CCTV Sewer Camera Inspection in San Diego, CA: Pros & Cons, Technology Step-by-Step, Pricing
Sewer camera inspection is an advanced plumbing technology and service that provides a clear and accurate view of your sewer and drain lines without unnecessary digging or disruption. This method pinpoints clogs, cracks and other problems by inserting a special waterproof camera into the pipes. Almco Plumbing offers sewer camera inspection as a stand-alone service or as part of a comprehensive plumbing solution.
Let’s learn more about the technology, its benefits and considerations.
What is Camera Inspection as Technology & as Plumbing Service?
Sewer camera inspection is an advanced technology that uses specialized high-resolution cameras to detect problems inside sewer and drain systems.
It involves the use of specialized waterproof cameras mounted on flexible cables to visually inspect the inside of the pipe. The cameras are equipped with LED lights and transmit live video footage to a monitor, allowing technicians to assess the condition of the pipes in real time. This technology is highly effective for identifying problems in hard-to-reach sections of pipe.
As a plumbing service, camera inspection allows plumbers to quickly identify problems such as clogs, cracks, root intrusion, and misaligned joints without invasive digging or guesswork. This non-destructive approach saves time, reduces costs, and minimizes disruption to the customer’s property.
Almco Plumbing uses this technology to accurately diagnose the condition of a customer’s sewer system. Camera inspection is also a critical step for trenchless repair and replacement methods such as spray epoxy pipe lining or pipe bursting.
When Do You Need to Use Sewer Camera Inspection?
Sewer camera inspection is essential when a clear and accurate assessment of the sewer system is needed. Here are some situations where this service is needed:
Persistent Drainage Problems. If there is a recurring problem with clogs, slow drains, or backups, a camera inspection can identify the root cause, such as grease buildup, foreign objects, or pipe damage.
Buying or Selling Property. A sewer inspection provides peace of mind for buyers and sellers by ensuring that the property’s plumbing system is in good condition before closing a deal.
Unexplained Odors or Moisture. If there is a foul odor or unexplained moisture, a camera inspection can reveal hidden holes or leaks in the plumbing.
Pre- & Post-Repair Inspection. Before repairs begin, a camera inspection helps pinpoint the exact location of the problem. After repairs, it ensures that the job was completed successfully.
Tree Root Intrusion. Properties with trees near the sewer line are prone to root intrusion, which can cause cracks or blockages. Camera inspection quickly identifies these problems.
Routine Maintenance. Regular sewer inspections can catch small problems before they escalate into costly repairs.
Inserting New Pipes. If you need to find where the old pipes run when it mad a new connection, you can accurately cut into the sewer from the new building.
Almco Plumbing recommends sewer camera inspections for both residential and commercial properties near San Diego. This service helps maintain the functionality of a plumbing system by diagnosing problems or performing routine checks.
Sewer Camera Inspection Step-by-Step
Typically, sewer camera inspection is a part of more complex techniques, such as epoxy pipe lining. But this process has its own straightforward stages designed to assess the condition of the sewer system. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown.
Step 1. Prepare the Equipment
A high-resolution, waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable is set up. The camera system includes a monitor for real-time viewing and may have advanced features such as location tracking or 360-degree rotation. This step also includes locating cleanouts or other inlets in the sewer line.
Step 2. Insert the Camera
The camera is inserted into the sewer line through the selected access point. The flexible cable allows the camera to navigate through pipes of various shapes, sizes, and conditions.
Step 3. Real-Time Inspection
As the camera moves through the line, it sends live video to the technician’s monitor. The plumber examines the footage to identify problems such as clogs, cracks, corrosion, root intrusion, or misaligned pipes.
Step 4. Problem Identification & Location
If a problem is detected, the camera’s locator transmitter pinpoints its exact location and depth, enabling precise repair planning. High-definition images or video can also be captured for further analysis.
