Video Camera Sewer Inspection in Fresno, CA — See Exactly What's in Your Pipes
Stop Guessing. Start Knowing.Our HD waterproof sewer camera travels through your line and sends live video to the surface — pinpointing clogs, cracks, root intrusion, and pipe damage before a single dollar is spent on guesswork repairs.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic service where we insert a high-definition, waterproof camera on a flexible cable into your sewer line through a cleanout access point or an existing drain opening. As the camera travels through the pipe, it transmits live video to a monitor at the surface so you and our technician can watch the footage in real time.
Unlike guesswork or exploratory digging, a camera inspection gives you a clear, documented picture of exactly what is happening inside your pipes — before any repair work begins. It is the most accurate and cost-effective diagnostic tool available for sewer and drain problems.
What the Camera Finds
Our sewer camera can identify a wide range of pipe conditions that cause drain problems, backup, and sewer damage. No two pipes look the same — here is what we commonly discover during an inspection in Fresno homes and properties:
When You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
Do not wait for a full sewer backup to get answers. A camera inspection is the right call whenever you notice any of the following warning signs:
- Repeated or unexplained drain backups — especially if the same drain clogs again and again even after clearing
- Sewage odor in your yard or inside the home — a potential sign of a cracked or collapsed line leaking underground
- Multiple slow-draining fixtures at once — sink, tub, and toilet all draining slowly often indicates a main line problem
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets — air trapped by a partial blockage causes the distinctive gurgling noise
- Wet spots or unusually lush patches in the yard — a leaking sewer line fertilizes the grass directly above it
- Before a major sewer repair — a camera inspection confirms the exact location and extent of damage so the repair is targeted and accurate
- Before buying a home in Fresno — a pre-purchase sewer scope inspection is one of the most important inspections a buyer can get (see section below)
Buying a Home in Fresno? Get a Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspection
A standard home inspection covers the visible systems inside the house — but it almost never includes the sewer lateral, the pipe that connects your home to the city main. That underground pipe is entirely the homeowner's responsibility under City of Fresno regulations, and if it is cracked, root-infiltrated, or collapsed, you inherit that problem the moment you close escrow.
A sewer scope inspection before closing is one of the smartest investments a Fresno home buyer can make. Many of Fresno's older neighborhoods — Tower District, Fig Garden, Sunnyside, and others with mature street trees — have aging clay and cast-iron laterals where root intrusion is extremely common. The cost of a sewer inspection is a fraction of what a failed sewer line can cost to repair after closing — call us for a quote.
- Standard home inspections rarely cover the sewer lateral — buyers need to request this separately
- A failed sewer line can cost thousands after purchase — you are responsible once escrow closes
- Camera findings document exact pipe condition — you see the actual footage, not just a summary
- Use findings to negotiate with the seller — a damaged sewer line is a legitimate repair credit request before closing
- Written report provided after every inspection — documentation you can share with your agent, lender, or attorney
Realtors: we welcome client referrals for pre-purchase sewer scope inspections. Call us to coordinate scheduling during the inspection contingency period.
Our Inspection Process — Step by Step
From your call to our written findings, here is exactly what to expect when you schedule a sewer camera inspection with Stedman's Plumbing:
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1Schedule Your Inspection Call us at (559) 770-9772 or request an appointment online. We will confirm a date and let you know if there is anything to prepare — such as clearing access to the cleanout or main drain entry point.
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2Technician Arrives On-Site Our licensed technician arrives with camera inspection equipment, reviews any symptoms or concerns you have, and locates the best access point — typically the sewer cleanout nearest the house.
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3Camera Is Inserted Into the Line The HD waterproof camera is fed into the pipe on its flexible cable. Radio transmitters on the camera head record depth and location as it travels through your sewer line.
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4Live Viewing of Your Sewer Line The technician monitors live video on a surface display. You are welcome to watch alongside — we will narrate what we are seeing and note any areas of concern as we go.
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5Report of Findings After the camera run, we provide a clear summary of what was found, including the type of issue, its approximate depth, and its location relative to your property. Home buyers receive documentation suitable for sharing with agents and sellers.
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6Recommended Next Steps We walk you through repair or maintenance options that fit your situation — whether that means a drain cleaning, hydro-jetting, a targeted sewer spot repair, or trenchless sewer line rehabilitation. No pressure, no rushed decisions.
Camera Inspection + What Comes Next
Your camera inspection findings determine the best path forward. Here are the most common outcomes and the recommended next service for each:
Frequently Asked Questions
Most sewer camera inspections take 30 to 60 minutes depending on pipe length, access points, and what is found along the way. If we encounter significant blockages or need to locate a specific problem area, it may take a bit longer. We will give you a realistic time estimate when you call to schedule.
Yes. Our inspection camera transmits live video to a monitor at the surface. You are welcome to watch the inspection in real time as the camera travels through your sewer line — you will see exactly what our technician sees, including any blockages, cracks, or buildup.
Yes. After every camera inspection, we provide a summary of findings including what was observed, the approximate location and depth of any issues, and our recommended next steps. Home buyers can use this report to document pipe condition and, where warranted, negotiate with sellers.
A standard home inspection typically does not cover the sewer lateral — the pipe connecting the house to the city main. A failed or damaged sewer line can cost thousands to repair after you close. A pre-purchase sewer scope inspection gives you documentation of the pipe's condition before you commit, and findings can be used in purchase negotiations. We strongly recommend it for any Fresno home purchase, especially older properties in neighborhoods with mature trees.
If we find an issue, we will explain exactly what we saw and where it is located, then walk you through the repair options that apply to your situation. Depending on the findings, that might mean drain cleaning, hydro-jetting to clear buildup, a targeted sewer spot repair, or trenchless sewer line rehabilitation. We never pressure you into a decision on the spot — you will have all the information you need to decide your next step. Call us for a quote: (559) 770-9772.
Call us at (559) 770-9772 or request an appointment online. We serve Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Sanger, and the broader Central Valley. We will confirm your appointment and let you know what to expect on the day of the inspection. Lic. #1110490.
Sewer Camera Inspections Across the Central Valley
Serving residential and commercial customers in Fresno and surrounding communities:
