When you’re facing recurring backups, slow drains, or buying a home with older infrastructure, professional camera inspection shows you exactly what’s wrong underground—eliminating guesswork and preventing unnecessary excavation. Excavating New Jersey LLC provides high-definition sewer line camera inspection services throughout Sussex County and Northern NJ, with nearly 20 years of experience diagnosing pipe problems and recommending the right solutions.

Licensed & Insured | HD Video Documentation | Free Flat-Rate Estimates | Same-Day Inspections Available

Tired of Guessing What’s Wrong With Your Sewer Line?

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We use professional camera inspection to diagnose these common problems:

• Recurring backups that return weeks after drain cleaning
• Multiple slow drains throughout your home
• Root intrusion from trees and landscaping
• Orangeburg pipe failures in homes built 1945-1972
• Pre-purchase inspections for real estate transactions
• Pipe bellies and offsets causing chronic drainage issues
• Unknown blockage locations requiring exploratory digging

High-definition camera inspection shows you exactly what’s blocking or damaging your sewer line—with precise location marking so repairs target the problem, not guesswork.

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Professional Sewer Camera Inspection Services

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Complete Video Pipe Inspection

We insert waterproof HD cameras through cleanouts or access points to visually examine your entire sewer lateral. Self-leveling camera heads capture clear footage of pipe interiors, revealing blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and material degradation. You receive recorded video documentation showing exactly what we found and where problems are located.

Precise Problem Location with Sonde Technology

Our cameras include radio frequency transmitters that pinpoint exact underground locations of problems. Using handheld receivers at ground level, we mark the precise depth and position of blockages, breaks, or root masses. This eliminates exploratory digging and allows targeted repairs that save time and money.

Pre-Purchase Home Inspections

Buying a home in Sussex County built before 1990? Camera inspection reveals hidden sewer problems before you close. We inspect the entire lateral from foundation to street connection, documenting pipe material, condition, and any failures. Video evidence provides negotiating leverage or informs your decision to walk away from properties with serious underground issues.

Real Estate Transaction Support

Sellers facing failed sewer inspections need fast, documented solutions. We provide camera inspection reports that satisfy buyer requirements and identify whether cleaning, spot repair, or replacement is necessary. Our pay-at-closing option allows work to proceed immediately with payment deferred until sale funds are available.

Post-Repair Verification

After sewer line repairs or cleaning, camera inspection confirms work was completed properly. We document clear pipes, proper flow, and successful problem resolution—providing peace of mind and warranty documentation for future reference.

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Why Sussex County Homeowners Trust Excavating New Jersey

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What Camera Inspection Reveals

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Root Intrusion

Tree and shrub roots enter through joints or cracks, developing into masses that trap debris and restrict flow. Camera inspection distinguishes between early-stage penetration (addressable through hydro-jetting) and advanced infiltration (requiring pipe repair). In Sussex County’s wooded areas, mature oak and maple root systems frequently impact sewer laterals installed decades ago.

Pipe Bellies (Sags)

Sections of pipe that settle lower than surrounding areas create low spots where water pools and sediment accumulates. Camera inspection identifies bellies by observing standing water when no active flow is occurring. Ground settling, soil erosion, and poor installation all contribute to belly formation—common in Northern NJ’s freeze-thaw climate.

Offset Joints

Pipe sections that separate or shift horizontally create lips that catch waste and paper. This problem is particularly common in older clay tile systems where ground movement gradually displaces individual sections. Camera footage clearly shows the visual “step” where pipes no longer align properly.

Orangeburg Pipe Failure

Homes built 1945-1972 often contain Orangeburg pipe—wood pulp and coal tar material that deforms and delaminates. Camera inspection reveals the characteristic oval cross-section and peeling interior surfaces. Any detection of Orangeburg typically requires immediate replacement recommendations.

Cast Iron Tuberculation

Rust and corrosion deposits build up inside cast iron pipes, gradually reducing effective diameter. Homes built 1950-1980 in Morris and Sussex Counties frequently feature cast iron laterals now experiencing significant tuberculation. Camera inspection reveals extent of diameter reduction and helps determine whether descaling or replacement is appropriate.

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When to Schedule Sewer Line Camera Inspection

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Recurring Backups After Cleaning

If blockages return within weeks or months of professional drain cleaning, structural problems are causing the issue. Bellies, offsets, or root masses create conditions where clogs reform quickly. Camera inspection identifies the underlying cause rather than treating symptoms.

Multiple Slow Drains Simultaneously

When toilets, showers, and floor drains all drain slowly at once, the problem resides in your main sewer lateral. This pattern suggests partial obstruction or flow restriction in the line carrying all household wastewater—not individual fixture issues.

Gurgling Sounds from Drains

Bubbling or gurgling when running water indicates air displacement in your sewer line. This often signals a developing blockage that hasn’t yet caused complete backup. Camera inspection catches these problems early, before they become emergencies.

