Sewer Camera Inspection in Alpine, CA

Signs the line needs a camera

• Several drains slow down at once rather than one fixture
• Gurgling from toilets when the tub or washer drains
• Wastewater rising at the lowest drain in the house
• Sewer odor near the cleanout or along the line
• A main line clog that returns soon after cleaning

A single slow sink is usually a local clog. Trouble across the house points to the main drain line, which is what a camera is designed to inspect.

Alpine conditions

Alpine is an unincorporated East County community, and its sewer setup is different from most of the county. According to the County's Alpine Community Plan Update, the San Diego County Sanitation District covers part of the community, with that sewage treated at the City of San Diego's Point Loma Treatment Plant. The remainder, about 98 percent of the plan area by land, is not on municipal sewer and uses private onsite wastewater systems.

For a home on County sewer, a camera inspection covers the lateral from the house to the main. For a home on a private onsite system, it covers the line from the house to the tank. It can show roots, breaks, sags or buildup in that line, but the system itself needs a separate specialist. Point2Homes figures put the median Alpine home at about 1986, with about 38 percent built before 1980, so drain lines range from older clay and cast iron to newer plastic.

What affects the cost

• Whether there is a cleanout or the camera must go in through a toilet or vent
• Clearing a blockage before filming
• The length of the line, which can be long on larger rural lots
• Locating defects from the surface
• A saved recording of the inspection

When you call

You will be connected with an independent local plumber who serves Alpine. Mention whether your home is on County sewer or a private onsite system, which fixtures are affected and when the line was last cleaned. If the camera shows a problem, the plumber can explain the repair options. Permits for work in unincorporated areas go through the County. Ask for a copy of the video as well; it is a useful record for any future work on the line or the onsite system.