SC By SCWS Team | January 18, 2025 | 8 min read
Well Video Inspection Cost
Want to know what's really going on inside your well? A video inspection is like getting an MRI for your water system—revealing problems invisible from the surface. At $300-$800, it's one of the smartest investments you can make before any major well work. This guide covers costs, what inspections reveal, and when you need one.
💲 Quick Cost Summary
- • Shallow wells (under 200 ft): $300 - $450
- • Medium wells (200-400 ft): $400 - $600
- • Deep wells (over 400 ft): $500 - $800
- • Pump removal (if needed): Add $200 - $500
- • With rehabilitation consultation: Often discounted
What Is Well Video Inspection?
Well video inspection uses a specialized waterproof camera lowered into your well to provide real-time video of conditions from the surface to the bottom. The camera shows the casing interior, screen condition, water entry zones, and any visible problems—giving you (and your well contractor) eyes on what's happening hundreds of feet underground.
How the Technology Works
- Downhole camera: Waterproof camera rated for depths of 500+ feet
- Lighting: Built-in LED lights illuminate the dark well
- Cable: Armored cable transmits video while measuring depth
- Monitor: Real-time display lets you watch alongside the technician
- Recording: Digital video recorded for review and documentation
Well Video Inspection Costs Explained
Cost by Well Depth
| Well Depth | Inspection Cost | Total with Pump Pull |
|---|---|---|
| Under 150 feet | $300 - $400 | $500 - $750 |
| 150-300 feet | $350 - $500 | $600 - $900 |
| 300-500 feet | $450 - $650 | $750 - $1,100 |
| Over 500 feet | $600 - $800+ | $900 - $1,400 |
What Affects the Price?
📊 Price Factors
Well Depth
Primary Factor
Deeper wells need longer cable and more time
Pump Status
Pull Required?
If pump's already out, inspection is cheaper
Travel Distance
Service Area
Remote locations may have trip charges
Bundled Services
Package Discounts
Often cheaper with rehabilitation or pump work
When Pump Removal Is Needed
For the most thorough inspection, the pump should be removed. This allows:
- Complete view from top to bottom of well
- Inspection of pump and drop pipe condition
- Unobstructed view of screen and casing
- Ability to measure well depth accurately
Some cameras can maneuver around submersible pumps, but views are limited. If you're already having pump work done, add video inspection at minimal extra cost.
What Can Video Inspection Reveal?
A camera survey shows things no other diagnostic method can detect:
Casing Condition
What It Shows:
- Cracks or holes in steel/PVC casing
- Corrosion and rust damage
- Joint separations
- Casing collapse or deformation
Why It Matters:
- Determines if casing repair is needed
- Explains contamination sources
- Shows if well can be rehabilitated
- Reveals need for new well
Screen Condition
What It Shows:
- Encrustation and mineral buildup
- Biological growth (iron bacteria)
- Clogged or corroded slots
- Screen collapse or damage
Why It Matters:
- Identifies cause of low yield
- Shows if cleaning will help
- Determines rehabilitation approach
- Reveals need for screen replacement
Water Entry and Formation
What It Shows:
- Active water-bearing fractures
- Water entry zones depth
- Sand or sediment infiltration
- Formation stability
Why It Matters:
- Targets hydrofracturing zones
- Explains sand in water
- Shows deepening potential
- Identifies productive zones
Obstructions and Debris
What It Shows:
- Dropped tools or equipment
- Fallen pump components
- Sediment accumulation at bottom
- Animals or debris in well
Why It Matters:
- Explains sudden water problems
- Shows if fishing needed
- Identifies cleanup needs
- Reveals well abuse/neglect
When Should You Get a Video Inspection?
