What is a Sewer Camera Inspection? Everything You Need to Know

Sewer Camera Inspection

In this Article

Let’s be honest. Nobody wants to think about sewer problems. However, you are concerned when your drainage begins to misbehave or water stalls at a place where it definitely should not. It is at that point that one typically thinks about what is a sewer camera inspection and when one has never had one it might seem somewhat threatening. Introduce such terms as CIPP, and it may seem even more disorienting.

The good news? It is in fact a clever, yet surprisingly easy, method of finding out what is happening in your pipes without digging up your land.

What then is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

So, what is a sewer camera inspection? A sewer camera inspection is, in simple words, what it is called. A plumber drops a tiny camera inside your drain or sewer line to inspect what is going on there. No digging. No guessing. Only a live video with a clear view of the actual state of your pipes.

Such inspections are commonly referred to as sewer drain inspection services or sewer camera surveys and have totally transformed the diagnosis of plumbing problems. Rather than guessing about the problem, such as it is likely the roots or it could be a clog, plumbers are able to view the problem.

Ordinary items that appear on the camera include:

  • Roots of trees creeping into the pipe.
  • Fissures or collapsed areas.
  • Grease that has gradually gone out of control.
  • Worn-out pipes that are about to be terminated.
  • Objects that never ought to have been down a drain.

It is an equivalent of a health checkup of your sewer system.

How is Sewer Camera Inspection Conducted?

You need not worry, if you are thinking it’s a lengthy, shambolic procedure. Sewer camera inspection is normally fast and relatively uneventful.

First, the plumber locates a point of entry, most often a cleanout or drain opening. Then, the camera is slowly pushed into the line. It transmits live images to a screen as it passes along the pipe, thus enabling the technician to view all that happens in real-time.

In case of an issue, they are able to identify where it arises and its cause. A lot of sewer camera surveys are also documented and this would be useful in case you need evidence of the problem or in case you would need to do repairs in the future.

The best part? You do not get guesses, you get answers.

What is the Importance of Sewer Camera Inspection?

Here, sewer camera inspection is particularly brilliant. In its absence, sewer problems can become costly trial and error experiments. Dig here. Replace that. Hope for the best.

It saves you all that with a proper sewer drain inspection.

Here is why it matters:

  • The first time problems are identified correctly.
  • Minor problems are identified before they turn into catastrophes.
  • You save the needless excavations and injuries.
  • Maintenance can be scheduled more effectively.

The inspection of sewer cameras is particularly necessary in old houses, properties with large trees, or buildings that have recurring drain issues. It is also a clever thing to do when you are purchasing a house and would like to know what is lurking beneath the ground before you put your signature on anything.

The benefits of Sewer Camera Inspection with CIPP

This is where modern plumbing is truly interesting.

CIPP, or Cured-In-Place Pipe, is a trenchless technology that is employed to fix damaged sewer pipes internally. A new lining is placed inside the old one instead of replacing it. No torn-up driveways. No destroyed landscaping.

But here is the thing. CIPP can only be effective when it is a pipe that can be lined and this is where sewer camera inspection comes in.

The camera check-up confirms:

  • Whether the pipe can be lined
  • The point of origin and destination of the damage.
  • The general state of the sewer line.

Once the CIPP process has been completed, a second inspection of the sewer using a camera is usually conducted to ensure that nothing is amiss. It is a pre-check and post-check that brings tranquility.

When is a Sewer Camera Inspection a Good Idea?

You do not need to wait until sewage starts to back up into your house to get an inspection. Actually, the sooner the better.

You may require a sewer camera inspection when:

  • You have slow drains most of the time.
  • You continue to deal with recurring clogs.
  • There are nasty sewer odors you cannot describe.
  • You are either selling or purchasing a property.
  • You are intending to undertake plumbing or renovations of considerable scope.

A single check up can sometimes prevent a significantly bigger headache in the future.

Final Thoughts

What is sewer camera inspection? It is about clarity. You no longer have to speculate on what is going on under the ground, but you have real answers that you can actually do something about. It is among the most intelligent methods to gain control of sewer problems before they get out of control, combined with sewer camera surveys, professional sewer drain inspection and modern repair opportunities such as CIPP.

No mess. No mystery. Only a clear picture of what is happening where you cannot see.

Picture of Ethan J. Thompson

Ethan J. Thompson

I am Ethan J. Thompson, here to help you to boost your gardening experience and love of nature. I always love to share my knowledge to thrive in a beautiful garden.