A sewer camera inspection lets you see the inside of a drain or sewer line without opening floors or digging up the yard. We use it to investigate recurring clogs, check older pipes, verify cleaning results, and document conditions for homeowners, buyers, property managers, and contractors.
Before the Camera Goes In
We start by asking what happened, which fixtures are affected, how often the problem returns, and what work has already been attempted. That history tells us whether the likely issue is in a fixture branch, a building drain, or the main sewer lateral.
Next, we choose the safest access point. A proper cleanout is best. If the line is completely blocked or full of dirty water, it may need to be opened or cleaned first because a camera cannot see through heavy waste, grease, or standing water.
The Inspection Process
- Confirm access and flow. We inspect the cleanout and run water when appropriate to understand direction and drainage.
- Advance the camera slowly. The technician watches joints, pipe walls, connections, and changes in material rather than simply pushing to the end.
- Track distance. On-screen footage counters help record how far a condition is from the access point.
- Locate from above ground. When needed, the camera head's transmitter can be located to mark the approximate path, depth, and position of a defect.
- Record useful footage. We capture the conditions that matter, including the approach to and view past a suspected problem whenever the line allows it.
What We Look For
- Roots entering through joints, cracks, or broken sections
- Scale and corrosion that reduce the inside diameter of cast iron
- Grease and debris attached to pipe walls
- Offset joints, cracks, holes, or collapsed pipe
- Standing water that may indicate poor grade or a low section
- Foreign objects and construction debris
- Pipe material and transitions between cast iron, clay, PVC, or other materials
Industry inspection standards emphasize documenting visible material defects and identifying any portion of the line that could not be inspected. That same principle is reflected in the InterNACHI Sewer Scope Standards of Practice.
What Is in Our Comprehensive Report?
Our goal is to give you something you can understand and use after the truck leaves. Depending on the job and access available, the report can include:
- Property and inspection information
- Reason for the inspection and customer-reported symptoms
- Access point and portion of the system inspected
- Observed pipe material and approximate size
- Written findings in plain English
- Footage references for important conditions
- Approximate surface location and depth when locating is performed
- Photos or video clips showing significant findings
- Any limitations, such as standing water or an inaccessible section
- Recommended next steps, prioritized by urgency
A camera shows what is visible on the day of inspection. It does not see through pipe walls, standing sewage, concrete, soil, or heavy buildup. A good report clearly states those limits instead of pretending the camera can prove more than it can.
How the Report Helps You Decide
A report can separate a maintenance issue from a structural one. Grease or scale may call for hydro-jetting or chain cleaning. A localized root entry or offset joint may need repair. A clean, open line may point the diagnosis back toward a fixture or venting issue.
For real estate or insurance use, always confirm what format the other party requires. Our report documents observed conditions, but it is not an engineering report, code certification, or guarantee of future performance.
When to Schedule an Inspection
- The same line has clogged more than once
- You are buying an older Pinellas County property
- You want to verify a drain-cleaning result
- You suspect roots, cast-iron scale, or a broken line
- You need documentation before planning a repair
Need clear answers about what is happening underground? Review our camera inspection service or call 727-390-1033.