A sewer camera inspection runs a waterproof camera through your main drain to show what’s actually going on inside the line. It answers the question drain cleaning can’t: is this a one-time clog, or is the pipe failing? We do sewer camera inspections for homeowners and for buyers looking at an older house.
When a camera inspection makes sense
- Before you buy an older home. You inherit the lateral. In the Johnson County Wastewater service area, the homeowner is responsible for the service line and its connection to the public main. Source.
- After repeated main-line clogs or when the drain cable keeps bringing back roots.
- Before choosing a repair method. Different repair methods suit different pipe conditions, and the camera shows which ones are realistic.
- After a basement backup, to find out whether the cause is in your line.
- Before finishing a basement or remodeling, when opening floors later would be expensive.
What we look for
- Root intrusion at joints
- Cracks, breaks and collapsed sections
- Offset or separated joints
- Sags (bellies) that hold standing water and solids
- Grease buildup
- Transitions between pipe materials, where older and newer sections meet
- The approximate location and depth of any defect, so a repair can be planned
After the inspection
If the line is sound, you’ll know, and you can stop worrying about it. If we find a defect, we’ll explain the options plainly, such as periodic cleaning, a spot repair or a full replacement, and what each one involves for your line. See sewer line repair.
Local notes
- JCW guidance: Johnson County Wastewater says the best way to protect against roots in a service lateral is to have it inspected by a licensed plumber, and that a CCTV camera inspection can determine its condition. Source.
- Housing age: median year built is 1959 in Prairie Village, 1953 in Mission Hills, 1950 in Fairway and 1950 in Roeland Park (Census ACS 2020–2024, table B25035).
- Repairs need a permit: JCW requires a free Sewer Repair Permit for repairing a damaged or collapsed service line. Source.
Sewer Camera Inspection: common questions
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house in Prairie Village?
For an older home, it's worth considering. In the JCW service area the buyer becomes responsible for the sewer lateral and its connection to the public main, and a general home inspection usually doesn't include the lateral. Most Prairie Village homes were built before 1960 (57%, Census ACS 2020–2024).
What does a sewer camera inspection show?
Roots, cracks, offset or separated joints, sags that hold water, grease buildup, collapsed sections, and sometimes the pipe material. It also shows roughly where and how deep a problem is, which shapes the repair.
Does Johnson County Wastewater inspect my lateral for me?
No. JCW says private service lines are the homeowner's responsibility and it doesn't repair or maintain them. JCW recommends having the lateral inspected by a licensed plumber and notes a CCTV camera can determine its condition.
Do I need a permit to repair a lateral?
Johnson County Wastewater requires a Sewer Repair Permit to repair a damaged or collapsed service line. JCW says these permits are free.
Learn more
Related services
Sewer Line Repair & Replacement
Root-damaged, broken or sagging sewer laterals, repaired or replaced.
Drain Cleaning
Kitchen, bathroom, laundry, floor drains and main sewer lines that are slow or backing up.
Leak Detection & Repair
Hidden leaks behind walls, under floors and in supply lines, found and fixed.
Sewer Camera Inspection near you
We handle sewer camera inspection in Prairie Village and nearby: Fairway, Leawood, Lenexa, Merriam, Mission, Overland Park, Roeland Park, Shawnee, and Westwood. See all service areas.