What Happens During a Sewer Camera Inspection?
When you're dealing with recurring drain backups, flow drains, sewer odors, or suspect a damaged sewer line, guessing can be expensive. A professional sewer camera inspection allows plumbers to look inside your drainage system without unnecessary excavation, helping identify the exact cause of the problem.
At Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC., our sewer inspections are performed by NASSCO-certified inspectors, giving our customers confidence that their sewer systems are evaluated using nationally recognized inspection standards.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a specialized, high-definition waterproof camera into your home's or commercial property's drain or sewer line. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor, allowing our technician to inspect the interior condition of the pipe in real time. Unlike simply clearing a blockage, a camera inspection helps determine why the problem occurred and whether additional repairs are needed.
What Can a Sewer Camera Find?
A professional camera inspection can identify many common plumbing problems, including:
• Broken or cracked sewer pipes
• Root intrusion
• Grease buildup
• Foreign objects causing blockages
• Pipe offsets or separated joints
• Corroded or deteriorated cast iron piping
• Bellied or settled sewer lines
• Collapsed piping
• Improper pipe pitch
• Recurring sewer backups
• Hidden leaks inside drain piping
By seeing the inside of the pipe, we can recommend the most effective repair instead of relying on guesswork.
What Happens During the Inspection?
- Initial System Evaluation
Our technician first discusses the issues you've been experiencing and determine the best access point into the drainage system. This may be through:
• An existing cleanout
• A floor drain
• A roof vent
• A removed toilet (if necessary)
• Another accessible drain opening
2. Camera Insertion
A high-resolution sewer camera is carefully inserted into the drain line. As the camera travels through the pipe, our technician observes the condition of the sewer in real time. The camera can navigate bends while recording continuous video throughout the inspection.
3. Locating the Problem
When an issue is discovered, electronic locating equipment can be used to determine the approximate location and depth of the pipe from above ground. This is especially helpful when planning repairs because it minimizes unnecessary excavation.
4. Documentation
Throughout the inspection, we document our findings, including:
• Pipe material
• Overall pipe condition
• Location of defects
• Visible damage
• Areas of concern
• Recommendations for repair or maintenance
Whenever applicable, we also provide video footage for the property owner or property manager.
Why Does NASSCO Certification Matter?
Not every plumbing contractor performs sewer inspections the same way. At Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC., our inspectors are NASSCO certified, meaning we have completed specialized training through the National Association of Sewer Service Companies (NASSCO) -- the industry leader in standardized sewer inspection practices.
NASSCO certification demonstrates that our inspectors have been trained to properly evaluate pipeline conditions, recognize structural defects, document findings consistently, and provide accurate assessments of underground drainage systems.
For homeowners, property managers, commercial facilities, and insurance claims, this means your inspection is performed using recognized industry standards, not simply someone's opinions.
Do All Drain Problems Need Excavation?
No.
Many sewer problems can be identified without digging. In some cases, a simple drain cleaning or hydro jetting resolves the issue. In others, the camera may reveal that a repair or replacement is necessary.
A camera inspection ensures you received the correct recommendation before investing in unnecessary work.
When Should You Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Consider scheduling a camera inspection if you notice:
• Frequent drain backups
• Multiple drains clogging at once
• Sewer odors inside or outside the building
• Slow drains throughout the property
• Water backing up into tubs or floor drains
• Purchasing a new home or commercial property
• Repeated drain cleaning with recurring problems
• Suspected broken or aging sewer piping
Trust Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC!
Whether you're a homeowner, commercial property manager, condominium association, or facility manager, a sewer camera inspection can save time, money, and unnecessary excavation.
At Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC., our NASSCO-certified inspectors use professional-grade camera equipment to accurately diagnose drainage problems and provide clear recommendations based on what we actually see inside your plumbing system.
If you're experiencing recurring sewer or drain issues, contact Aqua Plumbing & Heating, LLC., today to schedule a professional sewer camera inspection.
📞 (267)600-8159
✉️ Office@aquaplumbingheatingllc.com
Aqua Plumbing & Heating Expert Services in Philadelphia
