If you think you are not going to have a sewer pipe problem soon, you need to think again. As per 2020 data, one in every five kilometers of sewer pipes was at the end of its useful life, and it’s 2026 now.
Moreover, similar studies were conducted in Ontario, and 98% of the sewer systems were found to be unfit. Yes, the municipal authorities must have made some improvements, but are you sure that your neighborhood was included? Probably not.
The best you can do is just solve it on your own. Now, before you start saying “things aren’t that easy, or I’m busy,” we want to tell you that things have changed. Taking care of those mysterious underground sewer pipes isn’t tough anymore. Consistent sewer line inspections are all you need.
Oh, you don’t know what it is. No problem, this blog is a bit long, and it will teach you everything about such inspections, why they are done, how they are done, what benefits they have, when you should book such services, common problems they can diagnose, and more.
So, if you are witnessing some weird signs like gurgling sounds from the drains, frequent clogging, or sewage odor in your backyard, this blog is going to save you.
What Is a Camera Sewer Line Inspection?
A camera sewer line inspection is a procedure performed by sewer repair professionals in which they insert a camera into the sewer pipe and use a monitor to inspect for issues such as root intrusion, debris buildup, cracks, gaps, and corrosion. Once the diagnosis is clear, they move on to the repair work.
This process allows professionals to identify the exact problem and its location without any excavation, which is not only time-consuming but also lacks accuracy. Almost all of the modern-day sewer repair procedures start with a camera inspection.
How Camera Sewer Inspections Work
For your better understanding, we have elaborated all the steps of sewer line inspections below:
Step 1: Accessing the Sewer Line
The first thing your utility contractors will do is find the sewer pipe, which is responsible for all the signs you are witnessing. After that, they find a cleanout spot. If not available, they dig a small hole to begin the inspection. Relax, this is a very minor kind of digging, and it doesn’t damage your property.
Step 2: Inserting the Camera
Once the cleanout spot is ready, they insert a camera into the pipe and check whether it’s properly connected to the cable and monitor. The cable helps the camera navigate through bends, edges, etc. Moreover, the camera has LED lights attached, so that the footage comes out clear.
Step 3: Real-Time Monitoring
As a next step, professionals move the camera deeper into the pipe while watching the footage on the monitor to identify cracks, sediment buildup, root intrusion, and other issues. The high-quality footage allows them to diagnose even minor issues.
Step 4: Identifying Problem Areas
If the technicians find any abnormality, they use the same camera to identify the exact location and cause. For example, if there’s a root intrusion situation in the pipe, the professionals might not see it at first. They will most probably see clogged waste or water. Once they move the camera farther or in different directions, or use other fine tools, the roots will show up.
Step 5: Recording and Reporting
As the final step, the professionals will record the final footage in which the problem is clearly visible and report it to the clients. However, most of the time, clients prefer to watch live footage of the professionals to better understand the situation and make an informed decision about repair procedures.
Common Hidden Plumbing Problems Detected
Okay, so we have been mentioning all the terms like root intrusion, cracks, gaps, etc. Now, it’s time to know what they are and what kind of problems they create. Does it feel gross? Maybe. Is it interesting? Definitely yes.
Tree Root Intrusion
The first sewer pipe problem we have on our list is tree root intrusion. It’s a situation where the tree roots find their way into your underground sewer pipes through small cracks and continue to grow in there. Over time, those grown roots create a blockage of waste and water, leading to sewage backups, foul odor, clogging, and more.
Pipe Corrosion and Deterioration
You may think that all the sewer pipe problems are just clogged waste. However, it isn’t the case every time. Calgary’s sewer pipe structure is old, making it more prone to corrosion. Over time, it can weaken the pipe walls and cause cracks, which further disrupt the flow of water and waste.
Cracks and Fractures
As mentioned earlier, corrosion over time can create cracks in the pipe walls. However, it isn’t the only reason. The cold weather in Calgary can cause water to freeze in the pipes, leading to cracks.
Blockages and Build-Up
This is the OG one. The sewer pipes of our houses carry large volumes of water and waste. The waste mostly includes items like food waste, oil, soap residue, hair, etc., which accumulate on pipe walls or bends, narrowing the space. As a result, the water doesn’t pass through properly, and you experience clogging in your kitchen sink or bathrooms.
