Sewer Camera Inspections in Cedar Rapids, IA

How Does a Sewer Drain Video Inspection Work?

In the past, plumbers had to dig up pipes to verify their condition or complete necessary repairs. Now, we can use specialized cameras to inspect the inside of your pipes instead of digging into your walls, floor, or yard.

Our plumbers start your sewer drain video inspection process by inserting a camera into your main sewer line cleanout. The camera has a flexible cable, which lets us direct the camera through your pipes and see what’s inside in real time.

When Should I Schedule a Sewer Camera Video Inspection?

For most homes, we recommend scheduling a routine sewer camera video inspection every one to two years. If you have an older home, annual inspections may be a good idea. Catching sewer line issues early can help prevent disruptive problems that require more expensive repairs. 

Additionally, you should schedule an immediate sewer line inspection if you notice any of the following problems:

• Slow-moving drains
• Multiple drains clogged at once
• Unpleasant smells or gurgling sounds coming from your drains
• Weak-flushing toilets
• Debris or soil in your toilet, dishwasher, or washer
• Unexplained puddles or soggy areas over your sewer line

Benefits of Sewer Camera Video Inspections

The number one advantage of a sewer drain camera inspection is its accuracy. Since it provides a real-time view inside your pipes, we can pinpoint leaks, blockages, root intrusions, and other defects that may be causing problems in your sewer line. This detailed information allows us to recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective repair solutions.

Other advantages include:

• Fast solutions. Sewer line camera inspections require minimal prep work and tend to deliver diagnostic results quickly.
• Reduced labor costs. A video inspection should cost less than other sewer line inspection methods because it does not require digging up your yard or cutting into walls. 
• Less cleanup. We don’t have to damage your property to view the inside of your pipes, and that means there's no need to worry about cleaning up a massive mess.
• Enhanced safety. Excavating water or sewer lines for inspection purposes can lead to accidental pipe damage. Camera inspections avoid this possibility. 

What Types of Sewer Line Issues Can a Video Inspection Find?

Solving your sewer line problem requires identifying its root cause. A sewer camera inspection lets our team at Master Plumbing, Heating & Air get a complete picture of the problem so that we can recommend and implement the appropriate solution, which may involve professional drain cleaning methods like hydro jetting or trenchless repair or replacement. 

These video inspections can help us identify:

• Tree root intrusion. Tree roots seek moisture and nutrients and can invade sewer lines through small cracks or loose joints. Once inside, these roots grow rapidly, catching debris and creating significant blockages.
• Broken, cracked, or collapsed pipes. Shifting soil, frozen ground, or simple settling can cause pipes to fracture or collapse under pressure. A video inspection can reveal the severity of this structural damage, helping us decide if the pipe needs a spot repair or a full replacement.
• Major blockages. Years of pouring grease down the drain or flushing restricted items can cause thick layers of build-up. We can use the camera to see what materials obstruct the flow, which helps us choose the right tool to clear it.
• Corrosion and deterioration. Older pipes made of outdated materials naturally degrade over time. We can assess the condition of the pipe walls to spot rust, flaking, or thinning that signals the pipe has reached the end of its lifespan.
• Offset or misaligned joints. Connections between pipe sections sometimes shift independently, creating a step or gap. This misalignment restricts flow and provides an easy entry point for surrounding soil or roots to enter the line.