Sewer Camera Inspections: What They Reveal & When to Use Them?

Sewer line issues can be a nightmare for every homeowner. But finding what’s wrong in the sewer line can be difficult. Hence, most people, even professionals, rely on sewer cameras. It allows for capturing clear and real-time videos of potential problems before they worsen.

Unlike traditional guesswork or invasive digging, sewer cameras provide an accurate, non-invasive diagnosis. Plumbers in Reno also prefer a sewer camera both as a part of a maintenance plan and for emergency troubleshooting.

Homeowners benefit from faster solutions, informed repair decisions, and peace of mind knowing potential sewer issues are addressed as a priority. If you’re wondering what you can find with a sewer camera and when to use them, don’t worry, we have got all the information laid out. So, read till the end to find your answer.

What Is A Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera inspection is the smartest invention that helps figure out what’s happening inside your home’s sewer pipes. It is a waterproof camera that is attached to a long, flexible rod and gently pushed into the pipes. Plumbers insert the camera from one opening, which sends real-time footage as it enters the pipe.

Sewer camera inspection shows if there are clogs, cracks, tree roots, or other problems, which makes it easier to spot issues. Once the problem is detected, plumbers can resolve it and restore the functionality of your sewer system.

How Does A Sewer Inspection Camera Work?

Plumbers in Reno and other nearby regions have started to use sewer inspection because it provides better results and helps to make smarter repair decisions.

How does it work?

• A waterproof camera is attached to a long, flexible cable.
• The cable is gently fed into the sewer line through an opening.
• As the camera moves, it sends back live video to a monitor.
• Plumbers watch the footage to spot clogs, cracks, roots, or leaks.
• The exact location of the issue is marked, which makes the repair faster and more precise.

Looking For “Plumbers Near Me?” Call Easy Rooter Plumbing!

What Do Sewer Camera Inspections Reveal?

Here’s what a sewer camera inspections reveal - 

• Blockages And Clogs

Blockages and clogs are caused due to several issues, such as -

• Hair and soap scum in drains
• Mineral buildup from hard water
• Grease and oil buildup on the pipe walls
• Toys and other small items that may accidentally be flushed

A sewer camera shows you what’s actually blocking the line. This means you won’t have to worry about guessing the issue.

• Tree Root Intrusions

Roots are sneakier than you may realize. Trees and shrubs don’t care that you’ve got a sewer line, plus they love moisture so much that they might enter the sewer line even if they get a hint of water. When the roots intrude into the pipes, it may cause clogs, which may lead to water backup. It may also crack the pipes.

With a sewer camera, you can literally watch them stretching into the pipes like little tentacles. It helps catch the issue early and clear it up before it completely blocks the pipe.

• Pipe Damage

Pipes are meant to wear out over time. They may collapse, corrode, or even crack due to several reasons. These issues are more prevalent if you live in an older home. The pipes are buried deep inside, so you’d never know what’s wrong or where exactly the issue is. This may result in digging and tearing of the yard or driveway.

With a camera inspection, you can see the damaged spot, which can be fixed immediately in the exact section, instead of going for the replacement of the whole line.

• Misaligned Or Bellied Pipes

Sometimes pipes sink into the ground or shift out of place because of soil movement or poor installation. When that happens, low spots, also known as “bellies,” form, and wastewater just sits there instead of flowing away.

Now, the entire thing is happening somewhere deep in the sewer, which you or plumbers cannot detect with the naked eye. Hence, using a sewer camera can help identify the sagging, which helps professionals specializing in plumbing repair in Reno, correct the alignment and fix the soil shifting.

• Leaks And Water Infiltration

Even a small leak in sewer pipes can cause humongous problems. They may lead to foul smells, damp patches in your yard, or worse - mold growth inside your home. Pipes in homes are complex, and you may not know where the issue is until professionals inspect it thoroughly using a camera inspection.

Sewer camera inspection helps to pinpoint where the leaks are or from where the water is sneaking in. Once the issue is caught, it can be resolved as soon as possible to avoid any significant gaps or surprise repair bills.

• Construction Issues

Not all sewer problems come from old age, leaks, or tree root intrusion. Sometimes, issues are caused by damage during construction. There are chances that the pipes may be poorly installed, or there’s something else left in the pipes that may block the water flow.

Some other construction issues might be -

• Improper slope or grading causes the waste to collect instead of flowing away.
• Accidental pipe damage during other construction work around the home.
• Low-quality materials that wear out or crack faster than they should.
• Incorrect joint sealing allows leaks or root intrusions.

All these issues stay hidden until the clogs start sending the wastewater back into the home. Sewer camera inspection helps find these issues and resolve them to avoid unnecessary repair bills.

When To Use A Sewer Camera Inspection?

​Here’s when you can use a sewer camera for inspection - 

• Recurring Drain Problems

If you’re dealing with frequent clogs or drains that always seem slow, it’s a sign that something deeper may be wrong. A sewer camera inspection helps reveal hidden causes.

• Before Buying A House

Hidden drainage and sewer issues can be an expensive surprise when buying a house. Hence, it’s advised to search for “plumbers near me” on Google when buying a house, as they can use a specialized camera to inspect the pipes from inside.

• After Major Plumbing Repairs

Once you’re done with any major plumbing repair, it is always a wise decision to make sure the job is done right. Sewer camera inspection confirms pipes are clear and properly aligned. It is the smartest way to check the quality of the work done.

• Suspected Sewer Line Damage

If you notice continuous backup, a weird smell lingering, unexplained wet spots in the yard, or patches on the wall, it could mean something’s wrong with the sewer. Look for plumbers who specialize in using the camera and pinpoint the issue.

• Preventive Maintenance

Sewer camera inspection is also used by plumbers as a part of a maintenance plan. It helps reveal cracks, roots, or buildup, and take proactive measures before they grow into major problems.

Call Easy Rooter Plumbing At 775-252-4583 To Book An Appointment!

Pros And Cons Of Sewer Camera Inspection

Pros	Cons
Non-invasive, as there’s no need for digging	May not detect tiny cracks that may be hidden in the corners
Provides real-time video of the condition of the pipes	Requires professionals to conduct the inspection
Pinpoints problems at the exact spot	Can be costly compared to basic inspections
Saves money by targeting repairs only	Effectiveness depends on pipe accessibility

​Takeaway

A sewer inspection camera is an effective tool to understand what’s going on inside the pipes and sewer lines, without any unnecessary digging. They give a clear picture of the problem and the information required to make the right repair decisions.

So, if you’re buying a house or scheduling a maintenance service, ask your local plumbers for a camera inspection. This will save you a lot of time and money!

Call Easy Rooter Plumbing For Sewer Camera Inspection Today!

Easy Rooter Plumbing in Reno has been serving since 1979, and has evolved with the advancement in technology. We offer sewer camera inspection to detect anything that’s going on down the pipes.

We understand that sewer issues can arise at any hour. That’s why we are available 24/7 with 30+ licensed and certified professionals, who are proficient with new-age tools and technology. This way, we aim to serve our community in Reno and Sparks, and other surrounding regions, with complete transparency and honest pricing.

No matter if you need emergency plumbing, jetting, plumbing contractors, excavations, or plumbing repair in Reno, we are here to help!

Call us at 775-252-4583 to get a quote!