Get Ahead of Plumbing Problems With Video Inspection

A plumbing video inspection, often called a sewer camera inspection, means feeding a small waterproof camera on a flexible cable into your drain or sewer line so a plumber can see what's happening inside. It shows cracks, tree roots, sagging sections, grease buildup, and blockages without digging anything up, so you can fix the actual problem instead of guessing.

When it comes to your home's plumbing, it's always best to be proactive and catch problems before they turn into costly repairs. That's where video inspection comes in.

What is a video inspection?

Video inspection is the use of a camera to see and record the inside of a pipe. That footage is used to find and diagnose problems in drain and sewer lines, the pipes that carry wastewater from your fixtures out to the city sewer or your septic system.

What does a video inspection involve?

During a video inspection, our technician feeds the camera into your line, usually through a cleanout or a drain opening, and watches the picture on a monitor in real time. That way we can spot cracks, breaks, roots, and clogs as the camera moves through the pipe.

If a drain keeps backing up, or you're just not sure what's going on with your plumbing, a video inspection is the best way to find out.

What are the benefits of a video inspection?

A camera lets you see what's happening inside your pipes without tearing open walls, floors, or your yard. You can identify problems before they turn into backups or broken lines, and the earlier you catch them, the less damage they cause.

It can also save money on the repair itself. When a line keeps clogging, a camera tells you whether you're dealing with grease that drain cleaning can clear, roots that need to be cut out, or a broken section that needs to be replaced.

What problems can a camera inspection find?

• Clogs and grease buildup
• Tree roots growing into the line
• Cracked, broken, or separated pipe
• Bellies, which are low spots where the pipe has sagged and waste collects
• Corrosion and scale inside older pipes

A video inspection is also worth considering before you buy a house. The last thing you want is to find out after closing that the sewer line needs major work.

Video inspection FAQs

When is a video inspection necessary?

It's a good idea when a drain keeps clogging, when more than one fixture backs up at the same time, when you suspect roots or a broken line, or before you buy a home. It gives you a clear picture of the condition of your system.

What kind of equipment does it use?

A small camera attached to a flexible, snake-like cable. The camera is pushed into the drain system and records video of the inside of your pipes, which is then used to diagnose the problem.

Can a camera inspection damage my pipes?

No. The camera is built for this job, and when it's used correctly it doesn't harm your pipes. Because it's non-invasive, it helps keep repairs as small as possible.

Buying your own inspection camera?

If you decide to buy a camera for your own projects, a few tips:

• Check which pipe sizes the camera is designed for. Not every camera works in every pipe.
• Make sure the cable is long enough to reach the areas you need to see.
• Read reviews for durability before you buy.

Need a camera inspection?

If a drain keeps backing up or you're worried about the condition of your sewer line, our drain cleaning team can take a look. If the camera shows a broken or failing line, our water and sewer line team handles the repair.