Misaligned or Collapsed Pipes
The rapid temperature changes in Calgary cause the ground to contract and expand, further disrupting the alignment of underground sewer pipes. Misaligned pipes can’t carry waste and water efficiently, resulting in build-ups. Over time, such soil movement can permanently damage the pipes, leading to more serious issues, such as sewer backups.
Bellied Pipes (Sagging Sections)
The same soil movements or installation mistakes can create bellied pipes, which are low or sagging sections in the pipes where waste can’t pass properly and starts to build up. If not cleaned regularly, it can cause major blockages.
Benefits of Camera Sewer Line Inspections
Okay, so by now you know what sewer line inspections stand for, what kinds of problems this procedure can diagnose, and what happens during these inspections. But all this information isn’t useful till you know how it benefits you. So, here we go:
Non-Invasive and Cost-Effective
Earlier, there was only one way to repair any kind of sewer pipe problems: excavation. It was tough to diagnose the actual cause from the small signs, so the professionals had to dig into the ground, expose the pipe, identify the problem, fix it, and then do their best to restore the ground.
Since camera inspections became standard practice, all cracks, blockages, or corrosion-related damage have been repaired without any excavation.
Accurate Diagnosis
Whether it’s a leakage, a crack, or a debris build-up, the signs above the ground are the same. You will either notice clogging, a gurgling sound, or foul odor. However, the repair process will be different for each issue.
Through camera inspections, technicians can diagnose the actual type, place, and severity of the problem. Earlier, professionals tried a few repair methods to see which one solved the problem. If nothing worked, excavation was the next step.
Preventive Maintenance
Sewer line inspections can help you avoid having such emergencies in the first place. Just one inspection every year or two, and your sewer pipe remains efficient throughout its lifespan.
Saves Time
When you know everything about the problem through a camera, you don’t go for long hours of excavation or traditional open-trench repair methods. In short, the problem gets solved in less time.
Transparency for Property Owners
Camera inspections give property owners a clear idea of the sewer pipe problem and possible repair methods, further allowing them to make informed decisions and avoid overly expensive services.
When Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection?
So, when should you go for a camera inspection? We usually advise our clients to book a sewer line inspection once every year, even if they don’t face any issues, and also under these circumstances:
Recurring Drain Clogs and Slow Drainage
If you are experiencing frequent clogging or slow drainage that just won’t go away no matter what you try, it’s time to call your utility contractors and have your sewer pipe checked.
Before Buying or Selling a Property
Whenever you decide to buy a new property or sell an existing one, please have the sewer line inspected. Why? Because just moving to your new house and dealing with sewer line problems isn’t an ideal situation to be in.
If you sell your house with existing sewer pipe problems that you didn’t know about, it can create a dispute between you and the new owners, further resulting in financial compromises.
Unexplained Sewer Odors in Your Home
Are you experiencing a really strong foul odor around your property? If yes, you need to call for a sewer line inspection immediately. Foul odor around your property often indicates major leaks in your sewer pipes.
After Heavy Rain or Ground Shifts
If it has been raining quite heavily in your neighborhood and the ground has shifted a little, it’s best to have your sewer pipes checked, as they may be misaligned. As described earlier, misaligned pipes can cause build-ups. If not cleaned, they can cause serious clogging or sewer backups.
Aging or Older Plumbing Systems
If the sewer pipes of your neighborhood have been there for years now, they are probably old and on the verge of breaking down. It is wise to have them checked and replaced if recommended. This way, you can avoid major sewer emergencies.
Suspected Tree Root Intrusion
If you are hearing gurgling sounds from the bathroom drains and they’re not going away even after cleaning, it’s most likely a root intrusion. Call your utility contractors and ask them to perform an inspection.
