Sewer camera inspection in Philadelphia

A camera inspection shows exactly what is wrong with your sewer lateral, such as roots, cracks, offsets or a collapse, before you pay for a repair. We’ll connect you with a licensed plumber who can scope your line.

Free to use

Independent licensed Philadelphia plumbers

Help with PWD Notices of Defect

What a camera inspection shows

A plumber feeds a waterproof camera on a flexible cable through a cleanout, the curb trap, or a basement drain, and records video of the inside of the pipe. A locator on the camera head lets the plumber mark the depth and position of a problem from the surface. That tells you whether you need a spot repair, lining, or a full replacement, and where any digging would happen.

When to get one

Before buying an older Philadelphia home. Laterals belong to the owner, so a bad one becomes your bill after closing. See buying a house: check the sewer line.
Recurring clogs. If the line needs rodding again and again, roots or a broken joint are likely.
After a Notice of Defect. Video helps you compare quotes for the repair PWD is requiring. See our PWD guide.
Before finishing a basement, so you aren’t breaking up a new floor later.
Before signing up for a backwater valve. PWD’s Basement Backup Protection Program requires the lateral to be in good condition.

What it costs

PlumbingPriceGuide lists Philadelphia sewer camera inspections at $125–$500 (March 2026). Costadia lists $100–$500 (June 2026). If the line is blocked, the plumber may need to clear it first. PlumbingPriceGuide puts rodding at $115–$345 and hydro jetting at $290–$920.

Get the video

Ask for a copy of the recording, with the footage or a written note showing the distance from the entry point to each defect. You can show it to a second plumber, and it keeps quotes honest.

Sources

Checked October 23, 2026. City programs and prices change; confirm with the source before you rely on them.