The Dallas Sewer Inspection Process: Camera, Locate, Record & Get a Certified Master Plumber Report

Written by Steven Shipler, Texas Licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825, MBA, and founder of The Sewer Inspection Company.

What actually happens during a professional sewer camera inspection?

The process is straightforward, but each step matters. We need to access the sewer line, run a professional camera through the accessible piping, document what we see, locate significant problem areas when appropriate, and explain the findings so the customer understands what is happening underground.

At The Sewer Inspection Company, the finished product goes beyond simply putting a camera into a pipe.

Our goal is to show you the sewer line, explain what we are seeing, document significant findings, and provide you with a Certified Master Plumber Report.

Schedule a Dallas Sewer Camera Inspection

See what is happening inside the underground sewer line before buying a home, approving repairs, or digging.

Call 972-333-5448

Know What’s Underground, Before You Buy.

The Sewer Inspection Process: Four Main Steps

Step 1: Access the Sewer Line

The first step is finding a practical access point into the sewer system.

An exterior sewer cleanout is often the preferred access point when one is available and usable. Depending on the plumbing system and property, another accessible opening may sometimes be required.

Access matters because the camera must enter the drainage system and travel through the accessible sewer piping.

Before the inspection begins, we evaluate the available access and determine the most appropriate inspection path.

Step 2: Run the Sewer Camera

Once access is established, a professional waterproof sewer camera is pushed through the pipe on a flexible cable.

The camera provides live video from inside the sewer line.

As it moves through the accessible piping, we watch for conditions including:

Tree root intrusion
Standing water
Sewer bellies
Cracked pipe
Broken pipe
Collapsed sections
Offset joints
Pipe separations
Cast iron deterioration
Clay pipe problems
PVC movement
Grease and sludge
Foreign objects
Construction debris
Previous repairs
Changes in pipe material

This is where the underground sewer system stops being a mystery.

Instead of assuming what might be happening based on a slow drain or recurring backup, we can look inside the accessible line.

Step 3: Locate and Record Significant Sewer Problems

The inspection video is recorded so the sewer line can be reviewed after the inspection.

When a significant defect or area of concern is identified, electronic locating equipment can be used, when conditions allow, to help determine the approximate surface location and depth of the camera head.

This can be extremely important.

Knowing that a sewer line has a defect is useful.

Knowing approximately where that defect is located underground can make repair planning much more efficient.

Instead of unnecessarily opening a large section of the yard, driveway, or slab just to search for a problem, locating can help identify the area that requires further evaluation.

Step 4: Review the Results and Receive Your Report

After the inspection, the customer needs more than a plumber saying, “Your sewer looks good,” or “You have a problem.”

You should be able to understand what was observed.

The Sewer Inspection Company provides documentation of the inspection, including a narrated inspection video and a written report of significant visible findings.

Certified Master Plumber Report Included

You will receive a Certified Master Plumber Report provided under the oversight of a Texas Licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825.

Why We Narrate the Sewer Inspection Video

A raw sewer camera video is not always useful to a homeowner or home buyer.

To someone who does not work with sewer systems, one section of pipe can look very similar to another.

That is why narration matters.

When we identify a pipe transition, root intrusion, standing water, an offset, deteriorated cast iron, or another significant visible condition, we can explain what is being observed.

You can then review the inspection later instead of trying to remember everything that was said while standing beside the camera monitor.

Three Tools Used During the Sewer Inspection Process

1. RIDGID SeeSnake Sewer Camera

The RIDGID SeeSnake sewer camera provides the video view from inside accessible portions of the sewer and drainage system.

This is what allows us to visually evaluate conditions underground without excavating simply to see the inside of the pipe.

2. RIDGID SeekTech Locator

A RIDGID SeekTech locator can help determine the approximate surface location of the transmitting camera head when locating conditions are suitable.

This becomes especially valuable when a significant defect needs to be marked for additional evaluation or repair.

3. Line Transmitter and Underground Locating Equipment

Additional locating equipment can assist with tracing underground sewer paths and helping establish where portions of the system run beneath the property.

Why Camera Footage and Location Information Work Together

Imagine that the camera shows a significant offset 45 feet into the sewer line.

The footage tells us what the condition looks like.

But 45 feet of cable does not necessarily tell the homeowner exactly where the camera is located on the property.

That is where electronic locating becomes useful.

The combination of camera footage and locating information can help answer two separate questions:

Question	Tool	Information
What is happening?	Sewer Camera	Shows visible conditions inside accessible portions of the pipe.
Where is it happening?	Electronic Locator	Helps determine the approximate surface location and depth of the camera head when conditions allow.
How is it documented?	Video Recording	Creates a visual record of the inspection.
How are findings explained?	Certified Master Plumber Report	Documents significant visible findings in writing.

What Happens if the Camera Finds a Problem?

Finding a defect does not automatically mean the entire sewer line needs replacement.

The next step depends on what was found.

A localized defect might lead to a spot repair.

Roots may require cleaning and evaluation of the point where they entered the pipe.

A significant belly may require additional evaluation of slope and depth.

Severely deteriorated cast iron may require a broader discussion about replacement options.

A collapsed line may prevent the camera from traveling farther and require excavation or other repair planning.

The goal is not to sell the biggest sewer repair. The goal is to document the condition and determine what the evidence supports.

Sewer Inspection Before Buying a Dallas Home

This four-step inspection process becomes especially valuable during a real estate transaction.

The underground sewer line is largely invisible during a normal walk-through of the property.

A buyer may see beautiful flooring, a remodeled kitchen, updated bathrooms, and a freshly landscaped yard.

None of those things tell you what is happening inside the sewer pipe.

