Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Sewer Inspections

Nothing turns a regular day into a nightmare faster than raw sewage backing up into your home or yard. In Sacramento, where older homes often have clay or cast iron pipes and big trees with aggressive roots, sewer line problems are more common than you'd think. The good news? Most disasters can be avoided with a simple, non-invasive sewer camera inspection.

At Always Affordable Plumbing & HVAC, we've helped hundreds of Sacramento homeowners catch small issues before they become five- or six-figure emergencies. Here's why proactive sewer inspections should be part of your home maintenance routine.

Why Sewer Lines Fail (And Why You Might Not Notice Until It's Too Late)

Your main sewer line carries all wastewater from your home to the city sewer or septic system. Buried underground, it's out of sight—and often out of mind—until something goes wrong.

Common problems we see on camera inspections in the Sacramento area:

• Tree root intrusion – Roots love the moisture and nutrients in sewer lines and can crack pipes as they grow.
• Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections – From shifting soil, age, or earthquakes.
• Grease buildup and blockages – Years of fats, oils, and "flushable" wipes create stubborn clogs.
• Belly or sagging pipes – Low spots where water pools and debris collects.
• Offset joints or corrosion – Especially in older cast iron or clay pipes.

Left unchecked, these issues lead to slow drains, foul odors, sewage backups, yard flooding, and even foundation damage.

The #1 Way to Catch Problems Early: Sewer Camera Inspection

A sewer camera inspection (also called a sewer scope) is the gold standard for diagnosing sewer issues—without digging up your yard.

Here's how it works:

1. We access your sewer line through an existing cleanout (or install one if needed).
2. A high-resolution, waterproof camera on a flexible cable is fed through the pipe.
3. Live video feeds to a monitor, letting us see every inch of your line in real time.
4. Many cameras include a locator that marks exact problem spots above ground.

The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes and causes zero damage to your landscaping.

Top Benefits of Regular Sewer Inspections

• Save thousands in repairs – Fixing a small crack or clearing roots early costs hundreds. Waiting until collapse can mean full line replacement ($10,000+).
• No guesswork – Pinpoint the exact location and cause so we only fix what's needed.
• Prevent health hazards – Stop sewage backups and mold before they start.
• Peace of mind for home sales – Buyers love seeing a clean inspection report.
• Protect your property value – Avoid soggy yards, sinkholes, or foundation issues from leaks.

Warning Signs It's Time for an Inspection

Don't wait for a full backup! Call us if you notice:

• Multiple slow or gurgling drains
• Sewage odors in the house or yard
• Wet, soggy, or unusually green patches in your lawn
• Frequent toilet or drain clogs
• Sewage backups in toilets, tubs, or floor drains
• Rodent or insect activity near drains

How Often Should You Inspect?

• Every 2–3 years for routine maintenance
• Annually if you have large trees near the line or an older home (pre-1980)
• Immediately if buying/selling a home or noticing any warning signs

Many of our customers add sewer inspections to their annual HVAC tune-up for maximum protection.

Let Us Protect Your Home from Sewer Nightmares

A quick camera inspection today can save you massive headaches (and money) tomorrow. At Always Affordable Plumbing & HVAC, we use state-of-the-art equipment and provide honest, upfront recommendations—no scare tactics, just real solutions.