Sewer camera inspection in Folsom
A camera inspection shows what is actually inside your sewer line: roots, grease, offset joints, sags and breaks. In Folsom, it’s also what the City requires when it sends a private lateral inspection notice.
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You’ll be asked for your address, which drains are affected, and whether water is coming back up.
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What the camera shows
A waterproof camera on a flexible push rod goes in at a cleanout and records the pipe as it travels. Most systems show the distance from the entry point on screen, and many can locate the camera head from above ground, so a defect can be marked on the lawn.
- Roots, and the joints they’re coming through
- Grease build-up, scale and debris
- Offset or separated joints
- Sags (“bellies”) where water and solids sit
- Cracks, breaks and collapsed sections
- Connections that let rain or groundwater in
It doesn’t show a line full of water. If the pipe is backed up, it usually has to be cleared before the camera can see anything.
When it’s worth getting one
- The same line has clogged more than once.
- Someone is recommending a repair or replacement and you want to see why.
- You’re buying a home and want to know the lateral’s condition.
- Roots were cut and you want to see what’s left.
- The City of Folsom has sent you a written inspection notice.
If the City of Folsom sent you an inspection notice
Folsom Municipal Code 13.08.160 lets the City require an inspection of a private sewer lateral when it believes the lateral may be defective or could cause a blockage. It can reach that conclusion from its own work on the public sewer or by other means. The notice sets the time for the inspection and for submitting the report.
The code sets what the inspection has to include:
- A licensed plumber completes the inspection and the report.
- A CCTV (camera) inspection of the private lateral, at minimum.
- The severity and location of displaced or open joints, roots, cracks, leaks, inflow or infiltration of water, fats, oils and grease, debris and rags, or other defects likely to cause a blockage.
- Any connection that lets rainwater or groundwater into the lateral or the public sewer.
- Any backflow device on the lateral, and its condition.
- Every corrective action needed, with the estimated time and cost.
- The recording itself, as a printed image, thumb drive or other electronic format the City accepts.
Any permits the repairs need must be obtained before construction starts.
Camera inspection questions
Does a camera inspection need a cleanout?
A cleanout makes it easiest: the camera goes straight in and can run the full lateral. Without one, a plumber can sometimes go in through a roof vent or by pulling a toilet, but the view is more limited. Folsom requires a cleanout at the property line on new construction and new connections (Municipal Code 13.08.080).
Should I get the sewer line scoped before buying a house in Folsom?
Many buyers do, especially for older homes or lots with large trees, because the lateral up to the property-line cleanout becomes the new owner’s responsibility. Ask for the recording, not just a written summary.
The City sent me a notice. How long do I have?
The notice itself sets the deadline. Folsom’s code says the City’s written notice sets a reasonable time for the inspection, and a deadline for submitting the report after it. Read the notice closely, and call the number on it if anything is unclear.
Last verified: . City rules change; check the official source before relying on a detail.
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Need the line scoped? Call a Folsom plumber.
You’ll be connected with an independent local plumbing company. Have your address ready, and say which drains are affected and whether anything is backing up. It helps the plumber bring the right equipment.
Homes and properties in the City of Folsom, CA (ZIP 95630).