Camera Inspections vs Traditional Methods
We have created this table to provide a side-by-side comparison between camera inspections and traditional methods. It will help you understand why camera inspections are better.
| Aspects | Traditional Sewer Inspection | Cemera sewer inspection |
| Accuracy | Compromised accuracy as the process majorly depends on guesswork. | High accuracy is maintained due to better visibility. |
| Method | No specific method. Issues are solved by trying out methods to see which one works. | A camera is inserted into the sewer pipe to check for issues. |
| Invasiveness | Highly invasive as it requires excavation. | No excavation needed. |
| Cost-efficiency | A costly procedure, as excavation is needed to diagnose even minor problems. | Cost-effective, time-saving, and non-invasive procedure. |
| Time Required | Depends on the complexity and excavation time. Usually it takes a week or more. | Takes just a few hours. |
| Problem Detection | Requires multiple efforts to detect the actual issue. | It takes only an hour or two to detect the problem. |
| Damage to Property | Can cause major damage to the property due to deep excavation. | Causes no damage to the property because no excavations take place. |
| Reporting | Might be inaccurate and lack transparency. | High accuracy and transparency are maintained. |
| Repair Planning | No prior planning happens. | Prior planning is done after diagnosing the problem. |
| Technology Used | Basic tools are used. | Advanced camera and monitoring systems are used. |
How Camera Inspections Help Plan Repairs
Yes, you have read that right. Camera sewer line inspections not only help you avoid excavation but also help technicians develop better repair plans. Here are the details:
Accurate Problem Identification
As we have stated before, camera inspection enables accurate diagnosis of the problem, which in turn allows technicians to determine the best-suited repair methods.
Determining the Extent of Damage
Unlike traditional methods, camera inspections help professionals measure the severity of the damage, so they can plan stronger, more durable sewer line repairs.
Choosing Between Repair and Replacement
Not all sewer line problems can be fixed with repairs; if the damage is irreversible, you will have to replace the entire pipe. A camera inspection helps you determine that.
Reducing Unnecessary Excavation
When you opt for a camera inspection, you increase your chances of avoiding excavation.
Why Choose Terraburst for Sewer Line Inspections in Calgary?
We hope that you found all the information shared useful. Now, it’s our time. In this section, we will show you why TerraBurst should be your first choice for sewer line inspection services. This is not a promotion, but just a way to make you more aware of our company, our KPIs, and our values.
Advanced Camera Inspection Technology
We might not know this, but not all sewer line inspections are the same. The accuracy and efficiency of the results depend greatly on camera and monitor quality, the technician’s skills, and other factors. At TerraBurst, we use top-industry standard equipment and specially train our staff to handle such procedures. As a result, the inspection and the repair work are mostly completed on the very same day.
Experienced and Skilled Technicians
Technicians here are trained in state-of-the-art practices and technologies, enabling them to handle even the most complex sewer line problems with the highest efficiency.
Commitment to Non-Invasive Solutions
At TerraBurst, the focus isn’t only on providing solutions but also on providing non-invasive solutions that require zero excavation, such as trenchless pipe repair, cured-in-place pipe, spray-in-place pipe, and more.
Transparent Reporting and Honest Recommendations
Whether it’s sharing inspection footage or written estimates, we maintain 100% transparency with our clients at every step. So, if you have chosen us for your sewer line issues, you will receive the best service at the best prices.
Fast, Reliable, and Customer-Focused Service
All these top-notch technologies, best industry practices, and highly skilled and experienced professionals are what enable TerraBurst to provide consistently fast, reliable, and customer-focused services over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
The time for a sewer line inspection depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the problem and the length of the pipe. Usually, it takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for the entire procedure to complete. - Is a camera inspection safe for all types of pipes?
It depends on the camera quality. If your utility contractor uses modern cameras, then it’s safe. - Can camera inspections detect leaks?
Yes, a camera sewer line inspection can detect a wide range of problems, including leaks, clogs, blockages, corrosion, buildup, root intrusion, and more. - Do I need to prepare my home before an inspection?
Procedures like this don’t require any special arrangements. If you want to do anything, please ensure that the cleanout is accessible. - Will the inspection disrupt my daily routine?
No, inspections are non-invasive procedures. It means there will be no excavation, no noise, or anything. So, you can continue with your day-to-day work. However, it is advisable to take some time out and view the live camera footage on the monitor alongside the technicians to understand the problem better.
Can I get a copy of the inspection video?
Ask your utility contractor to send it to you. - How often should I schedule a sewer inspection?
Once every one or two years is ideal.