DIY Sewer inspection camera thoughts?

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DIY Sewer inspection camera thoughts?

Author: Tom the Elder (CA)

Any thoughts or recommendation on what to look for in a sewer inspection camera? I only need a 30 ft cable to reach from my cleanout to the sewer main. The whole story is below (if you care).

I know what the problem is. A break in the VCP 23 feet from my front yard cleanout has a knot of roots. I cleaned it out about a month ago with a rented a 5/8 inch cable drain auger but it is backing up again. I guess the plumber who looked at it with an inspection camera 2-3 months ago was right: auguring isn't going to fix the problem because it just slips past the side of the root mass (which is just at the break, doesn't extend past). His solution is to pothole the street and repair the break for about $10k (yes, I am responsible for the lateral out to the main).

Since the auger didn't do it I thought I would next try hydro jetting. Getting an inspection camera to see if I am getting more than a 1 month fix (like the auger) seems reasonable.

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