🔧 Before Major Repairs
Know what you're dealing with before spending on pump replacement, rehabilitation, or hydrofracturing
📉 Declining Production
When yield drops, see whether it's blockage, damage, or aquifer issue
🏠 Buying Property
Know the well's true condition before closing—part of due diligence
🌊 After Flooding
Check for contamination, sediment, or damage after flood events
🧪 Water Quality Changes
Sudden changes in taste, color, or smell may indicate well problems
📅 Periodic Maintenance
Every 5-10 years to catch problems before they become expensive
❓ Unexplained Issues
When symptoms don't match expected causes—see what's really happening
📋 Well Rehabilitation
Before/after comparison shows treatment effectiveness
How Video Inspection Saves You Money
At $300-$800, video inspection seems like an expense—but it's actually a powerful money-saver:
Prevents Misdiagnosis
Without visual confirmation, well problems are often misdiagnosed:
- Low yield assumed to be pump problem → New pump installed → Still low yield → Video reveals clogged screen (wasted $3,000)
- Sand in water assumed to be screen failure → Expensive screen replacement → Video would have shown crack in casing (wrong repair)
- Rehabilitation recommended → Video reveals collapsed casing → New well needed anyway (wasted rehabilitation cost)
💰 Cost Savings Example
Scenario: Well producing less water. Without inspection, contractor assumes screen blockage and quotes $5,000 rehabilitation.
With inspection ($500): Video reveals cracked casing allowing surface water entry. Rehabilitation wouldn't help—liner needed, or new well. Saved from wasting $5,000 on wrong fix.
Provides Leverage
Visual documentation protects you:
- Real estate: Video proves well condition when buying or selling
- Contractor accountability: Before/after videos prove work was done
- Insurance claims: Documentation of damage helps claims
- Second opinions: Send video to other contractors for quotes
Catches Problems Early
Minor issues spotted on video can be addressed before becoming major failures:
- Early-stage corrosion → Protective liner before casing fails
- Beginning encrustation → Light cleaning vs. major rehabilitation
- Small sand infiltration → Address before pump damage
What to Expect During Inspection
Before the Inspection
- Provide access to well (clear obstructions)
- Plan for 2-4 hours without water if pump is pulled
- Have well records available if you have them
During the Inspection
- Camera is lowered slowly, recording continuously
- Technician narrates findings in real-time
- You can watch the monitor alongside
- Depth is tracked throughout descent
- Specific areas can be examined in detail
After the Inspection
- Receive copy of video (USB or digital)
- Written summary of findings
- Recommendations for any needed work
- Pump reinstalled (if removed)
📝 Always Get a Copy!
Request a copy of your inspection video. It's valuable for: getting second opinions, comparing to future inspections, real estate documentation, and your permanent records. Reputable companies provide this automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a well video inspection cost?
Well video inspection typically costs $300-$800 depending on depth. Shallow wells under 200 feet cost $300-$450, while deep wells over 400 feet cost $500-$800. Add $200-$500 if pump removal is required.
What can a well camera inspection reveal?
Video inspection shows casing condition, screen blockage, mineral deposits, bacterial growth, water entry zones, pump condition, sediment accumulation, and any debris or obstructions—like an X-ray for your well.
When should I get a well video inspection?
Get inspection before major repairs, when production declines, when buying property, after flooding, if water quality changes, every 5-10 years for maintenance, or when unexplained problems occur.
Does the pump need to be removed for inspection?
For most thorough inspection, yes. Some cameras can navigate past pumps, but removing it allows complete top-to-bottom viewing. If pump work is already planned, add inspection at minimal extra cost.
How long does well video inspection take?
The camera inspection takes 30-60 minutes. With pump removal, total service time is 2-4 hours. Results are available immediately—you watch in real-time.
Will I get a copy of the video?
Yes—most companies provide a USB or digital copy. This is valuable documentation for your records, second opinions, and future comparison. Always request a copy.
Can video inspection detect bacteria?
It can reveal visible signs—iron bacteria appears as reddish-brown slime, sulfur bacteria as white deposits. However, camera inspection doesn't replace water testing for specific bacteria identification.
Is well video inspection worth the cost?
Absolutely. It prevents misdiagnosis (avoiding wasted repair costs), documents well condition, catches problems early, and provides leverage in real estate transactions. Often saves thousands.
Ready to See Inside Your Well?
Southern California Well Service provides professional video inspection with same-day results. We'll show you exactly what's happening underground and provide honest recommendations—whether that's simple maintenance, rehabilitation, or more extensive work.
