See Inside the Line
A camera gives a live view of the pipe so you don't have to guess why the drain keeps backing up.
★ 4.8 Stars · 4,700+ Google Reviews · Northern California
Drain & Sewer Camera Inspection
Earl's Plumbing provides drain and sewer video inspections to help homeowners see what's happening inside the line before committing to repairs. We check for roots, broken pipe, offset joints, bellies, blockages, buildup, and real estate sewer concerns.
Call (530) 343-0330 for a free quote. There's no service call fee, no dispatch fee, and no obligation. If you approve the quote, our technician can inspect the line, explain what the camera shows, and walk you through the next options.
★ 4.8 — 4,700+ Reviews
Free quotes
No service call fee
Drain & sewer specialists
24/7 live phone answering
CSLB #772565
Why Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Recurring drain problems usually have a reason. A camera inspection helps us see whether the line is dealing with roots, pipe damage, a belly, buildup, or something else hiding underground.
Find Root Intrusion
Mature trees can send roots into older sewer lines through cracks, joints, and weak spots.
Locate the Problem
When possible, we can pair video inspection with locating equipment to help identify where the issue sits underground.
Useful for Home Buyers
A sewer inspection before closing can uncover hidden sewer or septic-line issues before they become your surprise.
What a Drain or Sewer Camera Can Find
A sewer camera does not just confirm that a line is clogged. It helps show why the clog happened and whether it is likely to come back.
Root Intrusion
Roots entering through cracks or pipe joints, often causing recurring main line backups.
Broken or Cracked Pipe
Pipe damage, missing sections, separations, or collapsed areas that may require repair.
Offset Joints
Misaligned pipe connections that catch waste, paper, roots, or debris.
Bellies in the Line
Low spots where water and solids sit instead of flowing properly toward the sewer or septic system.
Grease & Buildup
Kitchen grease, sludge, or mineral buildup that narrows the pipe and slows drainage.
Foreign Objects
Objects, wipes, debris, or damaged fittings that can create stubborn blockages.
Septic Line Issues
Problems in lines serving septic systems, especially on rural properties and older systems.
Line Condition
General pipe condition for buyers, sellers, property managers, and homeowners planning repairs.
What Happens During the Inspection
Our goal is simple: show you what is happening, explain what it means, and give you clear options before any repair decision.
We review the symptoms
We ask what you are seeing: slow drains, backups, gurgling toilets, sewer smell, a real estate concern, or a problem that keeps coming back.
We access the drain or sewer line
The technician looks for the best access point, such as an exterior cleanout, roof vent, pulled toilet, or other access depending on the home.
We inspect the line with the camera
The camera travels through the pipe and shows the condition of the line. If the line is fully blocked, cleaning may be needed before the camera can pass.
We explain what the video shows
If we find roots, breaks, bellies, buildup, or other issues, we explain the findings and provide repair, cleaning, hydro jetting, or replacement options when appropriate.
Camera Inspection vs. Drain Cleaning vs. Hydro Jetting
These services work together, but they do different jobs. The right one depends on what is happening inside the pipe.
Sewer Camera Inspection
Purpose: Diagnose. The camera shows the condition of the drain or sewer line and helps identify what is causing the problem.
Drain Cleaning
Purpose: Clear. Drain cleaning opens the line when a clog or stoppage is blocking flow.
Hydro Jetting
Purpose: Clean more thoroughly. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour roots, grease, sludge, and buildup from the pipe.
Local Sewer Line Problems We See Often
Northern California homes have plenty of reasons for sewer and drain trouble: older pipe materials, mature trees, rural septic systems, clay soil, and years of buildup.
Common finding
Roots in Older Sewer Lines
Tree roots are one of the most common reasons a main line backs up again after it has already been cleared. The camera helps show whether roots are entering through joints, cracks, or damaged pipe.
Inspection access
Cleanouts, Vents & Access Points
Every home is different. We look for the best access point so the camera can inspect the line with as little disruption as possible.
Buyer protection
Real Estate Sewer Inspections
A sewer line can look fine from the surface and still have roots, cracks, bellies, or older pipe problems underground. A pre-purchase inspection helps buyers make a cleaner decision.
Buying a Home? Get the Sewer Line Checked Before Closing
A standard home inspection usually does not fully inspect the inside of the sewer line. For older homes, rural properties, homes with mature trees, or houses with a history of backups, a sewer camera inspection can reveal expensive problems before they become yours.
Related Drain & Sewer Services
If the inspection shows a problem, Earl's Plumbing can explain the next options and provide a free quote before work begins.
Sewer Camera Inspection Service Areas
Our drain and sewer teams serve Northern California from our Chico, Redding, and Yuba City offices.
Schedule a Free Quote Online
Pick a time that works for you. No service call fee. We confirm same day on most requests.
Plumbing emergency? Don't wait for the scheduler. Call (530) 343-0330 to speak with a live person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Camera Inspections
Direct answers for homeowners, property managers, and home buyers trying to understand what a camera inspection can and cannot do.
What is a sewer camera inspection?
A sewer camera inspection uses a small waterproof camera to look inside a drain or sewer line. It helps identify root intrusion, broken pipe, offset joints, bellies in the line, buildup, blockages, or other problems without guessing or digging first.
When should I schedule a drain or sewer video inspection?
Schedule one if your main line keeps backing up, multiple drains are slow, toilets gurgle, there is a sewer smell, you are buying a home, or a plumber needs to verify the condition of the line before recommending repair or replacement.
Does a sewer camera inspection clear the clog?
No. A camera inspection is diagnostic. It shows what is happening inside the line. If the line is fully blocked, drain cleaning may be needed before the camera can travel far enough to inspect the pipe.
Can a sewer camera find tree roots?
Yes. Sewer cameras can often show root intrusion inside older sewer lines. The camera can also help identify whether roots are entering through cracks, joints, or damaged pipe and whether drain cleaning, hydro jetting, repair, or replacement should be considered.
Can Earl's Plumbing locate where the sewer problem is?
In many cases, yes. A camera inspection may be paired with line locating equipment to help identify where the issue is underground. This can help reduce unnecessary digging and make repair options clearer.
Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a home?
Yes, especially for older homes, homes with mature trees, rural properties, or homes with a history of drain problems. A sewer camera inspection before closing can reveal roots, cracks, bellies, damaged pipe, or septic line concerns before they become an expensive surprise.
What is the difference between sewer camera inspection and hydro jetting?
A sewer camera inspection shows the condition of the pipe. Hydro jetting cleans the pipe with high-pressure water. In many cases, the camera helps confirm what is causing the problem and whether hydro jetting is a good option.
Does Earl's Plumbing charge a service call fee for sewer camera inspection quotes?
No. Earl's Plumbing provides free quotes with no service call fee. A technician reviews the issue, explains the options, and gives upfront pricing before approved work begins.