How often should you get a sewer camera inspection

A sewer camera inspection uses a specialized camera to evaluate the condition of your main sewer line, looking for cracks, corrosion, root intrusion, blockages, and other damage. How often you should schedule this test depends on several factors, including home age, pipe material, and any history of drainage issues.

Baseline guidance for many households is to schedule a proactive inspection every 1–2 years. This frequency balances catching developing problems early with the costs of the service. Homes with older pipe materials or clay mains typically benefit from closer monitoring, possibly annually, due to higher risk of root intrusion and deterioration.

Several scenario-based guidelines can help you decide. If your home was built on a clay or cast-iron main, or if you have a history of sewer backups or frequent slow drains, an annual check is often prudent. If your sewer line is relatively new or using more modern materials like PVC, every 2–3 years may suffice—unless there are new concerns.