A sewer camera inspection gives the buyer another piece of information before closing.

Sewer Inspection for Recurring Backups and Slow Drains

The same inspection process can also be used diagnostically when the property already has a drainage problem.

If a sewer keeps backing up after cleaning, I want to know why.

Is there a root intrusion?

Is the pipe holding water?

Is old cast iron badly scaled?

Has a joint separated?

Is there a structural defect?

The camera helps move the conversation from symptoms to evidence.

Real Sewer Camera Inspection Videos

Sewer Inspection Video 1

Sewer Inspection Video 2

Sewer Inspection Video 3

Sewer Inspection Video 4

Sewer Inspection Video 5

Sewer Inspection Video 6

Sewer Inspection Video 7

Dallas Sewer Inspection Service Area

Dallas, Richardson and Plano Sewer Inspections

Dallas, Texas

Dallas properties can contain a wide variety of sewer systems, including older cast iron piping, PVC repairs, under-slab drainage, long yard laterals, and sewer lines affected by mature landscaping.

Richardson, Texas

Richardson’s established neighborhoods can also have under-slab drainage systems and older piping where sewer camera inspection can help document visible conditions.

Plano, Texas

Plano homes may contain older sewer systems, newer PVC piping, or combinations of original and repaired sewer sections. A camera inspection can help identify visible transitions and defects.

Two 5-Star Reviews

★★★★★ Mark Ryan

“Great sewer inspection service. They took the time to properly inspect the entire accessible sewer line instead of rushing through it. The findings were clearly explained, and having a written report from a Master Plumber made it much easier to understand what needed to happen next.”

★★★★★ Brad Miller

“The Sewer Inspection Company did a very thorough inspection and explained what they were seeing throughout the process. The sewer line was carefully camera-inspected, and the final report clearly showed the condition of the system and any areas of concern. Very professional from start to finish.”

Read more customer experiences on our Testimonials page .

Helpful Sewer Inspection Resources

Plumbing Code Reference Topics

Sewer inspection findings that lead to repair or replacement should be evaluated against the plumbing code adopted by the local authority having jurisdiction.

#	Reference	Why It Matters	Code
1	IPC Sanitary Drainage	Addresses sanitary drainage piping, building drains, building sewers and related installation requirements.	Code
2	UPC Sanitary Drainage	Addresses sanitary drainage systems, sewer piping, cleanouts and related requirements.	Code
3	IPC Cleanouts	Cleanout access is important for maintenance, cleaning and camera inspection.	Code
4	UPC Cleanouts	Addresses required service access to sanitary drainage systems.	Code
5	IPC Drainage Slope	Proper slope helps wastewater move through horizontal drainage piping by gravity.	Code
6	UPC Drainage Grade	Addresses the required grade of horizontal drainage piping.	Code
7	IPC Drainage Testing	Testing may be required after sewer repairs and before piping is concealed.	Code
8	UPC Drainage Testing	Provides requirements related to testing drainage and vent systems.	Code
9	IPC Pipe Materials and Joints	Repairs should use approved drainage materials, fittings and joining methods.	Code
10	UPC Pipe Materials and Joints	Addresses acceptable materials and connections used in sanitary drainage systems.	Code

15 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a sewer scope inspection really necessary?

A sewer scope can provide valuable information about accessible underground piping that cannot be visually evaluated from inside the home or from the yard.

2. How long does a sewer scope inspection take?

Inspection time depends on sewer access, line length, pipe condition, obstructions, property layout, and the amount of locating or documentation required.

3. Will I receive a video of the inspection?

Yes. The Sewer Inspection Company provides a narrated sewer inspection video.

4. Can a sewer scope detect all problems?

No. It is a visual evaluation of accessible portions of the line and cannot guarantee identification of every concealed, inaccessible, intermittent, or future condition.

5. What happens if problems are found?

Significant visible findings are documented and explained. Additional locating, cleaning, repair evaluation, or testing may be recommended depending on the condition.

6. Is this service included in a standard home inspection?

Not necessarily. Buyers should confirm exactly what is included in their general property inspection.

7. How much can sewer repairs cost?

Sewer repair costs vary considerably based on the type of defect, pipe material, depth, access, excavation, concrete work, length of replacement, and repair method.

8. Where do you insert the sewer camera?

An accessible exterior sewer cleanout is commonly used when available and suitable. The appropriate access depends on the plumbing system and property.

9. Does the camera go all the way to the city sewer?

The camera is advanced through accessible piping as conditions allow. Obstructions, bends, pipe configuration, access limitations, or other conditions may prevent inspection of the entire line.

10. Can you determine where a sewer problem is underground?

When conditions permit, electronic locating equipment can help determine the approximate surface location of the transmitting camera head.

11. Can you determine how deep the sewer problem is?

Locating equipment can provide an estimated depth of the camera head when signal and site conditions permit. Excavation remains the definitive way to expose the physical pipe.

12. Why do you record the inspection?

Recording provides documentation that can be reviewed after the inspection and helps customers understand significant visible findings.

13. Why is the video narrated?

Narration explains significant observations while the camera moves through the sewer line so the customer is not left trying to interpret raw pipe footage alone.

14. Will I receive a Certified Master Plumber Report?

Yes. You will receive a Certified Master Plumber Report documenting significant visible findings, with oversight from a Texas Licensed Master Plumber and Responsible Master Plumber, Texas License #45825.

15. Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a home?

A pre-purchase sewer inspection can provide important information about accessible underground piping before closing and before future sewer repair responsibility becomes yours.

See It. Locate It. Record It. Understand It.

A professional sewer inspection gives you evidence about what is happening underground.