Sewer scope inspection cost in Seattle (2026):
what a camera inspection costs and when to get one
HOW MUCH DOES A SEWER SCOPE INSPECTION COST IN SEATTLE?
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) says a sewer video inspection generally costs $230 to $845, depending on your pipe's condition. In Seattle you own the side sewer from your house to the public sewer under the street, so problems found on the video are usually yours to fix. SPU recommends an inspection when you're buying a home and at least every 8 to 10 years.
What the sources say it costs
| Source | Range | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Public Utilities | $230–$845 | — |
| HomeGuide (U.S.) | $125–$500 | — |
| HomeAdvisor (U.S.) | $270–$1,731 for most homeowners | $1,000 |
| Angi (Seattle) | $451–$3,342 | $1,781 |
Why the gap? Angi's own Seattle line items are much lower than its headline average: $250 to $360 for a pipe under 50 feet and $580 to $1,160 for one over 100 feet. Angi doesn't explain the gap; its most expensive line is specialty camera work at $870 to $2,180 or more. We lead with the City's $230 to $845 because it comes from Seattle's own utility.
What changes the price
| Factor | Angi Seattle price |
|---|---|
| Pipe under 50 ft | $250–$360 |
| Pipe 50–100 ft | $360–$580 |
| Pipe over 100 ft | $580–$1,160 |
| PVC pipe | $250–$440 |
| Cast iron pipe | $360–$580 |
| Clay pipe | $440–$730 |
| Orangeburg pipe | $580–$1,160 |
| Standard camera | $220–$440 |
| HD camera | $440–$870 |
SPU also notes that "cameras cannot see under water," so a camera is most useful after a blockage has been cleared. If the line is backed up, the inspection may need a cleaning first, which adds cost.
Which part of the pipe is yours
- You own the side sewer. SPU says that if you own your home, you own your side sewer up until the public sewer pipe under a street near your home.
- The City owns the main. The public sewer under the street is SPU's.
- Gas lines: before clearing a side sewer, SPU advises calling Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 to avoid damaging a gas line.
More on responsibility, shared side sewers and the SPU repair permit: sewer line replacement cost.
When to get a sewer scope
- Before buying a home. SPU: "When considering purchasing a home, have the side sewer inspected."
- On a schedule. SPU recommends inspecting your side sewer at least every 8 to 10 years, and every 2 to 3 years if large trees or shrubs grow nearby.
- When there are signs of trouble, such as slow drains or sewage odors, which Angi lists among reasons to inspect.
Buying a house in Seattle: what to ask
- Ask for a copy of the inspection video. SPU suggests including it when you collect repair bids; contractors can provide it on a USB drive or as a link.
- Ask what kind of pipe it is. Angi's Seattle trenchless guide notes that older homes often have Orangeburg pipe and that clay soil can cause sagging pipes.
- Ask the inspector to note where any roots, cracks or sags are and how far they are from the house.
- Be careful with a "free" inspection from a company that also sells the repair, and get at least three written bids, as SPU advises.
If the video shows a problem
| Next step | Reported cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Repair without digging (lining or pipe bursting) | $100–$170 per foot | SPU, Taking Care of Your Sewer Pipe |
| Trenchless side sewer repair | $60–$200 per foot | SPU, Troubleshooting Your Sewer Problem |
| SPU side sewer repair permit (private property) | $280 | SPU side sewer permits |
Compare methods in trenchless sewer line replacement cost. Seattle's Office of Housing Home Repair Loans may help eligible low- to moderate-income owners of single-family homes: (206) 684-0458.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a sewer scope inspection cost in Seattle?
Seattle Public Utilities says a sewer video inspection generally costs $230 to $845, depending on the pipe's condition. Angi's Seattle prices by pipe length run from $250 for a pipe under 50 feet to $1,160 for one over 100 feet.
Should I get a sewer scope before buying a house in Seattle?
Seattle Public Utilities recommends it: "When considering purchasing a home, have the side sewer inspected." In Seattle the buyer becomes responsible for the side sewer up to the public main.
Who pays for side sewer repairs in Seattle?
The property owner. SPU says you own your side sewer up until the public sewer pipe under the street near your home.
How often should a sewer line be inspected?
SPU recommends at least every 8 to 10 years, and every 2 to 3 years if large trees or shrubs grow nearby.
Why are sewer camera inspection prices so different?
Angi's Seattle average is $1,781, but its own line items start at $250 for a short pipe and reach $870 to $2,180 or more only for specialty camera work. Seattle Public Utilities gives $230 to $845. Ask each company exactly what its price includes.
Need the pipe replaced? See sewer line replacement cost and trenchless sewer line replacement cost.
Sources
- Seattle Public Utilities — Taking Care of Your Sewer Pipe
- Seattle Public Utilities — Troubleshooting Your Sewer Problem
- Seattle Public Utilities — Side Sewer Permits
- Angi — Sewer camera inspection cost in Seattle, WA
- Angi — Trenchless sewer line replacement cost in Seattle (April 8, 2026)
- HomeGuide — Sewer Line Repair Cost (December 22, 2025)
- HomeAdvisor — Sewer Line Camera Inspection Cost (2025)
Sources accessed October 26, 2026; HomeGuide and the SPU permit fee checked October 4, 2026; Angi's trenchless guide checked October 8, 2026.
This guide summarizes published cost estimates and Seattle Public Utilities information. It is not a quote. Get written estimates from licensed, bonded and insured contractors. See our disclosure and disclaimer.