Filed under Drains & Sewer Lines · By Michael and the team at The Irish Plumber
How it works
A small waterproof camera on a flexible cable goes into your drain through a cleanout, a floor drain or the stack. The plumber pushes it along the line while the picture plays on a screen in real time. A transmitter in the camera head lets the plumber find its exact position and depth from above ground.
The whole inspection usually takes about an hour. If the line is fully blocked, it may need clearing first so the camera can get through.
What it finds
- Roots coming through joints and cracks
- Cracks, breaks and offset joints in clay or cast iron
- Sags (bellies) where water and waste sit
- Grease and scale narrowing the pipe
- Corroded cast iron with a rough or rotted bottom
- Collapsed sections
- Where your line meets the City's, and which side a problem is on
Why it's worth it
Without a camera, a plumber can only guess. You might pay for repeated cleanings on a pipe that's broken, or for a full replacement when a spot repair would do. With the footage, you see the cause yourself and choose the fix with the facts in front of you.
Want to see what's in your line?
Book a camera inspection and watch the screen with a Red Seal plumber.
How to prepare
- Clear access to the floor drain, cleanout or stack
- Avoid running water during the inspection
- Write down what's been happening and what's been tried
- Ask for clips or a summary of what's found
Buying an older home?
For homes built before the 1970s, a sewer inspection before you close is cheap insurance against one of the biggest plumbing bills a homeowner can face.