Question 1

Does the standard sewer inspection include pipes inside the building?

Accepted Answer

No. The standard Sewer Lateral Camera Inspection follows the line downstream from an accessible house trap or cleanout toward the street. Interior drain stacks, fixture drains, and building drain piping upstream of that entry point are not included, and neither is the public sewer main. An entry point inside a basement does not expand the scope to the interior drainage system.

Question 2

Does a stack inspection include every connected drain?

Accepted Answer

No. One stack inspection covers one selected, accessible vertical drain stack where observable. It does not automatically cover connected kitchen, bathroom, laundry, or other branch drains.

Question 3

Can a camera always be inserted from the roof?

Accepted Answer

No. A roof vent is not guaranteed to provide a navigable route through the intended stack. Roof access must first be assessed and accepted, and coverage depends on pipe diameter, bends, connections, buildup, and obstructions.

Question 4

Can a stack camera inspection help avoid opening walls?

Accepted Answer

It may document observable conditions before someone commits to exploratory opening, but it cannot find every leak or eliminate every need for selective opening. Additional testing or opening may still be necessary.

Question 5

What if access or an obstruction prevents completion?

Accepted Answer

We document what was and was not accessible. If we arrive and cannot inspect because access is unavailable and we were not warned beforehand, the existing $100 no-access policy may apply. We do not add automatic overtime; additional work must be discussed and approved first.

Question 6

Can both services be booked together?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same-visit bundle includes the standard sewer lateral scope plus up to 90 minutes onsite for one selected, accessible stack in an eligible residential building. Taller, commercial, multi-stack, or complex-access requests require a custom quote and review before confirmation.

Question 7

What is a sewer scope inspection?

Accepted Answer

A sewer scope is a video inspection of the sewer lateral — the underground pipe that carries waste from a home to the municipal sewer main or septic system. A self-leveling camera is pushed through an accessible entry point and records the interior of the line so visible conditions can be documented and reviewed.

Question 8

How much does a sewer camera inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

Residential inspections start at $249 in Nassau County, Queens and Staten Island, $299 in Brooklyn and $599 in Manhattan. Commercial buildings start at $599 in Nassau County, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island, and $1,200 in Manhattan. The starting price covers a standard inspection through an accessible entry point, the recorded video and a digital inspection summary.

Question 9

Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a house?

Accepted Answer

Many buyers choose to. The sewer lateral is generally the homeowner's responsibility, it is not visible during a standard home inspection, and repair or replacement work can be significant. A camera inspection gives you documented information about the condition of the line before you close.

Question 10

Does a normal home inspection include the sewer line?

Accepted Answer

Typically not. A standard home inspection is largely visual and does not include running a camera through the underground sewer lateral. A sewer scope is a separate, specialized inspection — many home inspectors refer it out.

Question 11

How long does a sewer inspection take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential sewer camera inspections take roughly 30 to 60 minutes on site, depending on access, the length of the line and conditions encountered during the inspection.

Question 12

What can a sewer camera find?

Accepted Answer

A camera inspection can reveal visible conditions such as root intrusion, cracked or broken sections, offset joints, standing water that may indicate a belly or drainage issue, visible deterioration associated with aging pipe, and blockages or buildup restricting the line.

Question 13

How far can the camera travel?

Accepted Answer

We can typically inspect up to approximately 230 feet where conditions permit. Actual distance is never guaranteed — it depends on access, pipe configuration, pipe diameter, obstructions, turns, blockages and physical site conditions.

Question 14

Can you locate a sewer defect underground?

Accepted Answer

Where appropriate, we use 512Hz locating to approximate the surface position and depth of a significant observation. This helps a licensed plumber or sewer contractor evaluate the area if further work is being considered.

Question 15

Will I receive the sewer inspection video?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You receive the recorded inspection video, images of significant observations and a digital inspection summary. Results are delivered the same day when practical.

Question 16

Do you repair sewer lines?

Accepted Answer

No. We inspect it, we don't repair it. NY Sewer Cam does not repair or replace sewer lines, snake drains, hydro jet or excavate. Inspection is our only service.

Question 17

Why use an independent sewer inspection company?

Accepted Answer

Because we do not sell repair work, our business does not depend on finding something wrong with a sewer line. You are paying us to inspect and document the line — nothing else.

Question 18

Do you work with real-estate agents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with agents and brokers who want transparent pricing, simple scheduling and independent documentation for their buyers. You can start a partnership from our page for real-estate professionals.

Question 19

Do you work with home inspectors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Home inspectors can offer sewer camera inspections to their clients without purchasing, maintaining or training on sewer camera equipment. We handle the inspection and provide the video and summary.

Question 20

When should I schedule the sewer inspection?

Accepted Answer

Most buyers schedule the sewer scope during the inspection period, often alongside or shortly after the general home inspection, so there is time to review the findings before contract deadlines.

Question 21

What happens if you find a problem?

Accepted Answer

We document what is visible on camera and describe the conditions observed. We do not quote repairs or provide repair estimates. If a significant condition is observed, further evaluation by a licensed plumber or sewer professional may be recommended.

Question 22

What if there is no accessible cleanout?

Accepted Answer

It happens often, and you do not need to know in advance. We look for an available access point on site. If the line cannot be accessed or inspected, we will tell you plainly what was and was not possible.

Question 23

Do I need to be at the inspection?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Someone needs to provide property access, but many inspections are completed with the agent, seller or home inspector present. Results are delivered digitally either way.

Sewer Lateral & Interior Stack Questions

Inspect before you close.