Camera Drain Inspection
Professional video sewer camera inspection throughout Muskoka. See exactly what's happening inside your drain pipes. Locate blockages, diagnose recurring problems, and assess pipe condition with precision.
Schedule InspectionSee Inside Your Pipes
Sewer camera inspection uses a specialized waterproof video camera mounted on a flexible cable. We insert it into your drain lines and navigate through your plumbing system, viewing everything in real-time on a monitor. It's like an MRI for your pipes.
This technology eliminates guesswork. Instead of making assumptions or digging up your yard hoping to find the problem, we see exactly what's wrong, where it is, and what needs to be done to fix it. This saves time, money, and unnecessary excavation.
📹 Modern Technology
Our high-definition cameras show crystal-clear video with distance markers and locator technology. We can even provide you with video recordings of your inspection.
When You Need a Camera Inspection
These situations call for video inspection
Recurring Clogs
If the same drain keeps clogging despite repeated clearing, there's an underlying problem. Camera inspection reveals root intrusion, belly in pipe, or structural damage causing repeating issues.
Unknown Blockage Location
When we can't clear a blockage with standard methods, camera inspection pinpoints exactly where and what the obstruction is. Saves time and prevents unnecessary excavation.
Home Purchase Inspection
Smart buyers get sewer inspections before purchasing older homes. Reveals hidden problems with sewer lines that could cost thousands to repair. Essential for homes 30+ years old.
Suspected Root Intrusion
If you have large trees near your sewer line and experiencing drainage issues, roots are likely the culprit. Camera confirms root presence and extent of intrusion.
Soggy Yard or Sewer Smell
Wet spots in yard or sewer odors suggest a break in the line. Camera inspection locates the exact problem area before expensive excavation begins.
Planning Major Renovations
Before major renovations, inspect drain lines to identify any problems. Much easier to address issues during renovation than after finishing work is done.
Mysterious Drainage Issues
Gurgling sounds, slow drains, or inconsistent drainage patterns. Camera inspection often reveals issues that are impossible to diagnose otherwise.
Old Home Preventative Check
If you have a home built before 1980 and have never inspected your sewer line, proactive inspection can identify problems before emergency failures.
What Camera Inspection Reveals
Detailed visual inspection of your entire drain system
🌳 Tree Root Intrusion
See roots growing into pipes, assess extent of growth, identify entry points. Helps determine if clearing is sufficient or if pipe replacement is needed.
💔 Cracks & Breaks
Identify cracks, breaks, or separated joints. See severity of damage and exact location. Determine if spot repair is possible or if full section replacement is needed.
⬇️ Bellying or Sagging Pipes
Detect low spots where pipes have settled. These "bellies" trap debris and create chronic clogs. Camera shows exact location and severity of sag.
🧱 Pipe Material & Condition
Identify what pipes are made of (cast iron, clay, PVC, etc.) and assess overall condition. See corrosion, deterioration, or signs of imminent failure.
🚫 Blockages & Obstructions
See exactly what's blocking your drain - grease buildup, foreign objects, collapsed pipe, or sediment accumulation. Know what you're dealing with before attempting clearing.
🔗 Joint Separation
Identify where pipe sections have separated. Common in older clay tile or cast iron systems. Shows whether joints can be repaired or require replacement.
💧 Leaking Sections
See where water is leaking out of pipes into surrounding soil. Explains soggy yard areas and helps prevent future foundation problems from water intrusion.
📍 Pipe Routing & Layout
Map your drain system layout, locate cleanouts, identify connection points. Useful for planning renovations or additions. Know where your pipes actually run.
Our Inspection Process
Pre-Inspection Discussion
We discuss your drainage issues, symptoms, and concerns. Determine which lines need inspection and identify best access points (cleanouts, vent stacks, or toilet removal).
Access Point Preparation
Locate and open cleanout access, or remove toilet for main line access. Some situations require creating access if none exists.
