Plumbing cameras are small, purpose-built cameras that are used by drainage plumbers to inspect the inside of plumbing pipes including the sewer and stormwater pipes.
Plumbing cameras are attached to a long-reaching, flexible cable that can easily travel through bends in underground pipes. Also known as sewer cameras or drain cameras, this advanced technology is critical for diagnosing and repairing problems inside plumbing pipes.
Plumbing pipes are often hidden from view. They’re installed underground, inside walls or under floors and driveways. When something goes wrong with these plumbing pipes, a CCTV camera inspection makes is easy to determine the problem without having to excavate the pipes and physically examine them.
Before plumbing cameras were invented, there was a lot more trial and error. Plumbers now have the option to inspect pipes and sewer lines without having to dig up an entire area. This lowers the cost and reduces unnecessary damage to property.
How does a plumbing camera inspection work?
It’s best to call a professional drain plumber because they will own a range of plumbing cameras suitable for different uses. Not all plumbers invest in this technology and they often sub-contract this work out to specialist drain plumbers.
Once the plumber arrives at your property they will determine the best access point to insert the camera using a flexible rod. The camera transmits real-time, high-resolution video footage back to a monitor where the plumber can assess the issue. This footage is normally recorded and given to the client so that they have a record of any issues.
Based on the video evidence, the plumber will discuss any issues found inside the pipes and recommend the best solution. The most suitable repairs depend entirely on what problems are uncovered during the inspection. In many instances, a blocked drain can be cleared with high-pressure drain cleaning using a jet blaster machine. If the pipes are damaged it may be necessary to excavate the line partially or in full.
A plumbing camera being inserted into the outdoor sewer pipes.
The plumber will look at the footage of the sewer pipes on the monitor and determine the best repairs.
Sewer inspection cameras
Plumbing cameras come in different sizes and have different applications. One of the most common kinds of plumbing cameras is a sewer pipe camera. A sewer camera captures an ocular view of the inside of the sewer line. It can reveal problems inside the lines such as clogs, blockages, tree roots, cracks and damaged pipes. Accurate diagnosis of sewer problems means that the most suitable, cost-effective solution can be offered with minimal digging and disruption.
Common sewer line problems:
Tree root infiltration is a common issue in sewer pipes because roots are attracted to the moisture and minerals present in the line. Tree roots can access pipes through loose joints or hairline cracks. Tree root intrusion in sewer pipes is particularly problematic for homes with older plumbing systems that have sewer pipes made from terracotta or metal. Once inside the pipes, tree roots can block the line or cause extensive damage to the pipes as they continue to grow bigger.
The main sewer line at your property is underground. This means that as the earth / soil shifts over time the sewer pipe can sag, belly or even collapse. Sewer inspection cameras can determine if the sewer pipes are damaged or misaligned.
Clogged and blocked sewer pipes can be caused by any number of things. All of the plumbing fixtures in your home (showers, sinks, toilets etc) are connected to the same main sewer line. When the sewer gets blocked it’s normally due to a combination of foreign items that have ended up in the pipes such as grease, wet-wipes and sanitary items. A sewer camera inspection will determine the cause and location of the blockage.
Stormwater camera inspection
The stormwater pipes on your property are also located underground, so like the sewer pipes, they are also susceptible to sagging, damage and tree root intrusion. The stormwater drain catches rain run-off from the roof, downpipes and yard. This means that blocked stormwater drains are often caused by things like sticks, garden waste, leaves and stormwater pollution. A stormwater inspection using a plumbing camera can reveal issues with your stormwater pipes.
A plumbing camera report when buying a house
You should also consider a CCTV pipe inspection for the sewer and stormwater lines before purchasing a new home. Replacing a stormwater or sewer system can be costly, so it makes sense to know the condition of these pipes before investing in property.
Book a plumbing camera inspection with JAB Plumbing Solution
As Sydney’s premier blocked drain plumbers, JAB Plumbing Solutions has invested in a range of different plumbing cameras suitable for all types of plumbing pipes. We offer competitive pricing and provide clients with high-res footage of the inspection. Our trucks are fitted with the latest jet blasters, so depending on what the inspection uncovers we are ready to commence repairs right away. Call 1800 225 552.
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