Everything You Need to Know About Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer camera inspections have become an essential tool in modern plumbing maintenance. If you've ever faced mysterious plumbing issues, or just want to ensure your sewer system is in top shape, understanding how sewer camera inspections work can be incredibly beneficial.

Sewer (or drain) camera inspections involve using advanced camera technology to peek inside your pipes, offering a real-time view of what’s happening underground without the need for disruptive digging.

This method not only saves time and money but also helps in accurately diagnosing potential problems like blockages, pipe damage, and other issues that could lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

Whether you’re a homeowner, a property manager, or just curious about how these inspections are conducted, our guide will walk you through the process, benefits, and critical insights on how regular camera inspections can contribute to the longevity and efficiency of your sewer pipes. Let’s delve deeper into the world of sewer camera inspections, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared for maintaining your plumbing health.

Here’s everything you need to know about sewer camera inspection.

What is Sewer Camera Inspection?

Sewer camera inspection is a high-tech method used by professionals to visually inspect the interiors of plumbing lines and sewer systems.

This process involves a specially designed waterproof camera attached to a flexible rod that is inserted into sewer pipes. The camera is remotely controlled and sends back live footage to the technician. This allows them to see inside the pipes in real time, making it easier to identify and diagnose issues such as blockages, leaks and wear and tear.

The technology behind drain cameras is quite advanced, often involving closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems that provide clear, detailed images. This capability enables precise diagnostics without the need for extensive excavation. It’s a non-invasive method, which means it minimises the disruption to your property and daily life.

Whether it’s for routine maintenance or diagnosing ongoing issues, sewer camera inspections are an invaluable tool in the arsenal of modern plumbing practices, ensuring that your sewer system operates smoothly and efficiently.

How Does Drain Camera Inspection Work?

Drain camera inspection is a straightforward yet sophisticated process that offers a deep dive into your plumbing system’s health.

Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. Preparation: Before the inspection begins, a technician clears the entry point to ensure the camera can easily access the sewer line. This might involve removing any visible blockages near the entry.
2. Camera insertion: A small, high-definition video camera mounted on the end of a flexible rod is carefully fed into the drain. This rod is durable enough to navigate through bends and elbows in the pipes, allowing the camera to travel deep within the system.
3. Real-time footage: As the camera snakes through the pipes, it sends real-time video back to the technician’s monitor. This footage reveals the condition of the pipe interiors, showing any cracks, blockages, joint issues, or other anomalies.
4. Diagnosis: The technician watches the footage to identify problems. The immediate feedback from the video allows for quick and accurate diagnosis.
5. Review and recommendation: After the inspection, the technician will review the footage with you, pointing out any concerns and discussing possible solutions.

This non-invasive method provides a clear picture of underground plumbing issues, allowing for targeted repairs that can save both time and money.

The Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer camera inspections offer a plethora of advantages that make them a preferred choice for diagnosing plumbing issues.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Non-invasive method: One of the biggest advantages is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional methods that may involve digging up your yard or tearing down walls, a camera inspection requires only a small access point to see inside your sewer lines. This means less disruption and no need to repair landscape or structural elements after the inspection.
• Accurate diagnosis: The high-resolution video provided by CCTV sewer cameras allows for precise identification of issues such as cracks, blockages, misaligned pipe sections and other defects. This accuracy helps prevent the guesswork and unnecessary repairs that often come with traditional plumbing diagnostics.
• Cost-effective: By pinpointing exactly where the problem lies, sewer camera inspections can save money on both labour and materials. You only fix what needs fixing, which keeps costs down.
• Preventative maintenance: Regular camera inspections can catch small problems before they become major issues, potentially saving you from expensive, large-scale repairs in the future.

Overall, sewer camera inspections are an invaluable tool for maintaining the health of your plumbing system, ensuring it operates efficiently and remains problem-free.

Common Issues Detected by Sewer Cameras

Sewer camera inspections are crucial for spotting a variety of common issues that can affect the integrity and functionality of plumbing systems.