Camera Insertion & Navigation
Insert waterproof camera into drain line and slowly navigate through the system. Push camera through, rotating and adjusting as needed to see all pipe surfaces.
Real-Time Video Review
You can watch with us on the monitor. We explain what we're seeing, point out problems, and answer questions. The camera shows distance markers so we know exactly where issues are located.
Documentation & Recording
We record the inspection (if requested) and take screenshots of problem areas. Distance measurements allow us to know exactly where to dig if excavation is needed.
Detailed Report & Recommendations
Provide written report with findings, photos/video, exact locations of problems, recommended solutions, and estimated costs. You have everything needed to make informed decisions.
Professional Camera Equipment
Our Camera System Features:
Camera Capabilities:
- ✓ High-definition color video
- ✓ Powerful LED lighting
- ✓ Self-leveling camera head
- ✓ 180-270° rotation
- ✓ Waterproof to significant depth
- ✓ Can navigate bends and turns
System Features:
- ✓ Distance counter (know exactly where issues are)
- ✓ Locator beacon (pinpoint location from surface)
- ✓ Recording capability
- ✓ Large viewing monitor
- ✓ Up to 300+ feet of cable
- ✓ Multiple camera sizes for different pipes
Professional-grade equipment makes the difference. Hardware store rental cameras have poor lighting, low resolution, and limited capabilities. Our professional systems provide the clear, detailed views needed for accurate diagnosis.
Limitations of Camera Inspection
What Cameras Cannot Do:
- ⚠Can't inspect completely blocked lines: Camera needs some water flow or air space to pass through. Severe blockages must be cleared before inspection.
- ⚠Can't see through water: Camera needs relatively clear water to see pipe walls. Muddy or completely filled pipes limit visibility.
- ⚠Can't inspect very small pipes: Minimum 1.5-2" diameter typically. Can't fit camera into small sink drain pipes.
- ⚠Can't navigate extreme bends: Standard cameras struggle with very tight 90° bends. May need access from multiple points.
- ⚠Can't see beyond major breaks: If pipe is completely collapsed or separated, camera can't pass beyond that point.
We'll let you know upfront if camera inspection isn't feasible for your situation. Often we can clear blockages first, then camera afterward to assess condition.
Benefits of Camera Inspection
Saves Money
Pinpoints exact problem location, preventing unnecessary excavation, trial-and-error repairs, or replacing pipes that are actually fine.
Saves Time
Immediate diagnosis means faster repairs. No guessing, no multiple attempts, no exploratory excavation. We know exactly what to do.
Precise Diagnosis
See the actual problem, not just symptoms. Make informed decisions based on visual evidence, not assumptions or hunches.
Protects Landscaping
Know exactly where to dig instead of excavating entire sewer line. Minimize landscape disruption and restoration costs.
Preventative Value
Identify developing problems before they become emergencies. Catch small cracks before they become breaks, see roots when they're still manageable.
Documentation
Video and photos provide proof for insurance claims, home buyers/sellers, or warranty claims. Visual evidence of pipe condition.
Is Camera Inspection Worth the Cost?
$250-500
Typical camera inspection cost
vs
Compare to alternatives
$2,000+
Exploratory excavation costs
Camera Inspection Pays for Itself When It:
- ✓ Prevents unnecessary excavation
- ✓ Identifies root problem instead of just treating symptoms
- ✓ Saves you from replacing pipes that are actually fine
- ✓ Reveals problem BEFORE buying a house (saves thousands)
- ✓ Allows targeted repair instead of complete replacement
- ✓ Prevents recurring service calls for same issue
💡 Our Recommendation:
If you have recurring drain issues, are buying an older home, or have unexplained drainage problems, camera inspection is money well spent. The peace of mind and accurate diagnosis are invaluable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our plumbing services
Request Camera Inspection
Know What's Really Happening in Your Pipes
Professional video sewer camera inspection throughout Muskoka. See the problem, understand the solution, make informed decisions.