How long does a camera inspection take?

Most are under an hour once we have access to a cleanout. You watch the screen with us as the camera runs, so you see the condition of the line yourself rather than taking our word for it.

What does the camera need to enter the line?

An accessible cleanout. Some older homes lack one, and installing it is worth doing regardless because every future service call gets faster and cheaper.

When is a sewer camera inspection worth it?

Before buying a home, before a remodel adds load to old lines, and any time a drain problem keeps returning. Seeing inside the pipe beats guessing, and it keeps you from paying for repairs you do not need.

What does the camera actually show?

The condition of the pipe itself, roots, cracks, offsets, bellies, and buildup, plus exactly where each problem sits. We walk you through the footage so you see what we see.

Sewer Camera Inspections

Professional sewer camera inspections across South Orange County.

About Sewer Camera Inspections

A sewer camera inspection sends a video probe down the sewer line so you can see what is down there instead of guessing. The camera enters through an accessible cleanout and runs the length of the lateral, showing pipe material, cracks and offset joints, root intrusion, scale, standing water in settled sections, and where each problem sits. Most inspections take under an hour, and you watch the screen as the camera runs. It is the check a standard home inspection skips before a purchase, and it ends the cycle of paying twice for the same backup. Plenty of South Orange County housing stock went up in the 1960s and 70s on slab foundations, where roots work into cracked joints in the sewer line. Hummel Plumbing is a family owned shop in San Juan Capistrano, California, run by Jon and Sally Hummel since 2013, California contractors license 1034213, bonded and insured, open 24 hours a day for homes and businesses across South Orange County.

Key Benefits

See the actual condition of the line before spending on repairs

Essential due diligence before a home purchase

Footage provided with a straight assessment, not a sales pitch

Identifies root intrusion, bellies, and scale that surface symptoms cannot

Frequently Asked Questions

Go easy on the water for an hour or so before we arrive, no laundry or dishwasher, so the line is not running full when the camera goes in. If you know where your cleanout is, clear what is sitting on top of it, since on a lot of these properties it ends up behind planters, trash cans, or side yard storage. If the inspection is for a house you are buying, make sure someone has arranged access and that the water is still turned on at the property.

Need Sewer Camera Inspections?

Call or send a request. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call (949) 505-9828

What Customers Say

5.0 stars across 140+ Google reviews.

Joey B.

August 30, 2026

Jon was personable and knew exactly what to do to pull a new waterline for our refrigerator up from our crawl space. He was also very informative about differing water pressure throughout our house. It was obvious he took pride in his work. Communication from Sally was excellent. Stellar family team in the neighborhood. Nice to know we can trust them for our plumbing needs.

Cathy L.

July 24, 2026

Jon Hummel is always a pleasure to work with. He is knowledgeable and very trustworthy. Will always use him for any plumbing needs.

Jodie F.

April 3, 2026

Jon always does an amazing job! We've used his services for years. He's on time, his prices are fair and his work is reliable. We needed a full house repipe after a pipe burst. I knew exactly who I would call for this big job and who I could trust-Hummel plumbing!

Larry A.

April 3, 2025

As a retired plumbing contractor, I'd like to think that I can tell a good plumber, hard worker, and honest man after watching him work. I'm getting a little long in the tooth (and sore in the back) to do much of my own plumbing anymore and I call Jon when I need plumbing help. I have also referred him to my neighbors, who report that they have been very happy with him.

Alexandria G., San Clemente

May 5, 2026

We've used Jon with Hummel Plumbing a few times now here in San Clemente, and he's been great every single time. He previously installed our tankless water heater, and most recently fixed our outdoor shower and handled a few other items for us. Everything has always been done correctly the first time—no shortcuts. He's friendly, thorough, and clearly takes pride in doing things the right way. He was also able to come out quickly, which we really appreciated. It's honestly such a relief to have a plumber we trust. Highly recommend Jon and Hummel Plumbing!

Jamie

July 1, 2026

Super happy with Jon @ Hummel Plumbing, we will be definitely using their services again and recommending them to friends and neighbors, work was completed in a timely, professional clean manner. Truly a hard worker who knows his stuff, thanks again Jon. Talk soon

Joanne P.

March 18, 2026

Showed up earlier than expected, which was clearly communicated and great news. Polite and great work. Pricing up front.

Brad K.

February 20, 2026

Jon and his assistant were prompt, courteous, knowledgeable and fast. I will personally recommend Hummel to my friends and neighbors! Excellent company to deal with in today's world!

Related Services

Work that often comes up alongside sewer camera inspections.

Water HeatersDiagnosis, repair, maintenance, and replacement of tank water heaters for homes and businesses.Tankless Water HeatersInstallation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of tankless water heating systems.Drain CleaningClearing clogged or slow drains in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry areas, and floor drains, with diagnosis of recurring problems.Sewer Cleaning & RepairDiagnosis, cleaning, repair, and replacement of damaged or obstructed sewer lines.Leak Detection & RepairLocating and repairing plumbing leaks, including hidden leaks in walls, ceilings, floors, and under slabs.Water Line Repair & ReplacementRepair and replacement of damaged, leaking, or deteriorated water lines, from single lines to full distribution systems.