We put a camera inside your sewer line so you can see the problem yourself. No guessing, no digging, no surprises.
Most sewer problems are underground and invisible. You know something's wrong because drains are backing up or the yard smells like sewage, but you have no idea what's actually going on inside the pipe. A camera inspection takes the guesswork out of it completely.
We feed a waterproof camera on a flexible cable into the sewer line and watch a live video feed as it travels through the pipe. We can see roots, cracks, collapsed sections, grease buildup, offset joints, bellied pipe, blockages, and anything else that's causing problems. You watch it with us on the monitor, so nobody's making up a diagnosis you can't verify. You see exactly what we see.
RooterMan Services | Rhode Island's Trusted Drain Cleaning and Sewer Specialist
A camera inspection tells you the condition of your sewer line without digging up your yard. It's the single best way to find out why your drains keep backing up, whether a pipe needs repair or replacement, or what shape the sewer line is in before you buy a house.
We perform sewer camera inspections across Rhode Island, including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, Pawtucket, Johnston, East Providence, and all surrounding areas. We record every inspection and can give you a copy of the footage, which is useful if you need it for an insurance claim, a real estate transaction, or just your own records.
What the camera can find:
| Problem | What It Looks Like on Camera |
|---|---|
| Tree roots | Roots growing through cracks and joints into the pipe |
| Cracked pipe | Visible fracture lines along the pipe wall |
| Collapsed section | Pipe has caved in and is blocking flow |
| Bellied pipe | A low spot where the pipe has sunk and collects waste |
| Offset joints | Pipe sections have shifted and no longer line up |
| Grease buildup | Thick coating narrowing the inside of the pipe |
| Corrosion | Pipe walls deteriorating, common in older cast iron |
If you're not sure what's going on with your sewer line, a camera will tell you.
One clog is normal. The same clog coming back every few weeks or months means something inside the pipe is causing it, and snaking is only treating the symptom. A camera shows you the root cause so you can actually fix it instead of paying for the same service over and over.
A sewer line replacement can cost thousands of dollars, and it's one of those things that doesn't show up in a standard home inspection. If you're buying a home in Rhode Island, especially one with older plumbing, a camera inspection before closing can save you from inheriting someone else's problem. If you're selling, it gives buyers confidence and can speed up the deal.
Older homes in Rhode Island often have cast iron or clay sewer pipes. These materials break down over time, and after 30+ years underground, cracks, root intrusion, and corrosion are common. A camera inspection is the cheapest way to find out what shape the line is in before something fails.
After we clear a backup, we recommend a camera inspection to see what caused it in the first place. Was it just grease? Roots? Or is there structural damage that's going to cause another backup in a few months? The answer changes what you should do next.
If someone told you that you need a $10,000 sewer line replacement, get a camera inspection before you sign anything. We'll show you the footage and tell you honestly whether the line needs replacing, or if a cleaning or spot repair would solve the problem for a fraction of the cost.
Not sure what's going on with your sewer line? A camera inspection gives you the full picture in under an hour.
Sam H. came out to replace a gas shut-off valve. Super friendly and knowledgeable. Said it would take an hour, but he was in and out in 45 minutes — had everything he needed with him. Definitely 5-star service. Would use them in the future and highly recommend.
Amazing workmanship! This company is an absolute pleasure. Kevin and his team did an incredible job fixing my boiler, oil tank and old plumbing issues. They worked non-stop, will definitely have them back for anything else I need. Thank you!
I used Rooter Man for help emptying out my parents' house. They were able to provide quick service, were fairly priced, and a pleasure to work with. I'd definitely give them my highest recommendation.
Such a pleasure to have Mark work in my home. He came right out to assess the problem and thankfully the procedure was repairable within the day. Mark was very pleasant, professional, respectful and an amazing worker. A great clean job. Absolutely will use this company again.
I've been using Rooterman for 20 years and am still very impressed by their promptness, customer service, and expertise.
I received extremely prompt service from Rooterman Plumbing of Johnston, R.I., in addition to the low price they gave me. I highly recommend them to anyone! They were courteous and highly professional. Nice to see there are still pros nowadays!
Excellent service, came when expected, took about an hour. Spoke with Mark. Fixed an old toilet with lime build-up and debris blocking water jets. Also provided quotes for a new toilet. Would recommend them.
Bert and Kevin came quickly and did a wonderful job putting in a new heating unit that works like a gem. They were professional and personable, and it was a pleasure to meet them. They did a great job!
Clear answers so you know what to expect before scheduling our service.
It depends on the length of the line and the access point, but it's one of the most affordable diagnostic services we offer. Think of it as cheap insurance, spending a little on a camera now can save you thousands by catching problems early or avoiding a repair you don't actually need. We give free estimates before scheduling.
About 30 minutes to an hour for most residential properties. Longer sewer lines or commercial properties can take a bit more. The camera moves through the pipe in real time, so the length of the line determines how long it takes.
Yes. We record every inspection and can provide you with the footage. This is especially useful for real estate transactions, insurance claims, or if you want to get a second opinion from another contractor.
No, the camera is a diagnostic tool. It shows us what's inside the pipe but it doesn't remove blockages. If we find a clog during the inspection, we'll clear it with a snake or hydro jetter as a separate service. Many customers combine a camera inspection with a cleaning in the same visit.
We'd say it's one of the smartest things you can do before closing, especially on older homes. A standard home inspection doesn't cover the sewer line, and replacing one can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000+ depending on the situation. A camera inspection before purchase tells you exactly what you're getting.
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