A sewer camera inspection in Nashville shows what's inside the drain line from your house, so you know whether a backup comes from roots, a break or a blockage, and whether it's in your part of the line. Because the Town of Nashville maintains sewer laterals within town, knowing where the problem sits matters. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Nashville.
What to expect when you call
You'll be connected with an independent local plumber who works in Nashville. Tell them what's backing up, how long it's been happening, and whether the town has already checked its side. On site, the plumber uses a cleanout or another opening, clears the line if needed, and sends a camera down the pipe while watching a monitor that shows distance traveled.
The plumber notes roots, cracks, offsets, low spots and buildup, and can save the video. If the camera reaches the point where the private line meets the town's, that footage can help settle whose side the problem is on. You should finish the visit knowing what the problem is, how far from the house it sits, and whether cleaning or a repair makes more sense.
Cost depends on
- Whether a cleanout is accessible
- Clearing a blockage before filming
- How long the line is
- Locating from the surface and a saved recording
Nashville's sewer system
The Town of Nashville's Public Utilities department collects wastewater and sends it to Rocky Mount's Tar River Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility. The town maintains 14 sewer lift stations, mains, outfalls and sewer laterals within town. If you have a backup, it's worth calling the town first to ask whether its part of the lateral could be involved, then calling a plumber for the private side.
The town is also investing in its system. Nashville received $1.5 million in a 2024 state grant round for water and wastewater fixes, and the town manager planned to recommend lining manholes, among other work. As for housing, the median home dates to 1993 and about 28% were built before 1980. The historic downtown around Washington Street, with its Victorian and Queen Anne homes, is where the oldest building sewers are likely, often clay or cast iron with roots at the joints.
Checklist before the visit
- Ask the town whether its side of the lateral has been checked
- Stop running water if sewage is backing up
- Find the cleanout and clear a path
- Note which drains are affected
For permitted repair work, Nash County's permit guide says the town issues the zoning step and the county handles building and trade permits.
Sewer Camera Inspection questions in Nashville
Where does my part of the sewer line end and the utility's begin?
Sewage is coming up a drain. Who should I call first?
What does an older sewer pipe look like on camera?
Can I keep a copy of the camera footage?
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