As a result of the inspection, the plumbing technician provides repair or maintenance recommendations and, if requested by the customer, a preliminary estimate of the work required. The result of the post-repair inspection is a video of the pipe being replaced or renewed.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Camera Inspection
Sewer camera inspections offer a modern and efficient way to evaluate plumbing systems, but like any technical method, they have their strengths and limitations. Here’s a closer look.
Advantages
Accurate Problem Identification. Pinpoints the exact location and nature of problems such as clogs, cracks, or root intrusion, eliminating guesswork.
Non-Invasive Technology. Eliminates the need for extensive digging or disruption to identify problems, preserving landscaping, driveways, and property structures.
Cost-Effective Diagnosis. Reduces labor and testing costs by targeting the problem directly, minimizing unnecessary repairs.
Time Efficient. Provides immediate visual feedback, allowing technicians to quickly assess the problem and recommend solutions.
Prevents Future Problems. Identifies minor problems, such as early corrosion or minor blockages, before they escalate into costly repairs.
Detailed Documentation. Provides high-resolution video and images for analysis, insurance claims, or record keeping.
Compatibility with Other Services. Ideal for use with other services such as hydro jetting or trenchless pipe repair to confirm the success of the repair.
Disadvantages
Diagnostic Tool Only. Cannot repair the problems it detects—strictly a diagnostic tool. All repairs require follow-up services.
Accessibility Challenges. In some cases, blockages or inaccessible pipes may prevent the camera from reaching all areas of the sewer line.
Technical Limitations. Cameras may not detect certain problems, such as small leaks or problems hidden behind pipe walls.
Not DIY Technology. Requires specialized equipment, such as a waterproof camera, etc. Also, accurate diagnosis requires a skilled technician to interpret the footage and correctly identify the problems.
Almco Plumbing’s Pricing for Sewer Camera Inspection
Almco Plumbing offers competitive and transparent pricing for sewer camera inspection services in the San Diego area. Below are sample prices for this work for homeowners and businesses.
A sewer camera inspection uses a high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable to visually inspect the inside of your pipes and sewer lines. Plumbers can detect problems such as clogs, cracks, leaks, and root intrusion without having to dig up the pipes.
What are the benefits of a home sewer camera inspection?
A sewer camera inspection provides an accurate way to diagnose plumbing problems. It’s especially useful for identifying hidden problems, which can help prevent costly repairs or pipe replacements.
How long does a sewer inspection take?
Typically, a sewer camera inspection takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the length and condition of the pipes.
Can a sewer camera detect tree roots in a sewer or drain?
Yes, camera inspections are very effective at detecting tree root intrusion. The camera can capture footage of the beginning of root growth into pipes, which can cause blockages or damage.
Is a sewer camera inspection necessary if I do not have any visible plumbing problems?
Even if you don’t have any immediate problems, a camera inspection can identify potential problems before they become more global. It’s especially useful for older homes or properties with aging plumbing systems.
Can the camera detect all types of pipe damage?
Sewer cameras are great at detecting problems such as cracks, corrosion, clogs, misalignment, and tree root intrusion. However, the camera may not be able to detect problems that are caused by external pressures or beyond the visible range of the equipment.
Do I need to prepare for a sewer camera inspection?
Generally, no preparation is necessary. However, the plumber may need to access cleaning openings or other access points to insert the camera, so these areas must be accessible.
What does a sewer camera inspection cost?
The cost of a sewer camera inspection can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the sewer system or the length of the inspection. But approximately pricing is usually $275–$850.
Can the inspection help with an insurance claim?
Yes, the video footage can help with insurance claims by providing concrete evidence of pre-existing problems or damage.
How often should I have a camera inspection of my sewer or drain system?
Almco Plumbing recommends a sewer camera inspection in the following cases:
When you buy a house
If your home was built before 1970 and you have old cast iron pipes
If you have frequent clogs
This service is especially important if your home has older pipes.
