You have recurring blockages. Or you smell a sewer odor but cannot find the source. Or you are considering buying a house and want to know the condition of the sewage system. In all these cases, a sewer inspection with a camera is the logical next step. You literally look inside the pipe and see exactly what is going on.
But how does such an inspection actually work? What can you determine with it, what does it cost, and when is it worthwhile? In this article, we explain it.
What is a sewer camera inspection?
During a sewer inspection, a small, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable is guided through the sewer pipe. The camera sends a live video feed to a screen, allowing the technician to see in real-time what is happening inside the pipe. The footage is recorded so you can review it later or share it with, for example, a homeowners' association board or a contractor.
The camera can pass through pipes of various diameters, from narrow indoor drainage (from approximately 40mm) to wide main sewers. For longer distances, a self-propelled camera on tracks is used to move through the pipe.
What can it identify?
A camera inspection answers questions you cannot answer from the outside. The most common findings are:
Clogs and deposits
The camera shows where the clog is located, its size, and what caused it. Is it grease? Limescale? Soap deposits? An accumulation of toilet paper or wipes? This affects the approach. A grease clog is handled differently than a clog caused by root intrusion.
Root intrusion
Tree roots that have penetrated the sewer pipe are immediately visible in the camera footage. You can see exactly where the roots are growing in and how far they have spread. This helps determine whether milling is sufficient or if the pipe needs to be repaired or replaced.
Cracks, breaks, and sags
A pipe that is cracked, broken, or sagging is clearly visible in the camera footage. When a pipe sags, a "belly" forms in the line where water and debris collect, leading to recurring clogs. In the event of a break, soil can enter the pipe, resulting in a complete blockage. In such cases, replacement is the structural solution.
Loose connections
In older sewer systems, loose sleeves and connections can occur. Sewer water leaks out, and groundwater enters. In the camera footage, this appears as an opening or displacement at the connection point.
Material degradation
Cast iron pipes rust from the inside out. Concrete pipes can be corroded by sulfuric acid (biogenic corrosion). The camera shows the extent of the damage, allowing you to assess how much longer the pipe will last.
When is a camera inspection necessary?
A camera inspection is not something you routinely do for every clog. For a one-time, simple clog, unclogging is usually sufficient. However, there are situations where an inspection is truly valuable:
- Recurring Clogs. If your sewer keeps getting clogged, there's an underlying problem: a sag, root intrusion, or a damaged pipe. The camera identifies the cause. You can read more about this in our article on causes of a clogged sewer.
- Sewer Odor in Your Home. If you smell an odor but can't find the source, a camera inspection can help. Sometimes the problem lies in an invisible pipe behind a wall or under the floor. Also read our article on sewer odor in your home.
- Purchasing a Home. When buying an existing home, a sewer inspection is a wise investment. It prevents you from being faced with a broken sewer system and a repair bill of thousands of euros after the purchase.
- After a Renovation. If renovations have been done and the drainage doesn't work properly afterward, the camera can show if something has been damaged or incorrectly connected.
- Preventive for Older Sewer Systems. Do you have a home or complex with a sewer system older than 30 to 40 years? Then it's wise to have an inspection done every few years to detect problems early.
- As a Basis for a Maintenance Plan. For homeowners' associations (VvE's) and property managers, a camera inspection is the starting point for a good maintenance plan. You'll know the condition of the pipes and can plan maintenance and budget accordingly. Read more in our article on sewer maintenance contracts.
How does an inspection work in practice?
A camera inspection is relatively quick and provides immediate results. Here's how it usually works:
Step 1: Determine Access Point. The technician determines the best entry point for the camera into the pipe. This is often through an inspection manhole, a cleanout, or a drain point in the house (toilet, cleanout opening). For an outdoor sewer, it's usually the manhole in the garden or at the property line.
Step 2: Insert Camera. The camera is carefully guided through the pipe. On the screen, you immediately see what the camera sees. The technician can rotate and pause the camera to examine details.
Step 3: Assessment and Reporting. During the inspection, the technician records their findings: the location and nature of any issues, the overall condition of the pipe, and recommendations for maintenance or repair. You will receive a report, often including photos or video clips.
Step 4: Advice. Based on the findings, the technician advises on the next steps. Sometimes cleaning is sufficient, other times repair or replacement is necessary. At RBNL, you always get honest advice, without sales pitches.
The entire inspection usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the length and complexity of the piping system.
What does a sewer inspection cost?
In the market, a camera inspection typically costs between €150 and €250, depending on the length of the section and whether it involves indoor or outdoor drainage. Many companies also add call-out fees and diagnostic costs to this.
At RBNL, you pay €180 for a camera inspection, a fixed price including VAT. No call-out fees, no hidden surcharges.
This investment often pays for itself quickly. When buying a house, an inspection can save you thousands of euros if the sewer system needs replacement: this information can be used in negotiations. And with recurring blockages, you avoid repeatedly paying for unclogging while the real problem remains unresolved.
Call 085 303 9999 for a no-obligation quote. Also, check our page on sewer inspection or read about what unclogging a sewer costs.
Combining Camera Inspection with Cleaning
In practice, a camera inspection is often combined with sewer cleaning. This makes sense: if the pipe is full of deposits, the camera cannot clearly show the condition of the pipe itself. By cleaning first and then inspecting, you get the clearest picture.
At RBNL, we can combine cleaning and inspection in one visit. This saves time and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Camera Sewer Inspection
How long does a camera inspection take?
Usually 30 to 60 minutes. For longer sections or more complex piping systems, it may take a bit longer.
Do I need to be home during the inspection?
That depends. If the camera is inserted via an indoor access point (toilet, clean-out opening), someone must be present to provide access. For an inspection via an outdoor manhole, this is not always necessary. We will discuss this beforehand.
Will I see the footage?
Yes. At RBNL, you can watch live on the screen. Afterward, you will receive a report with the findings, including photos or video clips if relevant.
Can the camera also inspect small pipes?
Yes. We have cameras for various diameters, starting from approximately 40mm. This allows us to inspect narrow indoor drainage, such as the drain of a shower or sink.
Is a camera inspection destructive?
No. The camera is inserted via an existing access point. Nothing needs to be broken open. The inspection is completely non-destructive and leaves no traces in the pipe.
