A sewer line video inspection is designed to answer one key question: what’s really going on inside the underground pipe? Instead of relying on symptoms alone, the process sends a remotely operated camera through the line and captures real footage for review.

For homeowners and property managers, that visual evidence can be especially valuable when recurring backups, slow drains, foul odors, or unexplained plumbing failures suggest a hidden problem below ground.

How the inspection works

During a video inspection, a technician inserts a small camera into an access point—often a cleanout—then moves it through the sewer line while monitoring the feed on-site. The system typically records the route, measures distance traveled, and captures images or videos at relevant locations, creating a reference report you can keep.

What you may see in the footage

Toilets are built for human waste and toilet paper—but many households accidentally treat the plumbing like an all-purpose trash can. The result is frequent clogs, foul odors, and expensive repairs for both homeowners and municipal sewer systems.

While “don’t flush anything except toilet paper” is good advice, the real-world list is broader. Below are items people commonly flush (or try to) that should instead go in the trash or follow specific disposal rules.

1) Flushing wipes (even “flushable” ones)

Wet wipes, baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, and similar “flushable” products often don’t break down the way toilet paper does. They can snag in pipes, accumulate in sewer lines, and contribute to “fatbergs” and blockages at treatment facilities.

Do this instead: Put wipes in a waste bin. If they’re heavil ... Read more »

A sewage ejector pump is designed to move wastewater from a lower level (like a basement) to the main sewer line. When it starts to fail, the results can be messy and expensive—so it helps to know what “normal” looks like and what doesn’t.

Below are common signs that your sewage ejector pump may need service or inspection.

1) Strange noises or new vibrations

Many pumps make some sound while operating, but sudden changes are a red flag. Grinding, rattling, clunking, or loud humming can indicate an impeller problem, a worn motor component, or debris in the pump chamber. If the vibrations seem stronger than usual, it’s worth having the unit checked before it worsens.

2) The pump runs more often than it used to

Most systems cycle based on tank level and float controls. If the pump turns on much more frequently—or seems to stay run ... Read more »

A sudden or persistent sewer smell inside a house is usually caused by a breakdown in how plumbing traps, vents, or drainage systems prevent sewer gases from escaping. While some issues are quick to troubleshoot, others may require a plumber—especially if the odor is strong, recurring, or paired with slow drains.

Start by checking where the smell is strongest. Odors near bathrooms often relate to drains and plumbing seals; smells closer to laundry rooms, floor drains, or basements can point to traps, sewer-line leaks, or ventilation problems. If you also notice gurgling sounds in toilets or sinks, or multiple drains are slow, the cause may be more than a single fixture.

Dry or failed P-traps in drains

Every sink, tub, and floor drain typically relies on a water-filled trap (often a “P-trap”) to block sewer gases. If a drain hasn’t been used recently—or if water has evaporated&mdash ... Read more »