How Often Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection in South Florida?

How often should you look inside your sewer lines? The answer depends on your South Florida home's age, pipe materials, landscaping, and history. A proactive sewer camera inspection schedule catches problems early—before they become expensive emergencies.

General Inspection Guidelines

Home Category	Recommended Frequency
Homes 40+ years old	Every 1-2 years
Homes 20-40 years old	Every 2-3 years
Homes under 20 years	Every 3-5 years
Properties with mature trees	Every 1-2 years
History of sewer problems	Annually
After any backup or major clog	Immediately

Factors That Increase Inspection Frequency

1. Pipe Age and Material

South Florida homes contain various pipe materials, each with different lifespans:

Cast Iron Pipes (Pre-1975)

• Expected lifespan: 50-80 years
• Prone to corrosion and scale buildup
• Inspection frequency: Annually once pipes reach 40 years old

If your cast iron pipes are deteriorating, learn about cast iron pipe replacement options.

Orangeburg Pipes (1940s-1970s)

• Made from tar paper—extremely prone to failure
• Most have already failed or will soon
• Inspection frequency: Every 6 months if still in use (replacement recommended)

Early PVC/ABS (1970s-1980s)

• Generally reliable but joints may fail
• Inspection frequency: Every 2-3 years

Modern PVC (1990s-present)

• Expected lifespan: 50-100 years
• Inspection frequency: Every 3-5 years

2. Tree Proximity

Trees within 20 feet of your sewer line pose significant root intrusion risk. South Florida's year-round growing season means roots never stop seeking water.

High-risk trees:

• Ficus (extremely aggressive roots)
• Oak trees
• Melaleuca
• Willows
• Large palms

If mature trees are near your sewer line, annual inspections are essential.

3. Previous Problems

If you've experienced any of these issues, increase your inspection frequency:

• Sewage backups into the home
• Recurring drain clogs
• Hydro jetting to clear roots or buildup
• Partial pipe repairs or patches
• Settling or ground movement

4. Property Location

Certain South Florida conditions stress plumbing systems:

• Coastal properties experience saltwater intrusion and corrosion
• Low-lying areas have high water tables pressing on pipes
• Older neighborhoods have aging infrastructure throughout
• Properties near canals may have shifting soil

Learn more about how Miami's climate affects sewer line performance.

Creating Your Inspection Schedule

New Homeowners

When you purchase a property, schedule an immediate inspection if one wasn't done during the buying process. This establishes a baseline and identifies any inherited problems.

Established Homeowners

Base your schedule on the highest-risk factor:

Example 1: 1990 home with no trees near sewer line

• Home is 36 years old (medium age)
• No tree risk
• Schedule: Every 2-3 years

Example 2: 1965 home with large oak tree

• Home is 61 years old (likely cast iron pipes)
• High tree root risk
• Schedule: Annually

Example 3: 2015 home, no issues

• Home is 11 years old
• Modern materials
• Schedule: Every 4-5 years

What Happens During an Inspection

A thorough sewer camera inspection includes:

Pre-Inspection

• Review property history and concerns
• Locate cleanout access points
• Discuss any symptoms you've noticed

Inspection Process

1. Insert waterproof camera into sewer line
2. Navigate through entire accessible length
3. Record video footage
4. Note distance markers for problem locations
5. Identify pipe materials and connections

Post-Inspection

• Review findings with homeowner
• Provide video recording
• Written report with recommendations
• Cost estimates for any needed repairs

Warning Signs That Warrant Immediate Inspection

Don't wait for your scheduled inspection if you notice:

• Multiple slow drains throughout the house
• Gurgling sounds from toilets when other fixtures drain
• Sewage odors inside or outside your home
• Lush green patches in the yard near sewer lines
• Sinkholes or depressions forming in the yard
• Sewage backup into any fixture

These symptoms indicate active problems requiring prompt attention. Contact a plumber for emergency sewer line services.

Combining Inspections with Maintenance

Smart homeowners pair camera inspections with preventive maintenance:

Annual Inspection + Cleaning

For high-risk properties, schedule annual inspection followed by drain cleaning or hydro jetting. This approach:

• Documents current condition
• Removes developing buildup
• Tracks changes over time
• Maximizes pipe lifespan

Bi-Annual Check with Targeted Treatment

If inspection reveals minor buildup:

• Schedule hydro jetting
• Re-inspect after cleaning
• Adjust maintenance schedule as needed

Cost vs Risk Analysis

Regular inspections are an investment in prevention:

Investment	Cost
Annual camera inspection	$250-400
Emergency sewer service	$500-1,500
Sewer line repair	$3,000-10,000
Complete line replacement	$10,000-25,000
Water damage restoration	$5,000-50,000

One or two inspections can pay for themselves by catching a problem early.

Inspection Records: Why Documentation Matters

Keep records of every inspection:

• Future reference when problems develop
• Real estate transactions demonstrate maintenance history
• Insurance claims provide documentation if needed
• Tracking changes reveals developing issues

Request copies of inspection videos and written reports for your files.

Schedule Your Next Inspection

Not sure when your sewer lines were last inspected? If it's been more than 3 years—or you can't remember—it's time.

Hernandez Plumbing offers comprehensive sewer camera inspection services throughout South Florida. We'll assess your system, explain what we find in plain language, and recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule for your specific property.

Don't wait for a backup to find out what's happening in your pipes. Contact us today to schedule your inspection and protect your home from costly sewer surprises.