specialized inspection equipment designed for underground sewer systems.
- RIDGID SeeSnake Camera System – High-definition sewer camera used to visually inspect underground sewer lines.
- RIDGID SeekTech SR-20 Locator – Used to locate underground sewer lines and identify defect locations.
- RIDGID ST-305 Transmitter – Allows precise tracing of sewer line routes and defect locations underground.
Plano Sewer Inspection Time
Most residential sewer inspections in Plano are completed within approximately 30 to 60 minutes when exterior cleanouts are readily available.
McKinney Sewer Inspection Time
Many McKinney properties have longer sewer runs, making inspection times vary between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the property layout and sewer condition.
Frisco Sewer Inspection Time
Frisco homes generally have accessible sewer systems, allowing many inspections to be completed within an hour unless additional locating services are requested.
Does a Sewer Inspection Include a Report?
A professional sewer inspection should provide more than simply running a camera through the pipe.
At The Sewer Inspection Company, inspections typically include:
- Narrated YouTube video
- Master Plumber review
- Written inspection report
- Defect identification
- General recommendations
- Sewer locating when requested
Why Sewer Inspections Take Longer Than People Expect
Many homeowners assume a sewer inspection simply involves pushing a camera through a pipe.
In reality, a professional inspection involves identifying access points, documenting conditions, locating defects, recording findings, and creating a report that can be understood by homeowners, buyers, Realtors, and investors.
The goal is not simply to create a video. The goal is to understand the condition of the underground sewer system.
What The Sewer Inspection Company Provides
- Sewer camera inspections
- Master Plumber Certified Reports
- Narrated YouTube videos
- Sewer locating services
- Home buyer inspections
- Commercial sewer inspections
- Investor sewer evaluations
- Cast iron sewer evaluations
- Sewer belly evaluations
Final Answer: How Long Does a Sewer Inspection Take?
Most sewer inspections take between 30 and 90 minutes depending on sewer line length, access conditions, property size, and the condition of the sewer system.
Properties with cleanouts and relatively straightforward sewer systems are often completed more quickly, while larger properties, commercial systems, or inspections involving locating services may require additional time.
A thorough sewer inspection provides valuable information that can help prevent expensive sewer repairs and unexpected plumbing problems in the future.
Schedule Your Sewer Inspection Today
Buying a home? Investigating drain problems? Want to know the condition of your sewer line?
Call 972-333-5448
Master Plumber Certified Report + Narrated YouTube Video Included.
Know What’s Underground, Before You Buy.
IPC & UPC Plumbing Code References
| Code | Reference | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | IPC Chapter 7 | Sanitary drainage systems |
| 2 | IPC 704 | Drainage slope requirements |
| 3 | IPC 708 | Cleanouts |
| 4 | IPC Chapter 11 | Drainage system design |
| 5 | IPC Complete Code | International Plumbing Code |
| 6 | UPC Chapter 7 | Drainage systems |
| 7 | UPC Cleanouts | Access requirements |
| 8 | UPC Drainage Design | Drainage design standards |
| 9 | UPC Inspection Standards | Inspection requirements |
| 10 | UPC Sanitary Drainage | Sanitary sewer system guidance |
