Sewer Camera Inspections in DuPage County

Get clear answers about your sewer system before problems get worse.
Plumber performing an outdoor sewer camera inspection using a reel to diagnose clogs, root intrusion, or damage in the main sewer line.

Sewer Issues Don’t Fix Themselves—They Get Worse

When drains gurgle, toilets back up, or foul odors rise from your basement or yard, the problem often lies in your sewer line. But without the right tools, it’s impossible to know whether you’re facing a small blockage or a major collapse.

That’s why Father and Sons Plumbing & Drain Cleaning LLC provides professional sewer inspection services—giving you an accurate diagnosis and the confidence to move forward with the right repair.

What a Sewer Inspection Includes

Our licensed plumbers follow a proven process to make sure every sewer inspection service is thorough, accurate, and stress-free:

Cleanout Location & System Access

We start by finding the best access point to your sewer line—usually the cleanout. If you don’t know where it is, don’t worry—our team can locate it or create safe access without damaging your property. This ensures the inspection covers your main sewer line and not just the visible drains.

Initial Flow & Blockage Check

Before inserting any equipment, we test how water flows through your drains. This helps us identify whether you’re dealing with a partial sewer blockage, a complete clog, or a deeper problem like a collapsed pipe.

“Tomas and his helper did an amazing job when it came down to unclogging my sewer. They came out Saturday morning to my location in Burr Ridge within two hours…”

Korps Leet

Advanced Sewer Camera Inspection (When Needed)

For many properties, we use a waterproof HD camera to get a live, real-time view inside your sewer pipes.

  • Detects cracks, breaks, or root intrusion
  • Shows build-up of grease, sludge, or foreign debris
  • Identifies misaligned joints or sagging (bellied) pipes


The camera lets you see exactly what we see—no hidden issues, no guesswork.

Condition Assessment & Diagnosis

As the camera (or inspection tools) moves through the system, our plumber explains everything in plain English. You’ll know if you’re facing:

  • A simple sewer cleaning issue
  • Damage that requires sewer rodding
  • Structural issues that need sewer repairs or trenchless sewer lining

Clear Recommendations—No Pressure

At the end of the inspection, you’ll receive:

  • A summary of our findings
  • Photos or video footage (if applicable)
  • Honest recommendations for the best fix


Unlike some companies, we don’t pressure you into unnecessary services. If your
sewer system is fine, we’ll tell you.

Optional Documentation for Buyers & Sellers

For homeowners and real estate clients, we can provide a digital copy of the sewer inspection report—perfect for negotiations, disclosures, or insurance claims.

Signs It’s Time for a Sewer Inspection

Not sure if it’s time to call for a professional sewer inspection service? If you’re noticing even one or two of these warning signs, it’s best to schedule help before the problem escalates:

1️⃣ Multiple drains clogging at once – If sinks, showers, and tubs are backing up together, the issue is likely in the main sewer line, not just one fixture.

2️⃣ Toilets gurgling or bubbling – Air escaping through water means there’s a restriction or blockage deeper in the sewer system.

3️⃣ Water backing up in lower-level drains – Sewage in your basement floor drain or shower is a red flag for sewer line blockages.

4️⃣ Persistent sewer odors – Smells in your basement, yard, or near drains often point to cracks or breaks in underground sewer pipes.

5️⃣ Soggy patches or sinkholes in your yard – Wastewater leaking underground can saturate soil, leading to costly landscaping and foundation issues — often caused by a damaged sewer lateral.

6️⃣ Unexplained backups after rain – If water returns during storms, your sewer system may be overloaded, damaged, or poorly graded.

7️⃣ Buying or selling an older home – Sewer inspections are rarely included in standard home inspections. A quick sewer camera inspection today can save thousands at closing.

👉 If you’re checking off two or more of these signs, it’s time to schedule a sewer inspection service near me. Waiting only makes the repair bigger and more expensive.

What Problems Can a Sewer Inspection Detect?

A professional sewer inspection doesn’t just reveal hidden problems—it also helps you plan the right fix.

Here are the most common issues we find, along with solutions from our licensed team:

Tree Root Intrusion

Roots are naturally drawn to moisture. Once they break into your sewer line, they can:

  • Wrap around pipes, causing cracks and collapses
  • Create stubborn blockages that drain cleaning alone won’t fix
  • Lead to recurring backups and costly emergency repairs


Left untreated, roots can destroy an entire
sewer system.

Solution: Our sewer rodding service clears roots mechanically, and sewer lining can seal the pipe to prevent regrowth.

Collapsed or
Cracked Pipes

Older clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg pipes often break down over time. A sewer camera inspection can reveal:

  • Small cracks letting wastewater leak into soil
  • Full collapses that stop flow completely
  • Structural failures that require sewer repairs or pipe replacement


The sooner it’s found, the less invasive (and less expensive) the fix will be.

Solution: We handle both targeted sewer repairs and full sewer installation when replacement is the only option.

Pipe Corrosion & Material Breakdown

Metal pipes corrode, clay pipes shift, and older materials degrade. An inspection can expose:

  • Rust and scale buildup restricting flow
  • Holes allowing groundwater infiltration
  • Weak spots that can burst under pressure

Ignoring corrosion means risking a complete sewer line replacement later.

