Camera Inspection vs. Blind Snaking: Why Diagnosis Beats Guesswork

When a drain backs up, you have two paths: pay someone to look, or pay someone to guess. This comparison lays out exactly what each approach costs and what you get.

Camera inspection first

Recorded video of the entire line, exact location and depth of every defect, and a repair scope based on evidence. Upfront cost is modest, and it eliminates exploratory digging and repeat-visit fees. You keep the footage for negotiations, insurance, and resale.

Blind snaking

Cheaper per visit and perfectly fine for an obvious one-time clog. But if roots, a belly, or scale caused the backup, the clog returns — and each return visit costs the same as the last. Three blind snakings often exceed the cost of one inspection plus the correct fix.

Verdict

For any repeat backup, real estate decision, or excavation quote: camera first, every time. It’s why we diagnose before we quote — and why the footage is always yours to keep.