How does Sewer Camera Inspection work?
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection and How Does It Work?
Let’s get realistic for a second: a clog deep in the sewer line can be the stuff of nightmares for residential and commercial property owners alike. After all, a blockage in a sewer deep under your property can be so hard to detect, let alone fix. However, there is good news to that end because some of the most significant technical advancements in the plumbing field lately have made it much simpler and far less invasive than ever before to resolve sewer line clogs and problems. Sewer camera inspection is among the most vital advances in the last several years.
If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry. Most homeowners haven’t… until they’re knee-deep in a backup and wondering what’s going on underground. So in this blog, we’ll break down exactly what a sewer camera inspection is, how it works, why it’s so useful, and when you might need one.
A Quick Look at What Changed in Plumbing
Not too long ago, if you had a problem in your sewer line, plumbers would basically have to dig everything up just to figure out what was going wrong. That meant lots of guesswork, torn-up yards, and a hefty repair bill at the end of it. But now? With sewer camera inspection, plumbers can actually see inside your sewer line without digging a single hole.
Pretty wild, right?
Thanks to this new tech, plumbers can now identify things like cracks, leaks, tree root intrusions, or pipe collapses quickly—and with a whole lot more accuracy. It’s a win-win.
So… How Does Sewer Camera Inspection Actually Work?
Alright, let’s walk through how it all goes down.
When you call a plumber for a sewer line camera inspection, they’ll show up with a pretty neat piece of equipment: a high-resolution waterproof camera attached to a long, flexible rod (think of it like a high-tech snake). The camera is small but powerful—it’s designed to go right inside your sewer line and capture live video as it moves through your pipes.
Now, depending on where the issue seems to be, your plumber will choose a drain or cleanout opening to insert the camera. This could be a basement floor drain, a toilet drain, or even an outdoor sewer cleanout access point.
Once the camera goes in, it’s slowly pushed through the pipe. Since the rod is flexible, the plumber may bend the flexible rod around turns, corners, and also around small obstructions. The video feed which shows up on a screen in real time lets the plumber see what’s happening in the pipes—whether it’s a bunch of gunk stuck in the line, a cracked pipe, or even tree roots pushing their way in.
This whole process helps your plumber understand what’s causing the clog or damage without having to rip up your lawn or walls. And that’s a big deal!
What Can the Camera Actually See?
You might be surprised, but these video drain camera inspections can see a lot.
Here’s what sewer camera inspection can reveal:
- Cracks or fractures in the pipes
- Broken or collapsed sections
- Tree roots that have made their way inside
- Pipe misalignments (sometimes caused by shifting soil)
- Grease build-ups or blockages
- Corrosion and aging pipes
- Foreign objects that shouldn’t be there (you’d be shocked what people flush)
The best part? Once the plumber spots the problem, they can mark the exact location and depth of the issue. That way, if any digging is needed, it’s super precise—not a wild guessing game.
So, Does It Fix the Problem? No! But It Points You in the Right Direction
Let’s get one thing clear: the camera itself doesn’t fix the sewer issue. It’s not like it goes in there with a tiny wrench and starts doing repairs.
But what it does do is help your plumber choose the right fix. Sometimes the clog might just need a good hydro jetting. Other times, you might need trenchless pipe lining or a partial replacement. And yes, in more serious cases, it could mean a full sewer line replacement.
Either way, sewer camera inspection helps you make smart decisions without wasting time or money. It gives you the whole picture (literally) before committing to a big repair.
Why Not Just Start Digging?
You could do that, sure… but why would you?
Digging without knowing the source of the problem is like tearing apart your kitchen to find a leaky pipe behind one of the walls—it’s expensive, messy, and 9 times out of 10, unnecessary.
With sewer camera inspection, you know exactly what you’re dealing with and where it is. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and just plain smart.
When To Book A Drain Camera Inspection?
If you’re wondering when it makes sense to call for a sewer camera inspection, here’s a few good times:
- You have frequent backups or clogs
- You hear gurgling sounds from your drains
- Water is slow to drain in multiple fixtures
- You’re buying an older home and want to make sure the sewer system is in good shape
- You suspect tree root damage
- There’s a weird smell coming from your yard or basement
Basically, if something feels off and you can’t see the problem, it’s a good time to get a closer look—literally.
Restore Pipe Systems Has Your Back
Here at Restore Pipe Systems, we use the latest technology to solve your plumbing problems the smart way. If you’ve got sewer issues and want answers fast, our sewer camera inspection service is the best way to figure out what’s really going on underground—without tearing everything up.
Give us a call, and we’ll come out, inspect the situation, and give you clear answers (and options) for your next step.
FAQs
Can a sewer camera go down the toilet?
Yes, it definitely can! Sometimes the easiest way to access your sewer line is through the toilet. The camera can be carefully guided through the drain and into the pipes. But if the toilet setup makes it tricky, your plumber might choose a different access point like a cleanout outside or a floor drain.
What does CCTV mean in the sewer?
Great question! In this case, CCTV stands for “Closed Circuit Television.” It just means that the sewer camera inspection uses a special video camera system that sends live footage to a screen—kind of like a tiny TV inside your pipe. It’s closed-circuit because it’s not being broadcast anywhere; just viewed by the plumber in real-time to see what’s going on inside the line.
Final Thoughts
Look, no one loves dealing with sewer line problems. But sewer camera inspection makes the whole process a lot easier, cleaner, and less stressful. Instead of playing the guessing game, you get a clear view of the issue so you can fix it right the first time.
So if your drains are being weird or you’ve got a mystery backup happening, give us a shout. We’ll get to the bottom of it—without digging a crater in your backyard.