Second Opinion

Got a $10,000+ sewer quote?

Before you sign up for a replacement, make sure the diagnosis is real. Independent sewer camera inspection gives you documented video and a clear summary—without repair sales pressure.

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Inspection-only.
GroundTruth does not perform repairs or replacements. Our job is to document what’s actually happening in the pipe—so you can choose the right next step.

Why “replacement” is often the default recommendation

Many companies that inspect sewers also sell repairs. That doesn’t automatically mean they’re wrong—but it does mean the incentive structure points toward bigger scopes.

Independent inspection changes the question from “How do we sell a project?” to “What’s the smallest reasonable fix, based on documented evidence?”

  • Video matters — not just a verbal summary.
  • Location matters — where is the issue and at what distance?
  • Severity matters — is it causing backups or just a risk factor?
Sewer line replacement estimate showing cost over ten thousand dollars

What a solid sewer replacement recommendation should include

1) Recorded video

You should be able to see the defect: collapse, major break, severe offset, standing water with heavy buildup, or other structural failure.

2) Distances and landmarks

“It’s bad” is not a plan. A meaningful report notes where the issue is located and what section of the line is affected.

3) A scope that matches the defect

Some lines need full replacement. Others need a targeted repair. Without documentation, you may be paying for a bigger scope than necessary.

4) Options explained in plain language

What happens if you do nothing? What is the likely failure mode? What is the smallest reasonable fix? A good explanation includes tradeoffs.

When replacement is commonly justified

  • Collapse or a section that cannot pass a camera
  • Major break with soil intrusion and repeated backups
  • Severe offset that catches solids and cannot be stabilized
  • Chronic backups that continue even after appropriate cleaning/maintenance
  • Multiple compounding defects across the run (not just one localized issue)

When replacement is often premature

Roots (especially localized)

Roots can be serious, but the plan depends on severity and location. A localized intrusion isn’t the same as a collapsed line.

Partial obstruction / buildup

Many “bad lines” are actually restricted lines. Once cleaned, the pipe may perform reliably—if the structure is intact.

Short sewer belly

A belly can be a risk factor without being a crisis. Severity and symptoms matter. Video shows whether it’s driving backups.

Read: What is a sewer belly?

Fear-based recommendations

“If you don’t replace it today, it will collapse tomorrow” is rarely a technical statement. Insist on documentation and reasonable explanation.

Real-world outcome

We’ve seen homeowners quoted for full replacement when the real issue was a manageable obstruction pattern or a belly that required a targeted plan—not a full dig. The difference is simple: independent documentation.

Read the $12,000 saved case study

Best next step:
Book an independent sewer camera inspection. You’ll receive recorded video and a written summary you can share with any contractor you choose.
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Related: Sewer smell after rain • Independent sewer inspector