What sewer cameras can & cannot do

Sewer cameras are a very useful tool for quickly and minimally invasively finding breaks and blockages. In the hands of a trained plumber, they are able to see exactly where the blockage or break is and determine what caused the blockage or sewer pipe to back up.

What sewer cameras can do

1. Locate sewer lines

Sewer cameras with positioning capabilities can detect the location of the camera probe underground as long as they are on the ground with a locator.

2. Identify pipe types

Plumbers use sewer cameras to decide which materials to replace or how to treat pipes, and pipe or sewage repair procedures will be faster and easier.

3. Detect rust in pipes

Metal sewers are prone to corrosion over time; they will become brittle and crack. If left untreated, corrosion can spread and should be repaired immediately.

4. Locate blockages

In some cases, cameras can detect future problem areas in pipes before they become completely blocked. This means that early action can be taken before the blockage leads to more expensive repairs.

5. Find tree root intrusions

The natural moisture in the sewer system is attractive to roots looking for suitable nutrients and water sources. Trees in your lawn will grow upwards, and their roots will sink further into the ground, causing serious leaks and blockages.

What sewer cameras cannot do

Despite the important role sewer cameras play in the plumbing and construction industries, sewer cameras do have limitations. Here are some of the things that pipe cameras can’t do.

1. Find leaks

Sewer cameras cannot detect leaks by themselves. They can indicate that a leak may be present but cannot see outside the pipe to confirm a leak. If a camera sees a hole or crack, it does not necessarily mean that the outside of the pipe is compromised. Definitive leak detection requires a leak location test to confirm or negate what the camera lens sees.

2. Unblock pipes

Sewer cameras are not designed to be used as a push rod to clear clogs or remove roots. Forcing through an obstruction can cause the camera to become damaged. If you want to remove a clog, there are many better tools for that purpose than a drain camera.

3. Repair pipes

Sewer cameras can’t actually perform repairs. Instead, they help plumbers understand what needs to be done and then use other tools and strategies to do the actual repair work.

Key Takeaway

Without the right pipe inspection camera, troubleshooting the cause of a blockage or leak can be an absolute nightmare for homeowners—causing extra time and money. If you have a clogged pipe, sewer backup, or leaks in your walls and floors, be sure to use a sewer camera to inspect the problem before you start tearing down walls, floors, or yards to find the culprit.