9 Things You Didn’t Know Sewer Cameras Could Detect

Sewer cameras are used to detect different issues in the sewer system and are also used to detect issues in the plumbing lines. Modern cameras come with advanced technologies, generating live images and video footage, so that the technicians can detect the issues quickly.

Modern sewer cameras generate such a clear image and video footage that even a hairline crack in the sewer system can be identified. These cameras come with attached lights at the tip for better visibility when inserted in the dark pipelines.

So, without further ado, let’s discuss in this blog how sewer cameras can detect issues in the sewer lines.

Plumbing Problem Identification Made Easier with Sewer Cameras

As a plumber, you do not have to struggle anymore when trying to find the tiniest of cracks in the plumbing system. The modern sewer camera is at your rescue!

1. Hidden Cracks and Hairline Fractures

Modern sewer inspection cameras can generate high-resolution live footage and capture images of the sewer system to detect issues in the system. Even if there is a small fracture in the sewer system, modern high-resolution cameras will be able to detect the hairline crack.

So, plumbers or technicians can take precautionary measures to protect the sewer line. Such hairline cracks may not be identified with the naked eye, but modern sewer cameras can help identify the issue. 

2. Pipe Belly Formation

A pipe belly happens at a lower level of the pipeline. Due to ground settling issues or poor installation techniques, the pipe belly forms. It collects sludge, debris, water, and waste materials. It clogs the line and does not let water or waste materials pass easily. As a result, overflow might happen, which can cause a serious problem.

If a sewer inspection camera is inserted in the sewer line, it will be able to detect the bulging issues clearly. The plumbers will be able to know where the actual issue is with the piping line. It simplifies the inspection process and reduces the time to resolve the issue. 

Table 1: Signs of a Pipe Belly Detected by a Camera

3. Intruding Tree Roots

Sometimes, pipelines suffer damage from tree root invasion. It might lead to leakage and blockage problems with the sewer lines. The best way to prevent such issues in the sewer line is early detection. If the plumbers could take a look inside the pipeline and see if there is a protruding tree root inside the pipeline, then precautionary measures can be taken.

A sewer line camera inspection is the best option to get the inspection done. If you hire a plumber who has access to sewer inspection cameras, then the inspection work gets simplified without detaching the pipeline. 

4. Pipe Material Degradation

If the sewer pipe is made of cast iron, it will corrode with time. Or, if it’s a galvanized pipe, mineral deposits or rust will build up inside the pipe. So, with time, the buildup of minerals or corrosion will lead to blockage or leakage issues.

Using a sewer inspection camera can solve the issue. It can detect corrosion and buildup inside the pipeline. Plumbers can only remove a single pipe with the corrosion issue to protect the line from future leakage issues.

Besides, the cameras can also help identify the actual issues inside the pipeline.

5. Improper Pipe Connections

Leakage issues in the sewer line can also happen due to improper pipe connections. It can be misaligned joints, incorrectly installed fittings, and the pipe joints can also be disrupted by soil shift in that place.

A minor misalignment can lead to bigger issues when the pipe faces water pressure. The joints can burst out. Plumbers use a sewer pipe camera to identify the misaligned joints.

Table 2: Common Improper Connections a Sewer Camera Can Reveal

6. Evidence of Pest or Rodent Activity

A camera for the sewer often makes it easier for the plumbers to identify pest or rodent activities inside the sewer pipeline. The live video footage captured by the camera in the sewer line will help plumbers identify if any nesting materials are present in the pipeline.

Besides, the cameras can reveal gnaw marks made by any animals. So, the plumbers can identify if there is significant damage to the pipeline and understand if it needs to be replaced.

7. Grease, Scale, and Mineral Build-Up

The sewer pipeline collects waste deposits and other materials that can clog up the system. Besides, the sewer pipes also have mineral buildup and grease that can block the pipelines. Plumbers use sewer pipe cameras to detect the issue inside the pipeline.

The cameras can also be used in identifying the blockage and determining a plan for cleaning the line. Plumbers can precisely clean the pipeline without wasting time on detecting the issue.

8. Displaced or Missing Pipe Sections

A sewer pipe camera also comes in handy for detecting pipeline collapses due to soil erosion. Plumbers use the camera to detect the exact location of the pipeline where the displacement has occurred. The camera is beneficial if the pipeline goes underground. In such a case, the plumber uses the camera to identify the location of the issue.

There is no need to dig up the entire area to identify the displacement of the sewer line.

9. Early Signs of Sewer Line Collapse

The sewer line goes underground, making it difficult to know if it is intact or showing signs of damage. Using a sewer inspection camera, plumbers can identify if there are any cracks in the line or signs of soil intrusion in the pipe.

If there are signs of damage in the sewer line, plumbers can recommend spot repairs or full line replacement before the issue escalates to a major failure. So, you can see that sewer cameras work as an efficient tool to prevent major line issues from developing.

When to Recommend a Sewer Line Camera Inspection

Now, let's take a look at when you should use a sewer line camera to detect and prevent damage:

• If you have an old house with unknown pipe conditions
• For commercial buildings with high usage
• To inspect the sewer line before purchasing a property
• After a storm or mild earthquake

Use a Modern Sewer Camera to Detect Issues with the Sewer Line

A modern sewer camera could help detect any issues with the sewer line. Modern inspection cameras can help if there is a hidden crack in the pipe, belly forming, or if there are any intruding tree roots inside the line. With live and high-definition footage of the sewer line, plumbers can resolve any sewer line issue quickly. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Share the Sewer Inspection Footage With the Client?

Yes, you can share the footage taken by the sewer inspection camera with the client if the live footage is streamed on an app or a similar platform. Or, you can show the live footage on your monitoring device.

2. Does the Camera Come With Wi-fi Connectivity?

Yes, modern cameras offer the option to connect them through wi-fi connectivity.

3. Do I Need a High-speed Internet Connection to Use the Sewer Inspection Camera?

If you plan to live-stream the inspection footage, then yes, you will need a high-speed internet connection. Otherwise, you can use wired inspection and other options.

4. Do I Need Special Training to Handle the Inspection Camera?

You may not need a long training session, but you should know how to operate the sewer inspection camera for better results and handle it safely without damaging the camera.