A sewer camera inspection is one of the most effective ways to diagnose hidden issues in your plumbing system. Using a small, high-resolution camera, plumbers can examine your pipes without major digging or disruption. The camera is inserted into the sewer line, allowing experts to see real-time footage of potential blockages, cracks, or corrosion.
If you’ve never had a sewer camera inspection before, you may be wondering what to expect during the process. At Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical in Denver, CO, we make sure that the entire inspection goes smoothly and that you get the answers you need without any surprises.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection is a high-tech way to check out your plumbing without tearing up your yard or breaking through walls. Imagine a tiny camera that’s small enough to travel through your pipes, sending live video back to the technician so they can spot any issues inside your sewer lines. A bendable wire is linked to this camera, which the plumber feeds into the drain or clean-out access point. Once it’s inside the pipe, the camera moves through the lines, capturing footage of what’s going on.
Why Do You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?
You might wonder why you need this type of inspection when there’s no obvious problem. The truth is sewer issues can go unnoticed until they become major problems. Checking your sewers regularly can help you find problems early on, which can save you time and money in the long run. If you’ve been experiencing slow drainage, foul smells, or unexpected backups, it might be a sign that something’s blocking your pipes or that your system is starting to deteriorate.
Even if you’re not having problems yet, a sewer camera inspection can make you feel better. It can also be helpful when you’re buying a new home or preparing for a major plumbing project. After all, it’s much easier to address small issues now rather than waiting until they turn into big, expensive repairs.
Common Problems Sewer Cameras Uncover
Sewer camera inspections are great for uncovering a wide range of problems that you might not notice otherwise. One of the most common issues technicians look for is blockages. Over time, things like grease, soap scum, hair, and food can get stuck in the lines and make the water drain slowly or even come back up into your home.
Another common issue is tree roots. Once inside, the roots can cause blockages, cracks, or complete collapses in the pipes. Sewer camera inspections can help identify these root invasions before they cause too much damage.
Cracks and breaks in the pipes are also commonly spotted during these inspections. Pipes can crack from age, shifts in the ground, or heavy tree roots pressing against them. A crack in a pipe can lead to leaks, water damage, or even sinkholes if left untreated. The camera allows the technician to spot these cracks early so they can be repaired before they cause bigger problems.
Corrosion is another issue that can be caught with a sewer camera inspection. Older pipes, especially metal ones, can corrode over time, causing them to weaken or even collapse. The camera can show exactly where the corrosion is happening, helping you take action before it leads to more serious damage.
What to Expect During a Sewer Camera Inspection
When the technician arrives to perform a sewer camera inspection, the first thing they’ll do is locate the best access point to send the camera into the pipes. This might be a clean-out access (a pipe that’s specifically there for cleaning or inspecting your sewer lines), or it could be a drain in your home.
Depending on the layout of your plumbing, they’ll choose the spot that gives them the clearest view of the sewer lines.
Once they’ve found the access point, the technician will feed the camera into the pipe. The flexible cable lets the camera move around corners and twists so it can travel far through your plumbing. As the camera moves along, it sends real-time footage to a screen where the technician can watch it. You might even be able to see the footage, too, which can help you better understand what’s going on inside your pipes.
During the inspection, the technician is looking for signs of damage, including clogs, tree roots, leaks, or cracks. They’ll also be checking for pipe misalignments or areas where the pipe may be sagging, which can cause water to pool and finally cause bigger issues.
How Long Does It Take?
The length of a sewer camera inspection depends on the size of your plumbing system and how serious the issue is. However, most inspections usually take about an hour or two to complete. The technician will spend time getting the camera set up, then carefully guide it through the pipes, inspecting each section for potential issues.
If the technician discovers a problem, they may need extra time to thoroughly examine that area and determine the best course of action. If the inspection is being done as part of a general check-up or to look for minor issues, it should be a relatively quick process. Either way, you can expect a detailed report from the technician once the inspection is complete, including footage of the inside of your pipes.
Is It Expensive?
Sewer camera inspections are typically more affordable than large-scale repairs or emergency plumbing services. The cost varies based on the intensity of the inspection and the plumbing system, but it’s generally a reasonable investment for the peace of mind it provides. When compared to the cost of digging up your yard or having major plumbing work done, a camera inspection is much less expensive.
Can You Watch the Inspection?
In many cases, you’ll be able to watch the sewer camera inspection as it happens. The technician will feed the camera through the pipes and display the footage on a monitor, often right in front of you. This can give you a chance to see firsthand what’s happening inside your sewer lines. Watching the video can give you a better understanding of your plumbing system’s condition and see if there are any issues that need attention.
It can also help you feel more confident in what the technician finds. Instead of just hearing about possible issues, you can see them with your own eyes. Plus, the technician can point out areas of concern and explain what’s going on, so you have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, the technician will provide you with a report detailing the condition of your sewer lines. This may include footage from the camera, as well as recommendations for repairs if necessary. If no major issues are found, the technician will let you know that your pipes are in good condition and that no immediate repairs are needed.
If there are problems, such as clogs, tree root invasions, or pipe damage, the technician will discuss potential repair options with you. Depending on the problem, repairs could be as easy as clearing the drain or as complicated as replacing part of the pipe.
Schedule Your Sewer Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection is a quick and non-invasive way to identify problems within your pipes, from clogs to cracks and beyond. It’s a smart way to prevent bigger, costlier issues down the road. If you’re dealing with plumbing problems or you just want to keep your system in check, don’t hesitate to schedule an inspection with Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical today. We also offer heating, cooling, and electrical services for residential and commercial properties.
