San Francisco's Most Critical Plumbing Service
In San Francisco, a sewer camera inspection isn't just a diagnostic tool — it's a legal requirement. The city's Private Sewer Lateral (PSL) compliance program mandates that property owners demonstrate their lateral is in acceptable condition at point of sale. Without a passing inspection and compliance certificate, your home sale can be delayed or derailed.
Beyond real estate transactions, camera inspections are the smartest first step for any sewer issue in San Francisco. With laterals averaging 80-100+ years old and running under sidewalks and streets, knowing exactly what's wrong — and where — saves thousands in unnecessary excavation.
Camera Inspection Services for SF
What We Find in San Francisco Sewers
Root Infiltration at Joints
SF's mature street trees — especially in Noe Valley, Glen Park, and the Excelsior — send roots through clay and cast iron joints. Camera inspection pinpoints exactly which joints are compromised and how severely.
Offset & Separated Joints
Decades of seismic activity and soil movement have shifted pipe sections apart throughout the city. These offsets catch debris and worsen over time. Camera inspection documents the exact location and gap size for targeted repair.
Pipe Material Transitions
Many SF laterals have been partially repaired over decades — creating transitions between clay, cast iron, ABS, and PVC. Each joint is a potential failure point that camera inspection identifies before it becomes an emergency.
Our Inspection Process
Access & Setup
We locate your cleanout (or recommend installation if you don't have one — common in older SF homes) and deploy the self-leveling HD camera.
Full-Length Video Survey
Camera travels from your building to the city main, recording HD video with distance counter. Sonde locator marks the pipe path above ground for future reference.
Real-Time Findings
We explain what we're seeing as we inspect — roots, cracks, bellies, offsets, and scale. You'll understand your pipe's condition in plain language.
Report & Compliance Submission
Detailed written report with video, defect locations, and repair recommendations. For PSL compliance, we submit directly to SFPUC for your certificate.
See Inside Your San Francisco Sewer — Before Problems See You
Camera inspection is the smartest investment for any SF property owner. Know what's happening underground before it surfaces as an emergency.
(650) 235-6443Our Happy Clients
Real people. Real results. See why homeowners across the San Francisco Bay Area trust GB Plumbing for all their plumbing needs.
🇺🇸 🇧🇷 🇪🇸 We speak English, Portuguese and Spanish
"PSL inspection done fast, report submitted to SFPUC same week. Our sale closed on time thanks to GB Plumbing."
— Excelsior Home Seller Google Review
"Got the inspection before buying. Found a collapsed section — negotiated $20K off the price. Best $400 I ever spent."
— Noe Valley Home Buyer Google Review
"Chronic backup finally explained — the camera showed a belly in our line. They fixed only what needed fixing. Honest and thorough."
— Glen Park Homeowner Google Review
"As a realtor, I refer all my clients to GB for sewer scopes. Fast turnaround, clear reports, and they explain everything to buyers."
— Sunset District Realtor Google Review
"Inspected our 2-unit building's shared lateral. Found root intrusion at three joints — documented precisely so repair was targeted and affordable."
— Bernal Heights Owner Google Review
"Annual camera check gives us peace of mind. They track root growth year over year so we know exactly when action is needed."
— Ingleside Homeowner Google Review