Cast Iron Pipe Inspection: $150-$350 Camera Inspection Guide
Don't guess at your pipe condition—see it. A camera inspection shows exactly what's happening inside your cast iron pipes, so you can make informed decisions about repair vs. replacement.
✓ Last updated: February 11, 2026 | Pricing verified with Texas plumbing contractors
When Should You Get a Pipe Inspection?
Your Home is 40+ Years Old
RecommendedCast iron pipes last 50-75 years. If your home was built before 1985, an inspection can reveal how much life your pipes have left.
Recurring Drain Problems
Schedule SoonFrequent clogs, slow drains, or backups that keep coming back indicate a systemic problem—not just a one-time blockage.
Sewage Odors
Schedule ASAPSmelling rotten eggs or sewage inside your home or yard means gases are escaping through cracks or failed joints.
Buying an Older Home
Before PurchaseDon't inherit a $20,000 problem. A $200 inspection before purchase can reveal hidden plumbing issues.
Large Trees Near Sewer Line
RecommendedTree roots are the #1 cause of sewer line damage. Mature trees within 20 feet of your line warrant inspection.
Wet Spots or Green Patches
Schedule SoonUnusually green grass or soggy areas in your yard suggest sewage leaking and fertilizing the soil.
What Happens During a Pipe Inspection?
Access Point Location
The plumber locates your cleanout (usually a capped pipe near your foundation or in your yard) or accesses through a drain opening like a toilet or cleanout in your basement.
Camera Insertion
A waterproof camera on a flexible cable is fed into your drain system. The camera has LED lights and transmits live video to a monitor where you can watch in real-time.
Pipe Inspection
The plumber navigates the camera through your entire drain system, documenting condition at each section. They note pipe material, joints, corrosion, cracks, roots, and blockages.
Results & Recommendations
You receive a video recording and written report. The plumber explains findings and recommends next steps: monitoring, spot repair, partial replacement, or full replacement.
What Inspectors Look For
Corrosion & Rust
- • Internal scaling
- • Wall thickness loss
- • Rust buildup
- • Pitting damage
Common in 40+ year pipes
Root Intrusion
- • Root entry points
- • Root mass blocking flow
- • Joint penetration
- • Pipe cracking from roots
#1 cause of blockages
Structural Issues
- • Cracks & fractures
- • Bellies (low spots)
- • Joint separation
- • Collapsed sections
May require replacement
Flow Capacity
- • Internal diameter
- • Scale buildup
- • Debris accumulation
- • Grease deposits
Affects drain speed
Joint Condition
- • Lead joint integrity
- • Hubless band clamps
- • Connection leaks
- • Offset joints
Entry points for roots/water
Location Mapping
- • Pipe depth & path
- • Problem area location
- • Cleanout positions
- • Connection points
Essential for repairs
🚨 Red Flags That Require Immediate Attention
Complete Pipe Collapse
Pipe has caved in, blocking all flow. Requires emergency replacement.
Severe Corrosion (>50% wall loss)
Pipe walls are paper-thin and could fail any day.
Multiple Root Masses
Roots throughout the system indicate widespread pipe damage.
Active Leaks
Water visibly leaking into surrounding soil, causing foundation risk.
Bellied/Sagging Sections
Low spots where waste collects, causing chronic backups.
Inspection Cost Breakdown
| Inspection Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Camera Inspection | $150-$250 |
| Comprehensive Inspection | $250-$350 |
| Locate & Map Service | $300-$500 |
| Pre-Purchase Inspection | $200-$400 |
| Emergency Inspection | $300-$500 |
💡 Pro Tip: Get a Credit
Many plumbers credit the inspection fee toward repairs if you hire them. Ask before booking: "Will the inspection cost apply to my repair bill?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cast iron pipe inspection cost?
What does a pipe camera inspection show?
How long does a pipe inspection take?
When should I get my cast iron pipes inspected?
Can I do my own pipe inspection?
What happens if the inspection finds problems?
Know Your Pipe Condition Before Problems Strike
A $150-$350 inspection can save you thousands by catching problems early. Get quotes from licensed inspectors in your area.
Average response time: 24 hours • Video report included • Many credit toward repairs