How Much Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Cost in NJ?

How Much Does a Sewer Scope Inspection Cost in NJ?

If you’re a homeowner, buyer, seller, or real estate investor in New Jersey, a sewer scope inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make. But one of the first questions people ask is: How much does a sewer camera inspection cost in NJ?

The truth is that the cost varies depending on several factors — such as the age of the home, pipe material, length of the sewer line, accessibility, location, and the complexity of the issue being inspected. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that sewer inspections are expensive, but in reality, the cost is minimal compared to the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars a hidden sewer problem can cause.

In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll break down the average sewer camera inspection cost in New Jersey, explain what influences pricing, what is included in a professional inspection, and why this service is essential for anyone buying or owning a home in NJ.

If you're exploring related sewer issues, you may also want to read:

• Signs Your Sewer Line Is Failing: The Top Warning Symptoms NJ Homeowners Miss
• Sewer Backups in New Jersey: What Causes Them & How a Camera Inspection Solves It

Average Sewer Camera Inspection Cost in New Jersey

In New Jersey, the typical cost for a sewer camera inspection ranges from $250 to $550. However, this is only a general estimate. The exact price depends on factors such as the difficulty of access, the length of the sewer line, and the level of detail required for the inspection report.

While prices vary between companies, the most reputable sewer inspection specialists charge within this range because they use advanced equipment, provide video documentation, and deliver accurate diagnoses. Be cautious of extremely cheap inspections — they often lack proper equipment, skip essential steps, or don’t provide a full video recording.

Why Sewer Inspection Costs in NJ Vary

Not all sewer systems are the same. New Jersey homes span over 100+ years of construction styles, each with unique challenges. Because of that, sewer inspection pricing differs from home to home.

Here are the major cost factors:

1. Age of the Home

Older homes — such as those in Bloomfield, Englewood, Clifton, Glen Ridge, and Rutherford — typically have clay or cast iron sewer pipes that often require longer inspection times.

These older systems also tend to have:

• More root intrusion
• More corrosion
• Pipe bellies and misalignments
• Higher likelihood of breaks or blockages

Because older sewer lines can be more problematic, inspections may take longer and cost slightly more.

2. Pipe Material and Length

Homes built in different eras used different pipe materials. For example:

• Pre-1950 homes often have clay pipes
• 1950–1970 homes commonly have cast iron
• Newer homes use PVC

Longer sewer runs — such as those found in towns like Englewood Cliffs, Upper Saddle River, or Westwood — may take more time to inspect, slightly increasing the price.

3. Accessibility of the Sewer Cleanout

If the cleanout is easy to access, inspections go quickly. But if the cleanout is buried, hidden behind walls, or located in a tight crawlspace, additional time and labor may be required.

Some older NJ homes do not have a proper cleanout at all, which can increase inspection cost due to required alternate entry points.

4. Severity of Blockages

If the sewer line is heavily blocked with roots, grease, wipes, or debris, equipment may have difficulty traveling through the pipe. Additional time or mechanical clearing may be required before the camera can reach the full line.

Severe blockages can impact total inspection time, especially in congested areas like Jersey City, North Bergen, or Union City where lines are often older and more complex.

What’s Included in a Professional NJ Sewer Camera Inspection?

A true, professional sewer scope inspection includes far more than simply inserting a camera into a pipe. The goal is to document the entire condition of the sewer line and identify any structural issues, blockages, or hidden failures that could cost thousands later.

A complete sewer inspection should include:

• Full video recording of the sewer line
• Live visual diagnosis using high-resolution camera equipment
• Detection of cracks, leaks, breaks, corrosion, and roots
• Identification of misaligned joints or “bellies”
• Full pipe length measurement
• Professional written or verbal summary

Reputable inspection companies also provide clear evidence of all issues found, allowing you to make informed decisions before purchasing, selling, or repairing a home.

Why Sewer Camera Inspections Are Worth the Cost

A sewer inspection costs only a few hundred dollars — but it can save you from spending $5,000 to $25,000 or more in repairs or replacements. Considering the high failure rate of older sewer lines in NJ, the small upfront cost is worth the protection it provides.

A sewer camera inspection can help:

• Prevent unexpected backups and flooding
• Confirm pipe integrity before buying a home
• Reveal hidden damage early
• Support negotiation with sellers
• Avoid extensive excavation costs
• Provide peace of mind for homeowners and investors

If you want to understand the hidden warning signs of sewer line failure, you can also read:

Signs Your Sewer Line Is Failing

Cost Comparison: Sewer Repair vs Sewer Inspection

To show why sewer inspections are such a valuable investment, here’s a quick comparison of common repair costs in New Jersey:

Hydro Jetting: $350–$900
Spot Repair: $2,000–$6,000
Trenchless Pipe Lining: $4,000–$15,000
Full Sewer Replacement: $10,000–$30,000+

Now compare these costs to a $250–$550 sewer camera inspection.

The math is simple: Spend a few hundred today or potentially tens of thousands later.

Which NJ Areas See the Highest Sewer Inspection Demand?

New Jersey towns with older infrastructure or lots of mature trees often generate the highest need for sewer inspections. Some examples include:

• Elmwood Park
• Englewood
• Closter

Older pipes in these communities often develop roots, corrosion, or cracks that require regular inspection.

When Should You Schedule a Sewer Scope Inspection?

Sewer inspections are most commonly scheduled during:

• Home buyer inspections
• Pre-listing inspections
• Annual or biannual maintenance
• After noticing sewer symptoms
• Before major renovations

However, every NJ homeowner — especially in homes over 40–50 years old — should consider routine sewer inspections every 2–3 years.

How to Choose the Right Sewer Inspection Company in NJ

Not all sewer inspection services are equal. Some companies provide only basic camera footage, while others offer full diagnostics and professional evaluations.

When choosing a sewer inspection provider, look for:

• High-quality camera equipment
• Full video recording included
• Clear explanation of findings
• Experience with NJ pipe materials
• Non-biased inspectors (not trying to upsell repairs)

You can learn more about our team and services at:

• NJ Sewer Camera homepage
• About Us Page

So, How Much Should You Expect to Pay?

In most cases, a sewer scope inspection in New Jersey will cost between $250 and $550. Complex or hard-to-access inspections may cost slightly more, while straightforward ones may fall on the lower end of the range.

Regardless of the final price, the peace of mind — and potential savings — make a sewer camera inspection one of the smartest decisions homeowners can make.

Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection in NJ

If you’re ready to schedule a sewer scope inspection or want more information about the process, we’re here to help. Our team serves all of New Jersey with detailed video inspections, professional reports, and accurate diagnoses you can trust.

To get started, visit our NJ Sewer Camera homepage, reach out through our Contact Page, or learn more about our team on our About Us Page.

A sewer scope inspection is a small investment that can prevent massive problems later. Don’t wait — get the answers you need today.