What a sewer camera inspection is
A sewer camera inspection sends a waterproof camera on a flexible rod through your drain line while a monitor shows the live picture. We record the run, mark where problems sit, and walk you through the footage. It is a planned visit, and most are scheduled for a weekday time that suits you.
The line stays in place. Nothing is dug up. If the camera reveals a problem, we explain it, and you decide what comes next. Our 24/7 line is open if the picture turns urgent.
When people schedule one
Buying a home
Sellers cannot see inside the sewer line and neither can a general home inspector. A camera before closing shows roots, breaks or sags while you can still negotiate.
Recurring clogs
A line cleared more than once needs an answer about why. The camera shows whether it is roots, a belly or grease.
Slow drains throughout
When every fixture is a little sluggish, the main may be narrowed. The camera tells us before we choose a tool.
Before a repair or lining
A repair plan needs the pipe's path, depth and condition. The camera gives all three.
Sewer smell or wet yard
A smell near the cleanout or a soggy spot in the lawn points to a leak the camera can find.
After a repair
A second run proves the work and gives you a record.
What the footage shows
The camera shows the pipe wall, joints and any foreign matter. We read it like a map of the line.
- Roots entering through joints or cracks.
- Cracks, breaks and offset joints where two pipes no longer line up.
- A belly, where the pipe sags and holds water.
- Scale and grease coating the wall.
- Pipe material, such as cast iron, clay or PVC.
- The connection point where your line meets the main.
Buying a home: why the sewer line deserves a look
A repair under a slab or yard can be a large expense that surprises new owners. The camera shows condition before you sign. If it finds trouble, you can ask for a repair, a credit or time to get a repair quote.
Bring the camera report to your agent and your inspector. For homes in the Village, ask PBCWUD at (561) 740-4600 how the public connection is set up and where its responsibility ends.
How the visit works
- 1
Find access
We use a cleanout, or another entry, to put the camera in the line.
- 2
Run the camera
We push the camera along the pipe and watch the screen, noting distances.
- 3
Locate and mark
A locator at the surface marks the depth and path of any problem we find.
- 4
Review the footage
We show you what we saw, explain what it means and give a clear price for any next step.
Local factors
The sewer main in the Village belongs to Palm Beach County Water Utilities. Your inspection covers the private pipe up to the connection, and the footage helps if you need to speak with the utility. Addresses south of Southern Blvd are served by Wellington Utilities at (561) 791-4010.
Mature trees on a lot send roots toward drain lines, which is a common reason to look. A line with roots can run for years before a backup shows.
Inspection findings and what comes next
| Finding | What it means | Common next step |
|---|---|---|
| Clean pipe | No defects seen | Nothing needed |
| Roots | Entry at a joint or crack | Cleaning, see sewer line cleaning |
| Grease or scale | Narrowed pipe wall | Jetting |
| Crack or offset | Damaged pipe | Repair, see sewer line repair |
| Belly | Sagging section | Replace the section |
What we do not do
We do not diagnose a pipe we could not reach, and we say so if a blockage stopped the camera. We do not label a pipe bad to sell you a repair. We do not inspect the county's main in the street.
A camera also cannot show a leak that is not at the pipe wall, or the exact legal boundary of the utility's responsibility. For that, ask PBCWUD.
An inspection is priced by the line and the access. These factors apply.
Length of the line
A short run is quick. A long one takes more time.
Access
A cleanout makes it easy. Pulling a toilet adds time.
Cleaning needed first
If the pipe is full of debris, we clear it so the camera can see.
Report and locating
A written summary or a surface marking may be added.
Scheduling
Weekday visits are usually the simplest to price.
Insurance typically does not pay for an inspection, though some policies may help if a covered loss is involved. Call the 24/7 line and ask for a clear price before work starts.
Call the 24/7 line to schedule a camera run. Same-day appointments are available when schedules allow.
Homes near the Southern Blvd line
Addresses south of Southern Blvd are on Wellington Utilities. We also serve Wellington homes for inspections.
Permits after a finding
If the camera leads to a repair, most Village work needs a permit. The building department is at (561) 790-5128.
Sources and standards
A camera inspection records conditions but does not change code duties: any repair that follows is measured against the Florida Building Code, Plumbing, 8th Edition (2023). The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County handles septic systems, so homes on septic should confirm requirements with that office.
Royal Palm Beach sewer camera inspection questions
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
The visit is usually brief for a short line, and longer if the pipe needs cleaning first. We explain the plan when you call.
Should I get a camera inspection before buying a house?
It is a good idea. A general home inspector does not see inside the sewer line. The footage shows roots, breaks and sags before you commit.
Do I get a copy of the footage?
Yes. We can walk you through the recording and provide a copy on request.
Can the camera see through a blockage?
No. If a clog stops the camera, we clear it first or note where it stopped.
Will you dig up the yard to inspect?
No. The camera goes in through a cleanout or other access point.
Who owns the pipe the camera shows?
Ask Palm Beach County Water Utilities at (561) 740-4600 where its responsibility ends. The footage gives you the facts to bring to that call.
Question not answered here? Call the 24/7 line at (561) 448-8545 and talk to a plumber.