Sewer line inspections are an essential part of maintaining your home’s plumbing system, often preventing costly emergencies. Using specialized waterproof cameras, trained technicians can see inside your pipes to identify blockages, cracks, tree root intrusions, and other issues that might be lurking underground. 

A sewer camera inspection allows plumbers to pinpoint exact problem locations without destructive digging, saving you time and money on repairs. This inspection is particularly valuable for home buyers when purchasing older properties or homes with mature trees nearby. The camera provides a clear view of the pipe’s condition, helping you make informed decisions before finalizing your purchase.

Understanding Sewer Line Systems

Sewer line systems form the hidden backbone of our homes’ plumbing infrastructure. These vital networks carry wastewater away from our properties to municipal treatment facilities or septic systems.

Components of a Sewer Line

A typical sewer line system consists of several key parts that move waste efficiently. 

1. The main line is the primary pipe connecting your home to the municipal sewer system or septic tank.

2. Branch lines extend from various fixtures in your home (toilets, sinks, showers) and connect to the main line. These smaller pipes typically measure 1.5 to 4 inches in diameter.

3. Cleanouts are access points installed at strategic locations that allow for inspection and cleaning. They’re usually capped pipes extending above ground or flush with your yard.

4. Traps create water seals that prevent sewer gases from entering your home. Most fixtures have P-traps that hold water in a U-shaped section of pipe.

5. Vents allow air into the system, helping wastewater flow properly and preventing vacuum formation that could empty traps.

Common Sewer Line Problems

• Tree root intrusion ranks among the most frequent sewer line issues. Roots naturally seek moisture and can penetrate tiny cracks in pipes, expanding over time and causing blockages.

• Pipe deterioration occurs as older materials break down. Clay, cast iron, and Orangeburg pipes are particularly vulnerable to cracking and collapsing after decades of service.

• Clogs develop from improper disposal of items like “flushable” wipes, paper towels, grease, and hygiene products. These accumulate and restrict flow.

• Bellied pipes form when sections of pipe sink, creating a valley that collects waste and impedes proper drainage.

• Offset pipes happen when pipe sections shift, creating misalignments at connection points that catch debris and allow surrounding soil to enter.

Signs of Sewer Line Issues

• Multiple drain backups across your home often indicate a main line problem rather than an isolated clog. When several fixtures drain slowly, the issue likely lies in the main sewer line.

• Unusual sounds like gurgling in toilets or drains suggest air is trapped due to blockages. Pay attention to these noises, especially after using water elsewhere in your home.

• Foul odors from drains or your yard might signal cracked pipes releasing sewer gases. These smells typically resemble rotten eggs.

• Lush, green patches in your yard during dry periods could indicate leaking sewage fertilizing that area. Watch for unusually vigorous grass or plant growth along your sewer line path.

• Water damage or pooling near basement fixtures may result from backed-up sewer lines. Unexplained moisture warrants immediate investigation.

Inspection Techniques and Tools

Modern sewer line inspections rely on specialized equipment to identify problems without digging up your yard. These tools allow professionals to see inside pipes and detect issues like clogs, breaks, and tree root intrusions.

Camera Inspection Methodology

Camera inspections are the backbone of modern sewer diagnostics. We begin by locating an access point, typically a cleanout or removed toilet. Then we feed a flexible rod with a high-resolution camera at its tip into the sewer line. The camera transmits real-time video to a monitor above ground, allowing us to see exactly what’s happening inside your pipes. This technology is waterproof and equipped with lights to illuminate the pipe interior.

As the camera moves through the system, we can identify the location of problems using a radio transmitter in the camera head. This helps us pinpoint exactly where issues are located, measured by the length of cable inserted. This non-invasive approach prevents unnecessary excavation and provides accurate diagnostics.

CCTV and Sewer Scope Inspections

CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) inspections and sewer scopes are similar but serve different purposes. CCTV inspections are comprehensive examinations used by municipal workers and plumbers for thorough pipe assessment. Sewer scope inspections are typically performed during home inspections. They focus specifically on the lateral sewer line connecting a home to the municipal system or septic tank. These are critical during property purchases to avoid unexpected repair costs.

Both methods can detect:

• Blockages from grease, debris, or foreign objects
• Tree root intrusions penetrating pipe joints
• Pipe collapses or structural failures
• Hairline cracks that might worsen over time
• Offset pipe connections

Interpreting Inspection Results

Understanding inspection footage requires expertise. We look for several key indicators when reviewing sewer line videos. Clear, flowing water indicates healthy pipes. Brown water may suggest backups, while standing water points to low spots or bellies in the line. Hairline cracks appear as thin black lines and require monitoring before they expand.

Root intrusions look like tentacle-like growths entering through joints or cracks. These are particularly damaging as they expand and break pipes over time. After the inspection, we provide a recorded video and detailed report documenting:

• Pipe material and dimension
• Specific problem locations (measured in feet from entry point)
• Severity of issues
• Recommended repairs

This documentation helps with planning repairs and can be valuable for insurance claims or negotiating property prices.

Repair and Replacement Solutions

Modern technologies offer less invasive options that can save time, money, and your landscape.

Trenchless Technologies

Trenchless sewer line repair has revolutionized how we address underground pipe problems. This method allows us to fix or replace pipes without digging large trenches across your property. The technology uses small access points at both ends of the damaged line.

Most trenchless repairs involve pipe lining, where we insert a resin-coated liner into the existing pipe. Once in place, the liner hardens to form a new pipe within the old one. This effectively seals cracks, fills gaps, and prevents future tree root intrusion. 

Trenchless methods typically cost 30-50% less than traditional excavation. They also cause minimal disruption to your landscaping and can usually be completed in just 1-2 days rather than weeks.

Benefits of trenchless technology include:

• Minimal landscape damage
• Faster completion times
• Lower overall costs
• Durable results (often with 50+ year warranties)

Pipe Bursting Method

Pipe bursting is a trenchless technique used when pipes are severely damaged and need complete replacement. This method involves breaking the old pipe outward while simultaneously pulling a new pipe into place. 

A bursting head is pulled through the existing pipe with enough force to fracture it. The broken pieces are pushed into the surrounding soil while the new pipe follows directly behind the bursting head. This technique works well with:

• Severely collapsed pipes
• Pipes with multiple breaks
• Undersized lines that need larger replacements

Pipe bursting creates a seamless new line with improved flow capacity. The new pipes are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which resists corrosion, chemical damage, and tree root intrusion.

When to Consider Sewer Line Replacement

Full sewer line replacement becomes necessary in certain situations where repairs aren’t sufficient. Frequent backups despite regular drain cleaning often indicate serious problems requiring replacement. Multiple tree root invasions signal that your pipes have ongoing vulnerabilities. If roots have created several entry points, they’ll likely continue causing problems even after removal. 

Also, pipes manufactured before the 1980s may be made of materials now known to deteriorate, such as clay, cast iron, or Orangeburg. These older materials often fail over time. Signs that replacement is needed include:

• Recurring backups and clogs
• Visible sinkholes in your yard
• Foul odors persist after cleaning
• Water is backing up in multiple drains
• Unusually lush patches of grass over the sewer line

Get in touch to arrange a professional inspection of your sewer lines to determine if they need repairs or replacement.