Here are some of the typical problems that a sewer camera can help identify:

• Blockages and clogs: One of the most frequent findings is blockages caused by accumulations of grease, hair, tree roots or other debris. These can severely restrict water flow and lead to backups.
• Pipe damage: Cameras can reveal cracks, fractures and holes in the pipes. These damages may be caused by shifting soil, tree root intrusion, or general wear and tear.
• Corrosion: Over time, pipes can corrode, which can thin the pipe walls and lead to leaks or bursts. A camera inspection can identify areas of corrosion before they become a major issue.
• Misaligned pipes: Sometimes pipes may not be aligned properly due to poor installation or earth movements. Misalignments can cause sewage backups and other plumbing problems.
• Intrusive tree roots: Tree roots can infiltrate sewer lines, causing significant damage and blockages. Cameras can pinpoint the exact location of the intrusion, helping to effectively address the problem.

Detecting these issues early with CCTV drain camera inspection can save time, money and the inconvenience of more serious plumbing emergencies down the line.

What are the Signs You Need Drain Camera Inspection?

Knowing when to schedule a drain camera inspection can help you avoid serious plumbing disasters. Here are some key signs that indicate it might be time to get a professional inspection:

• Recurring clogs: If you’re frequently dealing with clogs or slow drains despite regular attempts to clear them, there could be a deeper, unseen problem in your sewer lines.
• Unusual noises: Gurgling sounds coming from your toilets, drains, or plumbing system are often a sign of blockages or air trapped in the pipes.
• Bad odours: Persistent sewer-like smells can be a tell-tale sign of broken sewer lines or blockages that are causing waste to stagnate. A nasty sewer gas odour can make your home unliveable.
• Sudden spike in water bills: An unexpected increase in your water bill could indicate a leak in your sewer lines, often hidden from view.
• Water backing up: Water backing up in the shower, sink, or basement drains when using plumbing fixtures is a clear sign of a blockage or damage in the main sewer line.

If you notice any of these issues, a sewer camera inspection can provide an inside look at your pipes and help identify the exact problem, saving you time and money on speculative repairs.

The Professional Procedure

When you schedule a sewer camera inspection, you can expect a thorough and professional approach that brings clarity to your plumbing issues.

Here’s what the typical procedure looks like:

1. Initial assessment: The technician begins with a brief assessment of your property’s plumbing history and current symptoms. This helps them understand potential problem areas and plan the inspection accordingly.
2. Accessing the pipes: The technician will locate a cleanout or access point to insert the sewer camera. This is usually an existing opening in your plumbing system designed for such inspections.
3. Conducting the inspection: Using a high-definition camera attached to a flexible rod, the technician carefully manoeuvres the camera through the sewer lines. The camera transmits real-time video back to a monitor, allowing the technician to watch for any signs of damage, blockages, or wear.
4. Identifying issues: As the camera explores your pipes, the technician can pinpoint exact locations of issues, noting the depth and the severity of each problem found.
5. Reviewing the findings: After the inspection, the technician will discuss the footage with you, pointing out any concerns and recommending the next steps. They can provide you with a copy of the video, if requested.
6. Formulating a plan: Based on the inspection, the technician will suggest repairs (such as electric drain cleaning), maintenance or further evaluations needed to ensure your plumbing remains in good working order.

This process not only highlights existing problems but also helps in preventing future issues, making it a wise investment for any property owner.

Keep Your Plumbing System Healthy

Sewer camera inspections are a cornerstone of modern plumbing maintenance, offering a clear, inside look at the health of your sewer system without the disruption of traditional methods.

This innovative approach allows homeowners and property managers alike to identify and address issues such as blockages, pipe damage and wear before they escalate into more costly repairs.

By choosing to invest in regular sewer camera inspections, you not only save money on emergency plumbing services but also extend the lifespan of your sewer system. The process is quick, efficient and highly accurate, making it an essential practice for preventative maintenance.

We hope this guide has illuminated the importance and benefits of CCTV drain camera inspections and helped you understand how they can keep your plumbing system in optimal condition.

Remember, when it comes to plumbing, being proactive is key. Don’t wait for a full-blown crisis; schedule a sewer camera inspection at the first sign of trouble to protect your property and peace of mind.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.