A Simple Guide to Sewer Camera Inspection
Sewer camera inspections are a priceless diagnostic tool for identifying and addressing sewer line issues with precision and efficiency.
When protecting your property’s plumbing system, few tools are as valuable as a professional sewer camera inspection. For homeowners and business owners alike, understanding what’s happening beneath the surface—where pipes and sewer lines run—can make all the difference in maintaining a healthy, efficient plumbing system. If left undetected, sewer line issues can be disruptive, costly, and even hazardous. That’s why professional plumbers rely on advanced sewer imaging and camera inspection plumbing to provide a clear, accurate assessment of your sewer and water lines.
Understanding sewer camera inspection
Sewer camera inspection, sometimes called sewer imaging or camera inspection of sewer lines, is a modern diagnostic approach that uses a high-resolution, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. This camera is inserted into your sewer or water lines and transmits real-time video footage to a monitor, giving professional plumbers a detailed look at the inside of your pipes. This method allows us to identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, corrosion, and other issues without requiring invasive digging or guesswork.
How does a sewer camera locator work?
The process begins with the camera being inserted into an access point, such as a cleanout or drain. As the camera travels through the pipes, it sends back live video and is paired with a locator device above ground. This locator uses a signal sent from the camera head to pinpoint the exact location and depth of the camera inside your sewer line. This technology is especially helpful for identifying the precise spot of a blockage, break, or other problem, making repairs more targeted and efficient.
Benefits of sewer camera inspection
There are many reasons why professional plumbers recommend sewer camera inspection for both routine maintenance and troubleshooting. Some of the most significant benefits include:
Non-invasive diagnosis: There’s no need to dig up your yard, break through walls, or disrupt your landscaping to find the source of a problem. Camera inspection plumbing allows us to see what’s happening without unnecessary damage.
Accurate problem identification: The real-time video feed provides a clear view of the condition inside your pipes, allowing us to identify blockages, cracks, root intrusion, and more.
Cost savings: Pinpointing the exact location of a problem minimizes the scope of repairs, saving time and money.
Preventive maintenance: Routine sewer camera inspections can catch minor issues before they become significant, helping avoid expensive emergencies.
Peace of mind: Knowing the true condition of your sewer and water lines helps you make informed decisions about repairs, replacements, or upgrades.
Common issues detected by sewer camera inspection
A professional sewer camera inspection can reveal many issues that might otherwise go undetected until they cause significant damage. Some of the most common issues we find include:
Blockages: Grease buildup, debris, or foreign objects can obstruct the wastewater flow, leading to slow drains or backups.
Tree root intrusion: Roots from nearby trees can infiltrate sewer lines through small cracks or joints, causing blockages and even breaking pipes over time.
Pipe corrosion: Older metal pipes are especially susceptible to corrosion, which can thin the pipe walls and eventually cause leaks or collapses.
Cracks and breaks: Shifting soil, freezing temperatures, or aging materials can cause pipes to crack, break, or collapse.
Misaligned or offset pipes: Improper installation or ground movement can cause pipes to shift out of alignment, leading to leaks and flow problems.
Bellied or sagging pipes: Sections of pipe that have sunk due to soil conditions can create low spots where waste and debris collect, increasing the risk of blockages.
When to schedule a sewer camera inspection
Knowing when to call for a sewer camera inspection can prevent headaches and costly repairs. Here are some signs that it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation:
Frequent backups or slow drains: If you’re dealing with recurring clogs or slow drainage in multiple fixtures, the problem may be deeper in your sewer line.
Foul odors: Persistent sewer smells in or around your home or business can indicate a break, blockage, or leak in the sewer line.
Unexplained wet spots: Patches of soggy ground or lush grass above your sewer line could signal a leak or break underground.
Older plumbing systems: If your property is over a few decades old and hasn’t been inspected recently, it’s wise to check for hidden issues.
Before property purchases: A sewer camera inspection is a smart investment before buying a new home or commercial building, ensuring you’re not inheriting costly plumbing problems.
The process of professional sewer camera inspection
When scheduling a sewer camera inspection with a professional plumbing service, expect a thorough, step-by-step process to give you a complete picture of your sewer system’s health.
Initial assessment: The plumber will discuss your concerns, review any symptoms you’ve noticed, and determine the best access point for the camera.
Camera insertion: Using specialized equipment, the plumber will carefully feed the camera into your sewer or water line, guiding it through bends and joints.
Real-time video analysis: As the camera moves through the pipes, the plumber watches the live video feed, and notices issues such as blockages, cracks, or root intrusion.
Locating problem areas: With the help of a sewer camera locator, the plumber can mark the precise location and depth of any problems found.
Detailed report: After the inspection, you’ll receive a comprehensive report, often including video or images, outlining the findings and recommended next steps.
Waterline camera inspection
While sewer camera inspection is most commonly used for wastewater lines, the same technology can be applied to waterline camera inspection. This is especially valuable for detecting leaks, blockages, or damage in your potable water supply lines. Waterline camera inspection can help identify hidden leaks that might be causing water loss, pressure problems, or even property damage.
Sewage camera inspection for commercial and residential properties
Sewage camera inspections can benefit both commercial and residential properties. In commercial settings, such as restaurants, apartment complexes, or office buildings, sewer line problems can disrupt operations and impact many people. Regular camera inspections help facility managers stay ahead of issues and maintain a safe, functional environment.
For homeowners, a camera line plumbing inspection offers peace of mind and can prevent small problems from escalating into major repairs. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or want to be proactive, a professional inspection is a smart investment in your property’s future.
How camera inspection plumbing supports repairs and maintenance
One of the advantages of sewer camera inspection is how it informs and streamlines repairs. Plumbers can target their efforts by knowing exactly where and what the problem is, reducing the need for unnecessary digging or demolition. For example, if a sewer camera inspection reveals a single tree root intrusion, the plumber can excavate only the affected area, repair the pipe, and restore your landscaping with minimal disruption.
Camera inspection plumbing is also invaluable for verifying the success of repairs. After a blockage is cleared or a section of pipe is replaced, a follow-up inspection ensures that the issue has been fully resolved and that no other problems are present.
Frequently asked questions about sewer camera inspection
1. How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most inspections are completed within one to two hours, depending on the length and complexity of your sewer system.
2. Will a sewer camera inspection damage my pipes?
No. The camera and cable are designed to be flexible and gentle, minimizing any risk of damage to your pipes.
3. Can I watch the inspection?
Absolutely. Many plumbers encourage property owners to watch the live video feed so they can see firsthand what’s happening inside their pipes.
4. Is sewer camera inspection only for emergencies?
Not at all. While it’s an excellent tool for diagnosing urgent problems, it’s also valuable for routine maintenance and preventive care.
The bottom line
Sewer camera inspection is a powerful, non-invasive diagnostic tool that gives you and your plumber a clear view inside your pipes. By choosing professional sewer inspection services, you benefit from accurate diagnosis, targeted repairs, and long-term peace of mind. Whether you’re facing persistent plumbing problems or want to ensure your system is in top shape, a camera line plumbing inspection is a smart step.
If you suspect issues with your sewer or water lines or want to schedule preventive maintenance, contact a trusted local plumber for a professional camera inspection. With the right expertise and technology, you can keep the plumbing system running smoothly and protect the property from costly surprises.
Simba Plumbing has licensed plumbers to provide water filters, water softeners installation, water softener repair, repiping, hydrojetting, sewer camera inspections, sewer line locating, plumbing remodels, backflow prevention installation, and backflow repair services to Phoenix residents. 24/7 emergency services available.
