Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer camera inspection transformed drain and sewer line diagnostics by allowing direct visual assessment of pipe interiors without excavation. Before this technology, diagnosing underground drainage problems often required educated guesswork or exploratory digging. Modern camera systems provide real-time video of pipe conditions, enabling accurate diagnosis and targeted repairs.

The technology itself consists of a waterproof camera mounted on a flexible cable that navigates through drain lines while transmitting video to a monitor. Professional systems include distance counters that track camera position, allowing technicians to mark exact locations of defects. Some advanced units incorporate sonde transmitters that can be located from above ground, pinpointing problem areas for excavation when necessary.

Camera inspections reveal numerous pipe conditions that affect drainage performance and structural integrity. Root intrusion from nearby trees represents one of the most common findings—roots seek out moisture and nutrients, entering pipes through joints or cracks and eventually creating blockages. Pipe material degradation varies by type: cast iron develops internal corrosion and scale buildup; clay pipes crack and separate at joints; older Orangeburg pipes collapse entirely. Bellied sections where pipes have settled create low points that collect debris and impede flow.

Beyond diagnosing existing problems, camera inspections serve preventive purposes. Pre-purchase inspections reveal the condition of sewer laterals before property transactions close, potentially uncovering expensive repairs that buyers would otherwise inherit unknowingly. Periodic inspections of aging systems identify developing problems before they cause backups or require emergency response.

The inspection findings inform repair recommendations. Minor root intrusion might respond to chemical treatment or mechanical cutting, while severe damage or collapsed sections require excavation or trenchless rehabilitation methods like pipe lining or pipe bursting.

Articles in this section cover camera inspection technology, common findings and their implications, when inspections are advisable, and how video documentation supports insurance claims and real estate transactions.