Why Sewer Camera Inspections are Worth the Cost in DFW

Homeowners in the Dallas-Fort Worth area often deal with unique sewer system challenges due to the region’s expansive clay soils, mature trees, and aging infrastructure. A sewer camera inspection is a small investment that can prevent major plumbing disasters, saving you thousands in repairs. Whether you own a historic home in Fort Worth, a suburban property in Plano, or a rental in Arlington, understanding the benefits of sewer inspections is crucial.

What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer scope is an inspection of the lateral sewage line – from the property’s foundation to the city, HOA tap, or septic tank. The goal of a sewer scope is to identify and report faults in the lateral sewer line, as well as the materials used within the sewage system.

A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a high-resolution camera into your home’s sewer line to detect blockages, cracks, or deterioration. This service is especially valuable in areas like Dallas, where tree roots commonly invade sewer lines, and Fort Worth, where shifting soils can cause pipes to crack or misalign.

We look for any obstructions using a snake scope camera that is fed into one of your home’s drainage pipes. We can see your property’s sewage system with the live video provided by the camera. We report our findings to you. Anything suspicious needs to be investigated.

Why Dallas-Fort Worth Home Buyers Need Sewer Inspections

1. Prevent Expensive Repairs

In DFW, many homes—especially in older neighborhoods like Oak Cliff or Irving—have clay or cast-iron pipes that deteriorate over time. A routine camera inspection can identify potential problems before they escalate into costly emergencies.

2. Protect Your Home’s Value

If you’re buying or selling a home in the Dallas area, a sewer camera inspection can provide peace of mind. Many buyers request sewer inspections as part of the home-buying process, and having a clean report can make your property more attractive in competitive markets like Frisco or McKinney.

3. Avoid Unexpected Plumbing Issues

The North Texas climate can contribute to shifting foundations, which, in turn, impact underground plumbing. If you notice slow drains or unexplained odors, a sewer inspection in Fort Worth or Dallas could pinpoint the issue before it becomes a disaster.

What We Look For

There are a few things that would cause us to expect an issue with damaged sewer pipes, even without an inspection. If you notice any of these things in your home, you would benefit from having a sewer camera inspection performed:

• Water backing up inside the house or crawlspace
• Large trees in the yard which make root damage more likely
• House was built more than 25 years ago which are more likely to have clay pipes
• Noticeable shifting or movement of the ground around the home
• Extra-green or lush patches of grass

The types of issues we are looking for during a sewer camera inspection are:

• Serious clogs or blockages
• Cracks, damage or imperfections
• Corrosion in cast iron piping
• The type of material used (clay, concrete, plastic, metal, etc)
• Roots growing through the line
• Separation or failure of the materials
• Potential damage or issues with the septic tank

Is it Worth the Cost?

Most home inspections are performed for homebuyers as part of the purchase process – although we also regularly perform inspections on new homes being built, and provide annual maintenance inspections after your home purchase to make sure your home remains in good condition. Purchasing a home is a significant investment with an equally significant outlay of cash, so we know you’re wondering if adding one more cost to your closing is worth it.

The answer is yes. A home inspection is the best way for you to understand what repairs and maintenance – and the associated costs – may be expected in the near future. In the case of sewer lines, repairing a damaged line can cost around $250-$300 per foot of repaired line. Repairing an entire line or sewage system can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. However, the expense is minor compared to the potential thousands of dollars in repairs from undetected sewer problems.

Signs You Need a Sewer Inspection in Dallas-Fort Worth

• Recurring Drain Clogs – Common in older homes in Fort Worth and Dallas due to pipe deterioration.

• Slow Drainage – Could indicate tree root intrusion, especially in neighborhoods with mature landscaping like Richardson and Southlake.

• Foul Odors – Sewer gas leaks can become a health hazard if left unchecked.

• Lush Patches of Grass – An unexpected green patch in your yard could mean a leaking sewer line.