Your sewer keeps backing up, but clearing the drain has not stopped the problem from coming back. Before we recommend another cleaning or start talking about sewer repair, we need to see what is happening inside the pipe.
A sewer camera gives us that view. We use it to find roots, buildup, damaged pipe, and other visible problems without digging just to see what is underground.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera is a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable. We feed it into the sewer through an access point and watch the inside of the pipe on a monitor.
The camera shows us the condition of the line and where visible problems are located. It gives us the information we need before recommending cleaning or repair.
What Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Find?
Roots show up when they have grown through a crack or loose joint. We also look for heavy buildup, debris, corrosion, and pipe that has started to wear down.
The camera shows visible cracks, shifted joints, and low spots where water collects instead of draining. It also gives us a look at the condition of older clay and cast-iron sewer lines.
Some plumbing problems require other testing. We use the camera findings along with the problems you are having at home.
Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
One clogged sink does not always call for a camera. Problems that keep returning or affect several fixtures give us a reason to look farther down the line.
A camera inspection is useful when:
- The sewer has backed up several times
- Several drains are slow at once
- Sewer odors keep coming back
- A clog returns after the line was cleaned
- Tree roots are suspected
- You have concerns about an older sewer line
- You need to check the sewer during a property purchase
How a Sewer Camera Inspection Works
Access the Sewer Line
We use a cleanout or another access point to get the camera into the sewer line. When we have access to the line, we do not need to dig just to run the camera.
Inspect and Record Pipe Conditions
As the camera moves through the line, we watch for buildup, roots, damaged joints, corrosion, and other visible problems. We record what we find inside the pipe.
Identify the Location and Type of Problem
The camera helps us locate the trouble instead of treating the entire sewer line when the problem is limited to one area.
Review Appropriate Next Steps
We show you what we found and explain what needs to happen next. A blockage and a broken section of pipe do not need the same work.
What Happens After a Sewer Camera Inspection?
If buildup or an obstruction is stopping normal flow, drain cleaning will clear the blockage. Heavy buildup and some root problems are better suited for hydro jetting when the pipe is in good enough condition for high-pressure cleaning.
Cracked, collapsed, or badly worn pipe needs repair. Sewer line repair and replacement fixes or replaces the damaged section instead of trying to clear it with cleaning equipment.
Some damaged lines are candidates for trenchless sewer lining. This repairs the pipe from inside without digging up the full sewer line. The damage and its location determine if lining fits the job.
Sewer Camera Inspections for Older San Diego Homes
Many older San Diego homes still have clay or cast-iron sewer lines. Clay joints crack and separate. Cast iron corrodes and becomes rough inside.
Mature roots grow into openings in damaged pipe. Ground movement shifts sections of sewer line and leaves joints out of alignment.
A camera shows us these conditions before we recommend cleaning or repair.
Sewer Camera Inspection vs. Drain Cleaning
A camera inspection finds visible problems inside the sewer. Cleaning removes buildup and obstructions.
If the sewer keeps backing up after cleaning, the camera helps us find what is causing the problem to return.
Why Choose Anderson for Sewer Camera Inspection?
Anderson has decades of experience working with plumbing and sewer systems throughout San Diego County. Our technicians record what they find inside the line and explain the results before recommending the next step. Our work is backed by the Anderson Guarantee, giving homeowners added confidence in the service and recommendations we provide.
Need help with another drain, sewer, or plumbing problem? Our plumbing services in San Diego cover those repairs along with sewer camera inspections.
Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection in San Diego
If sewer backups, slow drains, or odors keep returning, schedule an inspection so we can see what is happening inside the line before you pay for another cleaning or repair.
Schedule Online(619) 728-6130Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule one when sewer backups keep returning, several drains are slow, or a problem comes back after cleaning.
Yes. The camera shows visible roots that have entered through cracks, joints, or damaged sections of pipe.
No. The camera shows what is inside the line. Cleaning equipment removes the blockage.
Not when there is a usable access point for the camera. Digging is only considered if repair work requires access to damaged pipe.
We show you the damage and explain the repair options based on what we found and where it is located.
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