A sewer camera inspection is a specialized service that uses waterproof cameras attached to flexible cables to visually examine the inside of your sewer lines and drain pipes without destructive digging. They help plumbing technicians accurately diagnose problems like cracks, blockages, tree root intrusions, and other issues affecting your plumbing system.
The camera head, typically about 0.9 inches in diameter, is equipped with LED lights that illuminate the pipe interior, sending real-time video to a monitor where technicians can analyze what's happening underground. With technology like RIDGID SeeSnake systems, modern sewer cameras can record the inspection, allowing you to see exactly what the plumber sees and better understand any recommended repairs.
Sewer camera inspection is a modern technique that helps plumbers identify problems in pipes without digging up your yard. These specialized waterproof cameras travel through sewer lines to locate blockages, cracks, and other issues.
Sewer camera inspections provide precise problem identification that guesswork simply cannot match. It locates the exact positions of blockages, tree root invasions, pipe collapses, or cracks using timestamps and distance markers on the footage. The process is non-invasive, eliminating the need for unnecessary digging, saving time, and money while preventing landscape damage.
Camera inspections also serve as preventive maintenance, helping to spot developing issues before they become major problems. Small cracks or minor root intrusions can be addressed before causing expensive emergencies. Documentation from these inspections is also valuable for property records and future planning. The video footage serves as proof for insurance claims and helps track the condition of your plumbing system over time.
The cable is a critical component of any sewer inspection camera and needs to be flexible yet rigid enough to push through bends while transmitting video signals. Quality cables range from 100-200 feet in length and vary in thickness depending on the pipe diameter. Durability is essential for these cables, and they must withstand frequent use in harsh environments while maintaining signal quality. Premium cables include distance counters that help pinpoint exactly where problems are located in the pipe system.
LED lights surrounding the camera head illuminate dark pipes. Brightness levels must be sufficient to see pipe conditions without creating glare. Advanced systems feature adjustable lighting that adapts to different pipe materials and conditions.
Waterproof design protects the entire system. Both camera heads and cables must function reliably underwater and resist damage from sewage chemicals. This protective engineering ensures clear imaging even in submerged or wet conditions.
A sewer camera inspection involves several key steps to identify problems in your pipes effectively. The process uses specialized equipment to locate issues that might otherwise remain hidden until they cause significant damage.
Before a sewer camera inspection begins, several preparations must be made. First, the technician will locate the main sewer line cleanout, which serves as the access point for the camera. This is typically found in the basement, crawl space, or outside near the foundation.
The area around the cleanout should be cleared to give technicians enough space to work. Some water may be flushed through the system before the inspection to help visualize flow patterns. For best results, minimize water usage in your home during the inspection. This prevents additional water from obscuring the camera's view. The technician will also prepare the camera equipment, ensuring it's clean and functioning properly.
Sewer cameras excel at revealing several common pipeline problems. Root intrusions are frequently detected, appearing as tentacle-like growths that penetrate pipe joints and create blockages. Pipe breaks or cracks show up clearly on camera, often appearing as offset sections or visible fractures in the pipe walls. These can lead to leaks and soil infiltration. Blockages from grease buildup, foreign objects, or collapsed pipes are also easily spotted.
Other identifiable issues include:
After the inspection, the technician will review the recorded video footage with you. Clear visuals show the condition of your pipes from the inside, revealing any damage or blockages. The technician will explain what they've found using timestamps from the recording to reference specific issues. They'll identify the location of problems using measurements from the access point.
Based on the findings, any issues will be classified by severity:
Your technician will provide recommendations for appropriate repairs or maintenance. This might include hydrojetting for clearing blockages, pipe lining for repairing cracks, or complete pipe replacement for severely damaged sections. The video recording is typically provided to you for your records or to share with repair contractors.
After your sewer camera inspection is complete, you'll need to take specific actions based on what was found. Understanding these steps will help you address any issues effectively and maintain your sewer system.
Deciding whether to repair or replace your sewer line depends on the severity of the problems found. Minor issues like small cracks or minor blockages can often be repaired using trenchless methods that don't require extensive excavation. These repairs are less expensive and disruptive.
For extensive damage such as collapsed pipes, major root intrusion, or multiple severe cracks, replacement might be your best option. Modern replacement techniques include pipe bursting or pipe lining that can be less invasive than traditional dig-and-replace methods.
Time is crucial when addressing sewer problems. if your inspection revealed moderate clogs from grease buildup or minor root intrusion, addressing these promptly can extend your system's life.
The video and information collected during your sewer camera inspection provide valuable data for creating a maintenance plan. Keep this documentation for future reference and comparison during subsequent inspections. Use the inspection report to identify potential problem areas, for example, if the camera detects small root intrusions, schedule regular treatments to prevent blockages.
Create a maintenance calendar based on your specific issues. Homes with mature trees near sewer lines might need more frequent inspections or root treatments, while those with older pipes may require regular cleaning to prevent buildup and clogs.
Consider preventive measures based on inspection findings. If your pipes show signs of corrosion, you might install water softeners or pH neutralizers to extend pipe life. For areas prone to blockage, regular professional cleaning can prevent emergencies.
Get in touch to arrange a camera inspection of your plumbing system to identify hidden issues.
