Figures are typical Lower Mainland ranges for planning only. Your real price depends on your property — compare written quotes from local contractors.
Average cost
A drain tile camera inspection in the Lower Mainland typically costs $250–$600 for a detached home, including a video recording and a written summary. Adding a locator to mark depths, or a pre-purchase report, can push it to $700.
Pricing basis
Inspections are usually a flat fee per property rather than per foot. Very large homes, multiple access points or a separate yard-drain system may be quoted higher.
Excavation costs
No excavation is normally needed if there are accessible cleanouts or a sump. If no access point exists, installing a cleanout can add $500–$1,500.
Landscaping restoration
None — a camera inspection is non-invasive and leaves the yard untouched.
Accessibility
Price depends on whether the camera can get in through existing cleanouts, a sump, or a downspout connection. Buried or missing cleanouts add time.
Depth
Depth doesn't change the price much, but a locator can mark how deep the pipe runs — useful for planning future repairs.
Permits
No permit is required for a camera inspection.
Pipe type
Clay and concrete tile often show cracks, offsets and roots; plastic pipe more often shows silt or crushing. The inspection tells you which you have.
Inspection vs going straight to a quote
Spending a few hundred dollars on a camera inspection first is the best way to avoid paying for a full replacement when a repair or cleaning would have worked.
Vancouver vs Fraser Valley considerations
Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster jobs tend to cost more: tight lot lines, shared side yards, mature trees, hand digging and higher disposal and parking costs. Fraser Valley jobs (Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge) usually have better machine access and lower disposal costs, but larger homes, longer runs and heavier clay can offset the savings. Low-lying Richmond and Delta often add dewatering and sump work.
Example project scenarios
Pre-purchase inspection, New Westminster
$350–$600
1930s heritage home, video and written report before subjects are removed.
Wet corner diagnosis, Maple Ridge
$300–$450
Scoped via sump and two cleanouts, fault located and depth marked.
No access, Richmond
$800–$1,800
Inspection plus a new cleanout installed to give camera access.
Questions to ask contractors
- Will I get the full video recording, not just a summary?
- Will you scope every side of the perimeter?
- Can you mark the depth and location of any problems?
- Is the inspection fee credited if I hire you for the work?
- Do you recommend flushing before inspecting to see the pipe clearly?
When drain tile inspection is actually necessary
Get an inspection when buying a pre-1980s home, after water appears in the basement, before accepting any replacement quote, or every few years on older systems.
Learn more about drain tile inspection in the Lower Mainland.
Drain Tile Inspection cost FAQs
How much does drain tile inspection cost in BC?
A drain tile camera inspection in the Lower Mainland typically costs $250–$600 for a detached home, including a video recording and a written summary. Adding a locator to mark depths, or a pre-purchase report, can push it to $700.
What is the pricing basis for drain tile inspection?
Inspections are usually a flat fee per property rather than per foot. Very large homes, multiple access points or a separate yard-drain system may be quoted higher.
When is drain tile inspection actually necessary?
Get an inspection when buying a pre-1980s home, after water appears in the basement, before accepting any replacement quote, or every few years on older systems.
Do I need a permit for drain tile inspection?
No permit is required for a camera inspection.
Compare Free Drain Tile Inspection Quotes
Describe your job once and we'll pass it to contractors serving your city, so you can compare prices for the same scope. Free, no obligation.
Request a Free Quote
Get real drain tile inspection prices for your property.
- 1. Problem›
- 2. Timing›
- 3. Property›
- 4. Photos›
- 5. Contact
What problem are you experiencing?