Sewer Camera Inspection Services

A sewer camera inspection is one of the most reliable ways to diagnose sewer line problems before they escalate into major plumbing emergencies. At PhD Home Services, we use advanced video inspection equipment to locate blockages, identify broken pipe sections, and evaluate the overall condition of your sewer line. Homes in Otego, Oneonta, and surrounding areas often have older cast-iron or clay sewer lines that can deteriorate over time, and a camera inspection gives you a clear look inside the system without unnecessary digging or guesswork.

When toilets back up, drains gurgle, or multiple fixtures slow down at the same time, the issue is often deeper in the sewer line. Tree roots, corrosion, settling soil, and frost-line movement can all cause sewer pipe failures. A sewer camera inspection allows us to see exactly where the pipe is damaged, blocked, misaligned, or collapsed. This helps determine whether the best solution is drain cleaning, pipe repair, or full sewer replacement.

Older farmhouses and rural properties in Upstate NY commonly have long sewer runs from the home to the septic connection. These lines may include multiple transitions, older materials, or sections that have shifted from decades of frost cycles. Our sewer camera inspection equipment can locate breaks, sags, bellies, or points where roots have penetrated the pipe. This ensures we create the most accurate repair plan possible and avoid unnecessary excavation.

A sewer camera inspection becomes especially important when homeowners experience repeated toilet clogs, basement drain backups, or unexplained odors around the property. Rather than clearing the line blindly, our camera gives a precise view of the blockage source. Whether a section of cast iron is flaking internally, a clay tile joint has separated, or a PVC section has developed a low spot, the inspection reveals the exact cause and its location.

For homes considering renovations, additions, ADUs, barn conversions, or new bathrooms, a sewer camera inspection verifies whether the existing sewer system can handle increased demand. Many rural homes were built long before modern plumbing standards, and the sewer line may need upgrades to ensure proper slope, diameter, and flow. We help homeowners make informed decisions before investing in construction or new fixtures.

Winter weather in Otsego County can also affect sewer performance. Frozen soil, shifting ground, and deep frost movement can contribute to pipe separation, blockages, or partial collapses. Our video inspection helps identify these cold-weather issues early, allowing us to stabilize the sewer system and prevent larger failures during freeze-thaw cycles.

Once the inspection is complete, we provide a clear explanation of what the camera found, including whether pipe repair or full sewer replacement is needed. Because we specialize in sewer line repair and replacement up to your septic tank connection, we can handle everything from minor spot repairs to full replacement of aging or damaged lines.

A sewer camera inspection is the most efficient and accurate way to protect your home from sewer failures, avoid costly excavation, and ensure your drain system flows properly year-round. At PhD Home Services, every inspection is performed by a master plumber who understands the unique challenges of rural plumbing, older homes, and long private sewer runs throughout Otsego County.