Sewer Line Inspection: How It Works and Why You Need It

Picture this: you’re enjoying a quiet night at home when suddenly, the drains start gurgling. Maybe the toilet won’t flush, or worse, you spot water pooling in the yard. In that moment, your home’s hidden plumbing becomes the star of the show—and not in a good way.

That’s where Miller Legacy Plumbing steps in. Sewer line inspection isn’t just about finding problems—it’s about giving homeowners peace of mind, savings, and a healthy home.

What Is a Sewer Line Inspection? 🕵️‍♂️

A sewer line inspection is like a health check for the pipes running from your home to the main sewer. Plumbers use specialized cameras—think of them as tiny explorers on a mission—to travel through your underground pipes. The goal? Spot blockages, cracks, roots, or any signs your pipes might be in trouble.

This inspection is the first step in preventing those big, messy, expensive emergencies. It’s smart, proactive, and essential for every homeowner—especially if your house is older, surrounded by trees, or you’re noticing plumbing issues.

Signs You Need an Inspection

Sometimes your home sends subtle hints. Other times, it’s like a blaring car alarm. Watch for these signs:

• Frequent clogs or slow drains (bathroom, kitchen, or basement)
• Gurgling sounds from pipes and toilets
• Unpleasant odors coming from drains, even after cleaning
• Water backing up in sinks, tubs, or around floor drains
• Lush, green patches of grass in your yard (sewage can act like fertilizer)
• Sudden spike in water bills
• Older homes (built before 1980) or properties with many trees nearby

Don’t ignore these. Like a small leak under the sink, they rarely solve themselves.

The Step-by-Step Process

Curious how it works? Here’s how Miller Legacy Plumbing handles a professional sewer line inspection:

1. Initial Assessment: We ask about your plumbing history. Any recent backups? Repeated clogs? This helps us zero in on likely trouble spots.
2. Accessing the Line: We find the best entry point, usually a cleanout fitting in your yard or basement.
3. Camera Insertion: Using a high-definition, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable, we send the “scout” into your sewer line.
4. Live Video Feed: The camera sends real-time video to a monitor. We watch for blockages, cracks, roots, or even collapsed sections of pipe.
5. Diagnosis: If we spot tree roots (a common culprit in neighborhoods with mature landscaping), grease buildup, corrosion, or misaligned pipes, it’s all recorded for you to see.
6. Reporting: You get a clear explanation of what we found—often with video evidence you can see for yourself.
7. Plan of Action: If repairs or cleaning are needed, we’ll recommend next steps. Sometimes, a simple cleaning fixes the issue. Other times, repairs or replacement may be necessary.

This camera-based inspection is fast, non-invasive, and doesn’t leave your yard looking like a construction site.

Benefits for Homeowners

Why bother with a sewer line inspection before there’s an emergency? Here’s why:

• Catch small problems before they become disasters
• Save money by avoiding major repairs and property damage
• Protect your family’s health—sewer leaks can lead to serious sanitation issues
• Increase your home’s value (especially important if you’re buying or selling)
• Peace of mind knowing your plumbing is in good shape

How Often Should You Inspect?

• Every 1–2 years: For homes over 20 years old or with large trees nearby
• Before buying a new home: Don’t rely on looks alone—hidden plumbing issues can cost thousands
• After major landscaping or renovations: Digging can disturb old lines

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), regular inspections are considered best practice for long-term home maintenance.

Common Issues Found During Inspection

Every home is different, but these problems pop up most often:

• Tree root intrusion: Roots seek water. Sewer pipes are an all-you-can-eat buffet. They sneak in through tiny cracks, then grow, blocking flow.
• Pipe blockages: Grease, wipes, feminine products, or even just years of buildup can choke off water movement.
• Cracked or collapsed pipes: Shifting soil, freezing and thawing, or old materials like clay can cause breaks or collapses.
• Corrosion or misalignment: Especially in older homes, joints can slip or pipes can rust out.

Any one of these can lead to a nasty, costly emergency if not found early.

Homeowner FAQs

Q: Do I need to dig up my yard for a sewer line inspection?
A: No! Our camera inspections use existing access points, so your landscaping stays untouched.

Q: How long does a typical inspection take?
A: Most inspections take 1–2 hours, depending on the length and condition of the line.

Q: Can I do this inspection myself with a rental camera?
A: While some stores rent cameras, the process requires experience to identify less obvious problems. Professional-grade equipment also gives clearer pictures and reaches further.

Q: What if you find a problem?
A: We explain what we see and discuss your options. Sometimes a thorough cleaning solves it. Other times, repairs or replacement may be needed.

Professional Equipment and Experience Matter 🛠️

Miller Legacy Plumbing uses advanced sewer cameras and locator tools designed for residential plumbing systems. Our licensed plumbers know what to look for—from tiny root invasions to subtle pipe misalignments. Like a skilled mechanic with a stethoscope for your car, we pick up on problems the untrained eye might miss.

Our training meets current plumbing code, safety, and local health guidelines, so you know the job’s done right.

Local and Seasonal Considerations

If you live in an area with clay soil, heavy rainfall, or lots of mature trees, your pipes are at higher risk for shifting, root growth, and blockages. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can also cause pipes to crack in colder climates.

Spring and fall are the best seasons for inspections—before winter’s freeze or summer’s storms can make small problems worse.

Practical Tips for Homeowners

• Don’t flush wipes—even if labeled “flushable”
• Use drain strainers to catch hair and soap scum
• Avoid planting large trees directly above sewer lines
• Schedule regular preventative maintenance, especially if your home is older

When Is a Sewer Line Problem an Emergency?

If you notice water backing up into your home, sewage smells indoors, or multiple drains clogging at once, it’s time to call for emergency plumbing help. Waiting can lead to property damage, health risks, and higher repair costs.

Final Thoughts

A sewer line inspection may not be glamorous, but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make as a homeowner. It keeps small problems from turning into disasters, saves money, and protects your property for years to come.

Call Miller Legacy Plumbing now — or reach us anytime at  888-859-6692 .