What a sewer camera shows
A small waterproof camera with a light is pushed through the sewer line, sending video to a screen. The plumber sees pipe material, cracks, offsets, roots, grease, belly sags and collapses. A locator on the camera tells us where the pipe runs and how deep it is.
- Roots entering at joints
- Cracks or breaks in clay, cast iron or plastic
- Offset joints and bellies where water pools
- Scale and grease buildup
- Connections, laterals and cleanout location
If you want the pipe cleaned first, we can do it as part of the same visit, since a camera needs a clear line to see. See drain cleaning and hydro jetting for the cleaning options.
When an inspection is worth booking
Good reasons for a camera inspection
- Buying a houseSeller disclosures do not show the condition of an underground line.
- Repeated backupsThe cause may be a sag or root intrusion that a cable never fixes.
- Before an addition or landscapingYou need to know where the line runs and its depth.
- After a repairVideo confirms the new section is clean and sloped properly.
- Old house, unknown pipeMaterial and condition drive the maintenance plan.
Buying or selling a house in Hingham
A sewer camera inspection can be a useful part of a home purchase. It is separate from a septic Title 5 inspection. In Massachusetts, a Title 5 inspection is required within two years before a sale for homes on septic, and only MassDEP-approved inspectors may do it.
For homes on public sewer, there is no Title 5 test, but the line from the house to the connection is the owner's responsibility. Buyers who learn of a root-filled line after closing are paying for it. A recorded video gives you evidence for price negotiation.
How the inspection works
- 1
Find the access
We locate a cleanout, or remove a toilet or vent cap if there is none.
- 2
Clear the line
If the line is blocked, we cable it so the camera can pass.
- 3
Record the run
The camera travels the line while we note distance, depth and defects.
- 4
Review together
You see the footage and get a written summary with distances and recommendations.
Reading the results
A few roots or minor scale are common in older pipes, and they may just need cleaning every year or two. A crack, offset or belly is a bigger finding and can lead to repair, lining or replacement. We explain which findings need action now and which can wait.
If the camera finds a serious defect, the next step is sewer line repair. A camera inspection is a planned service, so it is not treated as an emergency, but we can book same-day appointments when available.
What an inspection costs
Inspection price depends on access and the length of the run.
What moves the price
- AccessAn exterior cleanout is easier than pulling a toilet.
- Length of lineLonger runs take more time and cable.
- Cleaning neededHeavy buildup must be cleared first.
- Report and videoA written report and saved video take time to prepare.
- LocatingMarking the pipe's path and depth is an extra step.
Insurance generally does not pay for an inspection. If a defect is found and covered, the video helps document it.
Want the number for your house? Call (339) 216-9771 and describe what you see.
Inspections across Hingham, Cohasset, Weymouth, Norwell and Hull
The older streets around Hingham Square, Weymouth Landing and Cohasset Harbor have lines of mixed materials and ages. In Norwell, where residential areas near the wells use septic, a camera inspection of the building drain still helps. We serve ZIP codes 02043, 02025, 02188, 02189, 02190, 02191, 02061 and 02045.
To book an inspection, call our dispatch line and let us know whether you are on sewer or septic and whether this is for a purchase. For urgent backups, see sewer line cleaning.
A camera inspection needs no permit. If you are on septic in Norwell, according to MassDEP a Title 5 inspection under 310 CMR 15.300 to 15.305 can only be done by a MassDEP-approved inspector.
Whether a Hingham street is on public sewer or septic is not always obvious, and the South Hingham page shows how to find out before booking an inspection.
Questions homeowners ask
Most take under an hour. Longer lines or heavy buildup can take more time.
Yes. You get the footage and a written summary of what we found.
It can inspect the line from the house to the tank. It does not replace a Title 5 inspection, which is a separate state-regulated process.
It can be. A recorded video shows the condition of an underground line that a normal home inspection does not cover.
The plumber can often access the line through a toilet or roof vent. We suggest installing a cleanout if one is missing.