A sewer inspection is a planned service, though it often follows an urgent backup. A small waterproof camera travels through the line from a cleanout, and a video shows the pipe's condition. We schedule same-day appointments when available, and the line is open 24/7 if a backup cannot wait.
Why inspectWhen a camera inspection is worth it
A line that clogs again
If a line backs up after cleaning, the camera shows whether roots, a sag or a cracked joint is the reason.
Buying or selling a home
A buyer can learn the line's condition before closing, and a seller can document it.
Before landscaping or building
Trees and new foundations can crush or invade a sewer. Knowing the line's path and depth prevents surprises.
After a repair
A follow-up inspection confirms a repair or lining job did what it should.
What a sewer camera can and cannot see
The camera shows cracks, offset joints, roots, grease, scale, sags that hold water and obstructions. With a locator, the plumber can mark the depth and location of a problem above ground. You get the recording to keep, and a plain explanation of what each finding means.
It cannot see past a full blockage, so cleaning sometimes comes first. It does not certify a pipe or a home, and it does not predict how long a pipe will last. It shows condition on the day it is run, which is what you need to make a repair decision.
How it worksWhat happens during an inspection
Find the cleanout
Most homes have an outdoor or basement cleanout. If not, a toilet may be pulled for access.
Run the camera
The camera feeds in while the plumber watches the picture and notes distances.
Mark the location
A locator pinpoints defects and depth at the surface when needed.
Review together
You see the footage and discuss what repair, if any, makes sense.
Common findings and what they mean
| On camera | What it usually means | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Roots at a joint | A joint is leaking and roots are entering | Cleaning, then a spot repair or lining discussion |
| Standing water in a dip | A sag, sometimes called a belly, holds water and solids | Monitoring or repair, depending on severity |
| Cracked or broken pipe | Structural damage that may leak or collapse | Repair discussion with options |
| Heavy grease or scale | The pipe wall is coated | Hydro jetting to clean the full wall |
| Clear pipe, no defects | The clog was likely a one-time blockage | Prevention advice |
If the camera finds damage, the next page is sewer line repair, which explains spot repair, lining and replacement. If it finds buildup, sewer line cleaning is the usual next step.
Champlin contextWhose pipe you are looking at
The City of Champlin Utilities Department maintains the public sanitary sewer, and the Metropolitan Council operates the regional interceptors that carry wastewater to treatment. An inspection from your cleanout covers your own line, and if a defect sits near the connection to the street, the footage helps you talk to the city.
If you plan to dig, Gopher State One Call at 811 marks buried utilities for free before work begins, and a camera locate helps place the dig safely.
AccessCleanouts and what the plumbing code says
According to Minnesota's plumbing code (Minn. R. 4714.0707), cleanouts are the access points that let a plumber reach the drain line. A home with a good cleanout is easier and cheaper to inspect. If yours is buried or missing, we can discuss adding one while the line is open.
PriceWhat a sewer camera inspection costs and what changes the price
Insurers sometimes ask for camera footage after a backup claim, and buyers often ask for it in a home sale, so keeping the recording is useful.
We schedule inspections across 55316 in Champlin and nearby ZIP codes, including 55369 in Osseo, 55311 in Maple Grove and 55327 in Dayton.
FAQsQuestions About Sewer Camera Inspection
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
A typical house line is a short visit once the camera has access. Heavy blockages, long lines and locating add time, and we explain this when we give you the price.
Do I get the video?
Yes. You receive the recording and a plain explanation of the findings.
Will the camera damage my pipe?
No. A camera is a small, flexible tool and is not rigid enough to harm sound pipe.
Is an inspection needed before I buy a house?
It is not required for you to buy, but it can show a problem the seller does not know about. Ask your agent how it fits your purchase timeline.
What if the line is blocked?
We clear it first, then run the camera, so you see the pipe and not the blockage.