Video diagnosis of Sanitary Drain line

[rfsmith48]

Folks,

My house was built on the cheap about 35 years ago, with little or no inspection during the build.

I have been Roto-rooting the Sanitary drain once a year, (Approx.) for the past 20 years.

It seems like it would be useful to get a Video scan of the line to determine where the intrusion occurs. Are they cost effective? What is a typical charge? (The house is setback 30' from the street, the street is 35' wide.)

If/when the scan finds a section of damaged/collapsed pipe, what are the repair options?

Am I just better off Snaking this line until I move?

Thanks in Advance,

Rog Smith

[Redwood]

If you require snaking once a year something ain't right. I would definitely recommend a camera inspection of the line. Seeing what is wrong and where it is located is the first step in having a trouble free line. Once the size of the area to be repaired and its depth is known you will be able to get a price for repair. It is then that you can decide if you want it fixed or you can keep on snaking til one day when even that won't work.

[Cass]

The company by the same name as what you have been doing once a year will, in most cases, camera the line free so they can give you a bid. At least here they do. You want to camera it right after they snake it.

[Redwood]

They should have suggested it already... Years ago!

[hj]

Many 'plumbing companies" that give "free" camera inspections always find a reason that the sewer has to be replaced or seriously repaired. Sort of going to the eye doctor for an examination and always needing glasses. I always use an independent locating company, that way there is never a conflict of interest in the diagnosis. It usually runs in the neighborhood of $300-$400.