Solution: Our sewer lining service restores strength without major digging, or we provide long-lasting sewer replacement.

Grease, Sludge & Foreign Buildup

Everyday waste builds up inside sewer pipes. Over time, this causes:

  • Narrowing the pipe’s diameter
  • Slow drains in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
  • Frequent clogs that snake work can’t resolve


Catching buildup early means a quick
sewer rodding service instead of major excavation.

Solution: Sewer rodding removes the buildup, while our Plumbing Leak Repair team ensures no secondary issues are adding grease or water to the system.

Misaligned or Bellied Pipes

Shifting soil, poor installation, or settling foundations can cause pipes to sag (“belly”) or misalign. This leads to:

  • Wastewater pooling inside the pipe
  • Chronic clogs that won’t go away
  • Accelerated deterioration of pipe walls


A
sewer inspection service helps pinpoint these defects before they trigger property damage.

Solution: Depending on severity, we offer sewer repairs for sections or full sewer installation for a long-term fix.

“Elias and his crew did an excellent job cleaning out the sewer drain from my house. They arrived on time, professional and friendly, and explained exactly what was going on.”

Bob Mattson

Construction Debris or Blockages

Sometimes the issue isn’t age — it’s leftover material or improper connections. We’ve found:

  • Concrete, rocks, and debris inside new builds
  • Toys, rags, and non-flushables blocking flow
  • Improper tie-ins causing weak spots


These can all be fixed quickly once identified through a
sewer inspection.

Solution: We use sewer rodding or camera inspections to locate and remove obstructions quickly.

Overflow & Flooding Risks

A weak sewer line can cause basement flooding, damaging your property.

Solution: Pairing sewer inspections with a reliable sump pump replacement ensures your home stays protected against water damage.

📌 Bottom line: No matter what the inspection reveals, Father and Sons has the solution in-house — from quick sewer rodding to full system installation.

Sewer Inspections for Every Situation

No two properties are the same — and neither are the reasons for a sewer inspection. Father and Sons helps a wide range of clients across DuPage County, whether it’s a preventive check or an emergency service.

Homeowners

Backups, slow drains, or sewer odors can strike anytime. For homeowners, a sewer inspection service identifies whether it’s a simple blockage or a serious sewer line issue. Early detection prevents costly emergencies.

Homebuyers

A standard home inspection doesn’t cover the main sewer line. Without it, you could inherit thousands in underground repair costs. A pre-purchase sewer camera inspection protects your investment and strengthens your negotiation power.

Realtors & Sellers

For sellers, a sewer inspection eliminates last-minute surprises that delay or derail closings. For realtors, recommending inspections builds credibility with clients and ensures smoother transactions.

Property Managers & Landlords

One failed sewer system can impact multiple tenants. Routine inspections help prevent complaints, keep units safe, and cut down on after-hours emergency calls.

Commercial Properties

Businesses can’t afford downtime. Sewer backups mean health risks, lost revenue, and bad reviews. Our sewer inspection services help businesses stay compliant, safe, and operational.

After Sewer Repairs

Finished a sewer repair, rodding, or lining? An inspection verifies the job was done right and ensures the line is flowing smoothly before the project closes.

📌 Bottom line: Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with an emergency, a professional sewer inspection from Father and Sons is the most reliable way to protect your property and your wallet.

Preventive vs. Emergency Sewer Inspections

Preventive Inspections

For buyers, sellers, landlords, and anyone wanting peace of mind before problems surface
.

Emergency Inspections

For urgent sewer backups, flooding, or odors that can’t wait. We provide same-day sewer inspections with 24/7 availability.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for this plumbing company! I had a flood in my basement yesterday around 10pm last night and they responded right away. The service was excellent.” – HER G

Why Choose Father and Sons for Sewer Inspection?

Skilled & Experienced

Years of hands-on expertise delivering reliable sewer inspection across DuPage County.

Family-Owned & Trusted

Local plumbers who show up on time, explain the work clearly, and treat your property with respect.

Fast Scheduling

Same-day service inspection available, with 24/7 emergency service for urgent problems.

Fair, Upfront Pricing

Transparent quotes with no hidden fees or unnecessary upsells.

Proven Reputation

Homeowners and businesses rely on us for dependable plumbing and drain solutions.

FAQs – Sewer Inspections

What is a sewer inspection?

A sewer inspection is when a plumber checks the condition of your sewer line to find clogs, cracks, or damage. Many inspections use a sewer camera for a clear view inside the pipe.

During a sewer inspection service, a plumber accesses your line through a cleanout, runs flow tests, and may use a sewer camera inspection to show real-time footage of blockages or breaks.

Warning signs include slow drains, gurgling toilets, bad odors, water backing up in the basement, or soggy spots in the yard. A sewer inspection near me confirms the problem.

Plumbers use flow tests, cleanout checks, and camera inspections to diagnose sewer line issues. Each method helps locate blockages or pipe damage without digging.

A sewer inspection identifies problems early, prevents messy backups, and gives clear repair options. It’s useful for both emergency situations and preventive checks before buying or selling a home.

Book Your Sewer Inspection Today

Don’t wait for a minor sewer problem to become an expensive disaster. Father and Sons provides fast, reliable sewer inspections with clear results and same-day service available.