Sewer line problems: camera, repair or replace

Published national ranges for a sewer camera inspection, clearing the main line and replacing a sewer line, and what to ask before you choose a fix.

Updated September 28, 2026

The figures here are published national ranges from cost guides. They aren't quotes, and local prices vary, so use them to plan and then get quotes from plumbers near you if you'd like to compare.

If sewage is backing up, stop running water.

A camera inspection

A sewer camera inspection costs $125 to $500.^{1, 2, 3}

If a plumber recommends a repair or a new line after an inspection, ask:

For a copy of the video, and to be shown where the problem is.
How far along the line it sits, and how deep.
Whether they think clearing the line would fix it, or only buy time.

Clearing the line

Job	Published range
Clearing the main line	$175 to $800; typically $350 to $650^{4, 5, 6}
Hydro jetting	$350 to $1,400, depending on the line and the blockage^{7, 5, 6}

Replacing the line

Measure	Published range
A typical line	about $1,400 to $5,300 for a typical line^{1, 8}
By length	$50 to $250 a linear foot^{9, 8}

The plumbing and HVAC cost estimator gives a planning range for a camera inspection, clearing the line and replacing it.

Repairing one section, or replacing without digging

We don't list prices for fixing one section of a line, or for trenchless work such as lining the old pipe or bursting it and pulling a new one through. We list a range only when two independent cost guides support it, and these don't have that yet, so this guide can't compare them with digging.

Ask each plumber instead:

Whether the damage is in one place or along the line, and whether a repair of that section is possible.
Whether your line could be lined or replaced without digging a trench, and why or why not.
To price every option they'd consider for your line in writing, side by side, including restoring the yard, driveway or sidewalk afterwards.

Permits

A sewer line job may need a permit, so ask who applies for it and whether the fee is in the price. As one example, San Diego charges $264.25 for a sewer line permit covering the first 100 feet, plus $52.39 for each extra 10 feet.¹⁰ Your city's fee will differ.

The plumber cost guide covers service calls and hourly rates, and the verify guide shows where to check a plumber's license.

Ranges compiled from HomeAdvisor, Fixr and HomeGuide; permit fee from the City of San Diego, checked September 2026.