Why should buyers and sellers get a sewer line inspection during a home sale?

A camera inspection of the lateral sewer line is one of the few ways to identify root intrusion, offset joints, bellies, cracks, or full collapse before closing. Many North Bay homes have clay or cast-iron laterals over 50 years old, and lateral repairs are not covered by the city. Catching the issue during escrow lets the parties negotiate the cost of repair rather than discovering it after the buyer moves in.

What does a sewer line inspection actually involve?

Our technician runs a high-resolution camera through a cleanout or pulled toilet flange, traversing the lateral from the home to the city main or septic connection. The full run is recorded so the buyer, seller, and agents can see the same footage. We document line material, depth, defects, and any root intrusion, then provide a written report with the video file.

How long does the inspection take and is the line cleaned first?

A standard residential lateral inspection takes 30 to 60 minutes once access is established. If the line is heavily soiled or holds water in a belly, we may recommend a pre-inspection cable cleaning or hydro jetting so the camera can see pipe condition rather than just debris. We will flag this on the call and provide pricing before any cleaning is performed.

Sewer Camera Inspection | North Bay

Q: Can sewer odors enter my home?

Yes. Dry P-traps, cracked vent lines, or broken seals can allow gases to escape indoors.

Q: How often should I inspect my sewer line?

Have your line inspected with a camera every 1 to 2 years, especially if your home is older or surrounded by trees.

Q: What causes sewer backups?

Common causes include tree roots, grease buildup, damaged pipes, and flushing inappropriate items.

Your sewer line is one of the most critical components of your home’s plumbing system—but because it’s underground, problems often go undetected until serious damage occurs.

At Ongaro & Sons, we offer professional sewer line inspections to help homeowners and home buyers in Northern California make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.

Using advanced camera inspection technology, our licensed plumbers can quickly and accurately assess the condition of your sewer line without digging up your yard.

Whether you’re buying a new home, preparing to sell, or simply want to understand the health of your existing plumbing system, a sewer line inspection gives you the insight you need.

From detecting clogs and root intrusions to identifying corrosion, cracks, or collapsed pipes, our inspection service uncovers issues early, when they’re most manageable and affordable to fix.

Sewer Line Inspections in North California

Call Ongaro & Sons when you need a team of experts to assess the health of your plumbing and sewer line systems. We have the highest level of licensing in California and remain diligent about staying up to date with new and advanced technology in our industry.

Don’t wait for a plumbing emergency—schedule a sewer line inspection today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is in good shape.

Importance of a Sewer Line Inspection Before the Purchase and Sale of a Home

Are you selling or purchasing a home in Northern California? Or are you a real estate agent helping a client sell or buy a home? Don’t forego a sewer line and plumbing inspection!

Identify Issues Before Listing

Sewer line inspections allow sellers to uncover and address plumbing problems before putting a home on the market, helping avoid surprises during escrow.

Strengthen Buyer Confidence

Provide Negotiation Leverage

Prevent Costly Surprises

Improve Marketability

Your Comfort, Our Priority

Ongaro & Sons is your trusted heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and solar expert—specializing in reliable maintenance and repair services that keep your home running efficiently year-round.

Our certified technicians deliver unmatched expertise with fast, friendly service across Northern California. From HVAC tune-ups to plumbing repairs and electrical upgrades or solar solutions, we focus on energy-efficient performance and long-term comfort. Count on us to maintain the systems that power your home and keep your environment just the way you like it.

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PHCC- and NATE-Certified Experts

Our technicians are licensed, experienced, and trained to service all makes and models.

Locally Owned and Operated

Serving the Napa, Marin, and Sonoma communities with personalized, hometown service.

Reliable Repairs

We respond quickly and get the job done right the first time—no surprises.

Why Schedule a Private Sewer Line Inspection?

Even if you're not buying or selling a home, a sewer line inspection is a smart step for protecting your investment and avoiding costly surprises. Think of it as a health check-up for your plumbing system—one that offers peace of mind and early detection of potential problems.

Here’s why a private sewer inspection is worth considering:

Protects Your Home and Landscape

Catch issues like cracks, blockages, or root intrusions early—before they lead to backups or expensive yard excavation.

Provides a Clear Picture of Your Sewer Line’s Condition

Helps You Avoid Major Repairs

Supports Long-Term Maintenance Planning

Delivers Peace of Mind

Call to Schedule a Sewer Line Inspection Today

Whether you’re preparing to sell your home, finalizing a purchase, or simply want peace of mind as a homeowner, a professional sewer line inspection is one of the smartest decisions you can make. At Ongaro & Sons, we combine decades of plumbing expertise with cutting-edge camera inspection technology to give you a clear, accurate picture of your underground sewer system—without the mess or guesswork.

Don’t let hidden issues catch you off guard. Protect your property, plan confidently, and ensure the long-term health of your plumbing system.

Call 415-741-2820 or request services online today to schedule your sewer line inspection in Marin, Sonoma, or Napa counties, and throughout Northern California.

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Ongaro Maintenance Plans

Annual maintenance on your home systems provides safeguards and comfort to you and your family. Neglecting your routine checkups can potentially put everyone at risk.

With these annual visits, our experienced technicians use the latest technology to help find unsafe problems before they can become bigger problems.

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