See Exactly What's Happening Inside Your Sewer Line
A sewer camera inspection takes the guesswork out of a sewer problem. Instead of assuming what's wrong, we run a specialized waterproof camera down the line and watch the inside of the pipe in real time — roots, grease buildup, cracks, sags, and blockages all show up on screen. You see what we see.
Hiawatha Sewer has been inspecting and servicing sewer lines across the Roseville, Richfield, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, and Twin Cities area since 1947. If you've had a recurring backup, you're buying a home, or you just want to know the condition of your line, call us at 612-722-2212.
When You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
A camera inspection is worth it in a few common situations:
Recurring backups. If your main line keeps clogging every few months, the camera shows why — usually roots entering at a joint or a damaged section — so you can fix the cause instead of paying to clear the same clog again and again.
Before buying a home. A sewer line is one of the most expensive things in a house to repair, and it's invisible during a standard home inspection. A pre-purchase sewer inspection tells you the true condition of the line before you buy. (More on this below.)
Before a repair. Locating the exact spot and depth of a problem means a repair can be targeted instead of exploratory, which saves digging and cost.
After a cleaning. A quick look confirms the line is actually clear and shows whether there's anything underneath the clog you should keep an eye on.
Older homes. Clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipe common in older Twin Cities homes are prone to root intrusion, cracking, and collapse. A camera inspection establishes a baseline.
What a Camera Inspection Shows
The camera reveals the things you can't diagnose from the surface:
Tree roots growing in through joints and cracks
Grease and buildup narrowing the pipe
Cracks, breaks, and collapsed sections
Bellies (low spots where the pipe sags and catches waste)
Offset or separated joints where sections have shifted
Pipe material and general condition — useful for knowing what you're working with
We can also locate the exact position and depth of a problem from the surface, so if a repair is needed, we know precisely where.
Buying a Home? Inspect the Sewer First
A standard home inspection does not include the sewer line. That means one of the most expensive systems in the house — often thousands of dollars to repair or replace — goes unchecked during the purchase.
A pre-purchase sewer camera inspection shows you the real condition of the line before closing. If it's in good shape, you buy with confidence. If there are roots, a belly, or a failing section, you know before it's your problem — and it becomes something you can raise in negotiation. For the cost of an inspection, it's cheap insurance on a major purchase.
How Our Inspection Works
We access the line through a cleanout or other access point.
We run the camera through the main line, watching the interior on a monitor as it goes.
We locate any problems — including the exact spot and depth from the surface when there's something to find.
We show you the footage and explain it. You'll see what we see, and we'll tell you in plain terms whether the line is healthy, needs a cleaning, or has damage that calls for repair or lining.
No guessing, no scare tactics — just a clear picture of your line and honest options.
What Happens After the Inspection
The inspection tells us which path your line actually needs:
If it's clear and healthy, you have peace of mind and a baseline for the future.
If there's roots or buildup, we can clear the line — and hydro jetting may be the right call if the pipe is heavily coated.
If there's damage — a crack, a collapsed section, a bad joint — the camera shows exactly where, so repair or trenchless lining can be targeted instead of exploratory.
Areas We Serve
Hiawatha Sewer provides sewer camera inspections in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding communities, including Roseville, Bloomington, Richfield, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, New Brighton, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Falcon Heights, Robbinsdale, Crystal, Hopkins, and Edina.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most inspections take under an hour. If we find a problem, we can locate its exact position and depth on the same visit and walk you through what it means before any further work.
Do I need a camera inspection or just a cleaning?
For a first-time clog, a cleaning is often all you need. A camera inspection is worth it when the line backs up repeatedly, before buying a home, or before a repair — any time you need to know the actual condition of the pipe, not just clear a blockage.
Should I get a sewer inspection before buying a house?
It's one of the smartest inspections you can add. A standard home inspection doesn't include the sewer line, and repairs can run into the thousands. A camera inspection shows the line's real condition before closing, so there are no expensive surprises after you move in.
Can a camera inspection find where roots are getting in?
Yes. The camera shows exactly where roots are entering — usually a joint or a crack — and we can pinpoint the location and depth from the surface, so any repair is targeted rather than exploratory.
What kinds of problems can a sewer camera find?
Roots, grease and buildup, cracks and breaks, collapsed sections, bellies (sagging low spots), and offset or separated joints. It also shows the pipe material and general condition of the line.
Do you show me the video?
Yes. You'll see the footage and we'll explain what it means in plain language, so you can make a decision based on what's actually in your line rather than taking our word for it.
Call Hiawatha Sewer for a Sewer Camera Inspection
Not sure whether your line needs a cleaning or a repair? A camera inspection shows you exactly what's happening inside the pipe — roots, cracks, bellies, or buildup — so you're not guessing.
Hiawatha Sewer inspects sewer lines across the Twin Cities and shows you the footage, so you can decide based on what's actually in your line. Third generation, since 1947.
Call now or fill out the Request Service form and we'll get you scheduled.