If you’ve ever needed a sewer camera, you’ve probably faced the same question:
Should I rent one or buy my own?
The right choice depends on how often you inspect pipes, how quickly you need access, and how you plan to use inspections in your business. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can decide based on real costs, usage frequency, and return on investment, not guesswork.
Table of Contents
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Sewer Camera?
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Sewer Camera?
Rent vs Buy: Side-by-Side Comparison
When Renting a Sewer Camera Makes Sense
When Buying a Sewer Camera Makes More Sense
ROI: How Fast Does a Sewer Camera Pay for Itself?
How to Decide Whether You Should Buy or Rent
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Sewer Camera?
Sewer camera rental pricing is higher than many people expect.
Typical Rental Costs
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Daily rates: commonly $200–$1,000+ per day, depending on the system
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Weekly rentals: often total several hundred dollars or more
A key detail most renters don’t realize:
Daily rental cost is often around 20% of the purchase price of the camera being rented.
That means a system that sells for $3,000 may cost $600 per day to rent.
Just a few rental days can approach the cost of ownership.
Need Help With Sewer Camera Rentals?
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How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Sewer Camera?
Buying requires a higher upfront investment, but prices are more accessible than many expect.
Typical Purchase Costs
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Entry-level systems: start around $1,000
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Professional systems: usually range from $2,500 to several thousand dollars, depending on features like cable length, recording, locators, HD imaging, or pan-tilt cameras
Once purchased, the system can be used repeatedly without additional rental fees.
Rent vs Buy: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Renting a Sewer Camera | Owning a Sewer Camera |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower initially | Higher one-time cost |
| Typical use | One-time or rare inspections | Regular or professional use |
| Cost over time | Increases with each rental | Decreases after break-even |
| Availability | Depends on rental stock | Always available |
| Time limits | Yes | None |
| Features | Often limited or extra cost | Fully customizable |
| Maintenance | Rental company handles it | Owner responsibility |
| ROI potential | Low | High |
When Renting a Sewer Camera Makes Sense
Renting is usually the better option if:
- You need a camera for a single inspection or rare emergency
- You inspect pipes only once or twice a year
- You want to test different systems before buying
- You don’t want to worry about storage or maintenance
For homeowners or occasional users, renting avoids tying up money in equipment that may sit unused.
When Buying a Sewer Camera Makes More Sense
Buying often becomes the smarter choice if:
- You inspect pipes monthly or more
- You want to offer inspections as a paid service
- You need immediate access without scheduling rentals
- You rely on specific features like locators, self-leveling, or HD recording
Because rental rates are high, ownership typically pays off quickly for professionals.
ROI: How Fast Does a Sewer Camera Pay for Itself?
Sewer camera inspections are commonly billed as a standalone service or bundled into higher-value jobs.
- Typical inspection fees: $150–$450 per job
- Typical rental cost: $200–$1,000+ per day
- Entry-level system break-even: 3–6 inspections
- Professional system break-even: 6–20 inspections
After break-even, inspections generate revenue instead of recurring rental expenses.
Simple rule of thumb:
If you need a sewer camera more than 3–4 times per year, buying usually delivers better value.
How to Decide Whether You Should Buy or Rent a Sewer Camera
Ask yourself one question:
How many inspections will I realistically perform in the next 12 months?
- Fewer than 1–3 → Renting is likely enough
- More than that → Buying usually makes financial sense
The math tends to make the answer obvious.
Questions? Talk to a Sewer Camera Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it better to rent or buy a sewer camera?
Renting is better for rare or one-time inspections. Buying is more cost-effective for professionals who inspect pipes regularly.
2. How much does it cost to rent a sewer camera?
Daily rental rates commonly range from $200 to $1,000+, depending on the system and features.
3. Why are sewer camera rentals so expensive?
Rental pricing is often based on around 20% of the camera’s purchase price per day, which covers equipment cost, maintenance, and downtime.
4. How much does it cost to buy a sewer camera?
Entry-level systems start around $1,000, while professional systems typically range from $2,500 to several thousand dollars.
5. How many inspections does it take to pay off a sewer camera?
In many cases, 5–15 inspections are enough to cover the purchase cost, depending on system price and inspection fees.
6. Are sewer cameras worth it for plumbers?
Yes. For plumbers and drain professionals, sewer cameras often pay for themselves quickly and significantly increase service revenue.
7. Can I rent a sewer camera before deciding to buy one?
Yes. Renting can be a good way to test cable length, camera size, and features before purchasing. Just keep in mind that rental costs add up quickly if you need the camera more than a few times.
8. Does owning a sewer camera help increase job revenue?
Yes. Owning a sewer camera allows you to offer inspections as a paid service, perform same-day diagnostics, and provide video proof to customers, which often increases job value and close rates.
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For questions about Forbest inspection cameras, contact a Representative by calling 1-877-369-1199 or message us by clicking here.