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Camera Inspection: Why It's Essential Before Buying a Home

By Scott Carneiro , AAA Complete Drainage Inc.
June 10, 2024 6 min read

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments of your life. You inspect the roof, the foundation, the electrical system... but what about the main sewer line, buried and invisible? This pipe could hide costly problems that will turn your dream into a financial nightmare.

$5,000 - $20,000 Cost to replace a sewer line
$250 - $500 Cost of a camera inspection
50-60 years Average lifespan of a cast iron pipe

The Reality of Montreal's Infrastructure

Montreal has a rich architectural heritage, but many homes built between 1920 and 1970 still have their original sewer lines. The Quebec Building Code cannot mandate retroactive replacement of older functional pipes.

Homes Built Before 1970

Cast iron sewer pipes have a lifespan of approximately 50 to 60 years. Beyond this point, internal corrosion, rust, and joint deterioration become major issues. You could be buying a home with a pipe that has exceeded its expected lifespan.

Unique Challenges in Montreal

Tree roots: The mature maples and elms lining our streets are beautiful, but their roots seek moisture and can completely invade a sewer line.

Freeze-thaw cycles: Our harsh winters put considerable stress on underground pipes. The soil expands and contracts, fracturing pipes or displacing joints.

Montreal's Regulation 11-010 recognizes these challenges and mandates protective measures, but this doesn't repair an already damaged pipe.

What a Camera Inspection Reveals

🔴
Cracks and Breaks

Even small cracks worsen rapidly. An inspection identifies these problems before they require an expensive emergency replacement.

🌳
Root Intrusion

The camera clearly shows if roots have penetrated and the extent of the invasion. Solutions range from mechanical cleaning to complete replacement depending on severity.

🦠
Corrosion and Deterioration

Reveals areas of severe corrosion indicating the pipe is approaching the end of its useful life. Crucial information for financial planning.

📉
Sagging

Pipes must maintain a constant slope. If a section has sagged, water accumulates and creates chronic blockages.

🔗
Faulty Connections

Joints between sections are vulnerable. Separated or deteriorated joints allow leaks and create blockages.

📋
Code Non-Compliance

Reveals whether the pipe meets Montreal's Regulation 20-030 regarding materials, connections, and sealing.

The Inspection Process

1

Pipe Access

The technician accesses via the exterior cleanout or through an interior drain/basement toilets.

2

Complete Navigation

The high-resolution camera with LED lighting travels the entire length of the pipe, from the house to the municipal connection.

3

Detailed Documentation

Complete video recording, screenshots of problems, and overlay notes with precise measurements.

4

Professional Report

You receive the complete video, annotated still images, and detailed action recommendations.

Cost and Duration

Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Cost: $250 to $500 in Montreal
Potential savings: $5,000 to $20,000 in surprise repairs

When to Schedule the Inspection

High-Risk Situations

An inspection is even more critical if:

  • Home is over 40 years old
  • Large mature trees are present
  • History of plumbing problems
  • Area at risk of backups
  • Recent renovations without visible permits

Buying a Home in Montreal?

Protect your investment with a professional camera inspection. Detailed reports that give you the power to negotiate with confidence.

Schedule Your Inspection: 514‑829‑7514

Interpreting the Results

Minor issues: Light buildup, superficial roots, normal wear. Solution: professional cleaning (a few hundred dollars).

Moderate issues: Significant root intrusions, minor cracks, partial sagging. Cost: $3,000 to $8,000. Negotiate with the seller.

Major issues: Complete replacement needed. Cost: $10,000 to $20,000+. Difficult decision based on the home price, your budget, and the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a sewer line camera inspection cost?
In Montreal, the cost ranges from $250 to $500, depending on the length and complexity of the line. This is a minimal investment compared to potential savings of $5,000 to $20,000 in sewer line repairs.
When should I schedule the inspection when buying a home?
Ideally, before making an offer to make a fully informed decision. At minimum, include it in your standard conditional inspection period (typically 10-15 days). For homes over 40 years old or with mature trees, it's even more critical.
What can a camera inspection reveal?
An inspection identifies cracks and breaks, root intrusion, corrosion and deterioration, sagging and misalignment, faulty connections, buildup and partial blockages, and compliance issues with Quebec codes (Regulation 20-030).
How long does a camera inspection take?
A typical inspection takes about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the length and complexity of the line. You then receive a detailed report with the complete video, still images of problems, and professional recommendations.
Can I negotiate with the seller if problems are found?
Absolutely. Inspection results give you considerable negotiating power. The seller can agree to repair the problems, give you a price reduction equivalent to repair costs, or you can walk away from the offer if the problems are too severe.
Do the repairs require permits in Montreal?
Yes. All plumbing work must be performed by contractors holding an RBQ license and members of the CMMTQ. Work generally requires a permit from the City. Regulation 20-030 imposes specific requirements for materials, connections, and tests that must be met.

Legal Protection in Quebec

In Quebec, the Civil Code requires the seller to disclose any known problems affecting the property, including plumbing issues. This means that if a camera inspection reveals problems, you have legal recourse to request repairs or compensation.