Unexplained Wet Spots or Lush Grass

Sewage leaking from underground pipes creates localized saturated soil and accelerated plant growth. If you notice consistently wet areas during dry weather or unusually green grass patches, camera inspection determines whether a compromised sewer line is the cause.

Pre-Purchase Property Inspections

Homes built before 1990 in Sussex County warrant sewer camera inspection before closing. A $300-400 inspection can reveal thousands of dollars in hidden sewer problems, providing crucial negotiating leverage or informing your decision about the property.

Age-Based Preventive Assessment

Even without symptoms, proactive inspection makes sense for older homes. Clay tile systems over 40 years old, cast iron over 50 years, or any home with known Orangeburg pipe should be inspected to catch problems before they cause emergencies.

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The Camera Inspection Process

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Step 1: Access Point Location

We identify the optimal entry point—typically an exterior cleanout near your foundation or property line. When no cleanout exists, we access through roof vents or toilet removal. Professional assessment determines which entry provides the most thorough system view.

Step 2: Camera Navigation

After accessing the line, we feed the camera cable through the system while monitoring real-time HD video. The self-leveling camera head maintains proper orientation through bends and direction changes. We record the entire inspection for detailed review and documentation.

Step 3: Running Water Test

We run water from interior fixtures to observe flow patterns and reveal problems. Dynamic testing shows how water moves through bellies, where channeling occurs, and how offsets affect drainage—information static inspection cannot provide.

Step 4: Problem Location Marking

When the camera identifies issues, we use sonde locating at ground level to pinpoint exact positions. Marking these locations with flags creates a precise map for repair crews, eliminating exploratory digging and reducing repair costs.

Step 5: Documentation & Reporting

You receive detailed reporting including video footage, still images of specific problems, distance measurements, and marked locations. This documentation supports repair estimates, real estate negotiations, and future maintenance planning.

Total inspection time: 1-2 hours for most residential sewer laterals.

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Understanding Your Options After Inspection

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When Cleaning Solves the Problem

If camera inspection reveals root intrusion without structural damage or soft blockages like grease buildup, professional cleaning typically resolves the issue. Hydro-jetting uses high-pressure water to scour pipe interiors, removing roots, scale, and debris. This approach works when the pipe structure itself remains sound.

When Spot Repair Makes Sense

Localized problems—a single offset joint, short collapsed section, or isolated root damage—often warrant targeted repair. We excavate only the damaged section for replacement, or use trenchless methods like spot lining. This costs significantly less than full replacement when damage is limited.

When Replacement Is Necessary

Widespread deterioration, multiple problem areas, or systemic material failure typically justify full lateral replacement. Orangeburg delamination, advanced cast iron tuberculation, or clay tile with numerous offsets all indicate replacement is the right long-term solution. Modern PVC installations provide 50+ years of trouble-free service.

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Camera Inspection for Real Estate Transactions

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The Hidden Cost of Skipping Inspection

Sewer line problems represent one of the most expensive hidden defects in residential real estate. Failed or failing sewer laterals cost $5,000-$15,000 to replace. In Sussex County’s housing market where many properties feature older infrastructure and mature landscaping, a $300 camera inspection offers tremendous risk mitigation.

Negotiating Power with Video Evidence

Camera documentation clearly shows problems and supports repair negotiations. Sellers may agree to complete repairs before closing, offer credits against purchase price, or adjust sale price. Without camera evidence, negotiations rely on estimates and assumptions rather than documented facts.

Buyer Protection

Pre-purchase inspection prevents inheriting someone else’s deferred maintenance. You understand exactly what underground infrastructure you’re buying and can make informed decisions about proceeding, negotiating, or walking away from properties with serious sewer issues.

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Common Pipe Materials & Their Failure Patterns in NJ

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Vitrified Clay Tile (Pre-1980s)

Clay tile was the standard residential sewer material throughout most of the 20th century. While clay resists corrosion, joints represent vulnerability points for root intrusion and ground movement. Many Sussex County homes built before 1980 feature clay laterals now 40-70 years old—approaching or exceeding design lifespan.

Cast Iron (1950s-1980s)

Cast iron’s weakness is interior corrosion that develops tuberculation. Camera inspections often reveal significant diameter reduction and rough interior surfaces impeding flow. Homes from this era warrant inspection even without obvious symptoms.

Orangeburg Pipe (1940s-1970s)

This wood pulp and coal tar material deforms under soil pressure and delaminates internally. Any home inspection revealing Orangeburg typically results in immediate replacement recommendations. Camera inspection clearly shows the characteristic oval shape and peeling surfaces.

PVC (1980s-Present)

Modern plastic pipes resist corrosion and feature smooth interiors promoting flow. Camera inspections of PVC lines typically focus on joint integrity and identifying any crushing or deformation from external pressure. These systems generally outperform older materials significantly.

Frequently Asked Sewer Camera Inspection Questions