Most homeowners pay $125–$500 for a sewer line camera inspection, with a typical price around $280. Lines under 50 feet often cost $175–$250, while long runs, no cleanout or extras like locating and a recorded video can push the bill to $750–$900 (HomeGuide and Angi data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: HomeGuide + 2 more. National US estimates.
A camera inspection is the cheapest way to find out why drains keep backing up, whether tree roots have invaded the lateral, or whether the sewer line of a house you are buying is in good shape. A plumber feeds a waterproof camera through a cleanout and records the pipe from the inside.
Below you'll find average prices, what changes the bill and how to avoid paying twice. If the video shows serious damage, our sewer line replacement cost guide explains what the next step is likely to cost.
Average cost
Typical prices for a residential sewer camera inspection, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Add-on to a home inspection | $100–$250 | Recommended for homes older than about 20 years |
| Standalone inspection through an existing cleanout | $125–$500 | Most common job; national average about $280 |
| Standalone inspection with no cleanout (toilet pulled) | $175–$750 | Extra labor to remove and reset the toilet |
| Full home inspection plus sewer scope | $400–$750 | Typical for home purchases |
Cost by sewer line length
| Line length | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Under 50 feet | $175–$250 |
| 50–100 feet | $250–$400 |
| Over 100 feet | $400–$800 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for a standalone camera inspection of a 50–100-foot sewer lateral through an existing cleanout. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Camera inspection (labor & equipment) | $125–$400 | Technician time and the push camera |
| Trip or service fee | $0–$100 | Some companies charge it separately; many include it |
| Locating and marking the problem | $0–$100 | Above-ground locator pinpoints depth and position |
| Video recording or written report | $0–$100 | Often included; some charge $50–$150 |
| Permits | $0–$0 | Not required for an inspection |
| Estimated total | $120–$700 | Before any discounts or rebates |
The base inspection is most of the cost; ask which extras are already included before you book.
What affects the price
- Length of the line. Longer lines take more time: Angi reports about $175–$250 under 50 feet, $250–$400 for 50–100 feet and $400–$800 beyond 100 feet. Standard cameras reach roughly 200–400 feet.
- Access point (cleanout). An accessible cleanout keeps the price at the low end. Without one, the plumber may have to pull a toilet or go through a roof vent, which pushes the job to about $175–$750.
- Written report or video included. Many plumbers include a basic report, but a recorded video or detailed written report can add $50–$150. Ask for a copy if you plan to show it to other contractors.
- Locating the problem above ground. Using a locator to mark the exact position and depth of a break on the surface adds about $40–$100, and it saves digging in the wrong place later.
- Standalone or bundled with another service. Booking the camera with drain cleaning or a home inspection is usually cheaper than a separate visit. As an add-on to a home inspection it often runs $100–$250, and emergency or after-hours calls add $100–$300.
Ways to save
- Ask your home inspector to add a sewer scope ($100–$250) instead of booking a separate plumber visit when buying a house.
- If you already need a drain cleared, ask for the camera inspection on the same visit; plumbers often discount bundled services and you avoid a second trip fee.
- Schedule during normal business hours. Emergency and after-hours calls can add $100–$300 to the bill.
- Request the video file. Sharing it with other contractors lets you collect competing repair quotes without paying for another inspection.
- Be cautious with free or very cheap inspections offered as a lead-in to an expensive repair. Get a second opinion before agreeing to replacement.
Related questions people ask
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?
A sewer camera inspection usually costs $125–$500, with HomeGuide reporting a national average of about $280. The cheapest jobs run near $70–$100 as a home inspection add-on, and complex inspections can reach about $900.
How to get an accurate quote
Call at least three local plumbers or sewer companies and compare written prices. Tell each one:
- Whether you have an accessible cleanout and where it is, or whether a toilet would need to be pulled.
- The approximate length of the line from the house to the street or septic tank.
- Whether you want a recorded video, a written report and locating included in the price.
- Whether the inspection is for a home purchase, a recurring clog or a planned repair, and whether drain cleaning will be needed first.
FAQ
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most residential inspections take about an hour once the plumber has access to a cleanout. Clearing a clog first or pulling a toilet adds time.
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house?
It is a good idea for older homes and properties with large trees, because sewer replacement can cost $1,400–$10,000 or more. At $100–$250 as a home inspection add-on, the inspection is cheap insurance.
Does a camera inspection fix the problem?
No. It only shows the condition of the pipe. Clogs need drain cleaning or hydro jetting, and broken or collapsed sections need repair or replacement.
For the big picture, start with our complete sewer line replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- HomeGuide — How Much Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Cost? (2026) (Dec 19, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does a Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 30, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does a Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost in 2026? (updated Jun 19, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all foundation & water cost guides.