Houston Sewer Inspection Service

Our innovative sewer camera allows us to see into your pipes and drains. Through high-definition recording and video capturing to review your leaks, the team at Joe the Plumber can appropriately determine the best way to fix your clog, leak or blockage. The sewer camera can be used on plumbing leaks, wall leaks, and much more.

When an average plumber takes a look at your pipes and plumbing fixtures to determine what the problem is, it can be hard to locate the leak and figure out the cause of the problem. With our latest sewer camera technology, we offer a quicker and more reliable repair service. Let us save you time and money with our video camera inspections.

What is Sewer Inspection?

A sewer camera inspection is a diagnostic technique used to visually inspect the interiors of plumbing lines, mainly sewer pipes, to determine their condition, identify blockages, and locate specific issues. This process involves inserting a flexible rod with a high-resolution video camera on its end into the sewer line. As the camera travels through the pipes, it sends real-time video feedback to a technician who monitors the condition of the pipe, identifies any damage, obstructions, or irregularities, and assesses the overall health of the plumbing system.

This method is non-invasive and highly effective, allowing plumbers to see inside pipes without having to dig them up. It's commonly used to detect problems like root intrusion, pipe collapses, misalignments, and other damages that could lead to costly repairs if unaddressed. Sewer camera inspections are essential for regular maintenance, troubleshooting sewer line issues, and before purchasing a home to ensure there are no hidden plumbing problems.

When to Call Joe the Plumber for a Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer line issues can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly. If you suspect a problem, calling Joe the Plumber for a sewer camera inspection can save you time and money. Here are some key signs that indicate it’s time to schedule an inspection:

  • Unpleasant Sewage Odor: If your property has a persistent sewage smell, it’s likely that there’s an issue within the sewer line.
  • Slow Draining Water: Water draining slowly from multiple fixtures in your home can indicate a blockage somewhere along the sewer line.
  • Clogged or Backed-Up Drains: When more than one drain in your home is clogged or water is backing up, it may point to a larger problem deeper in the sewer system.
  • Bubbling or Gurgling Noises: Strange sounds like bubbling or gurgling coming from your drains can signal trapped air or blockages in the pipes.
  • Water Pooling in the Yard: If you notice standing water in your yard, especially near your sewer lines, this can indicate a leak or break in the sewer pipe.

Don't wait for the problem to get worse—contact Joe the Plumber for a professional sewer camera inspection today!

Sewer Camera Inspection Process

  1. Access the Sewer Line: The first step is to gain access to the sewer line. This is usually done through an existing access point, such as a cleanout, which is a special fitting on your sewer line that plumbers use for cleaning out blockages. If no cleanout is available, the plumber may need to access the sewer line from a removal toilet or by creating a new access point.

  2. Prepare the Equipment: The plumber prepares the sewer camera equipment, which includes a flexible rod with a high-resolution video camera on its tip. The camera is designed to be waterproof and capable of navigating through the twists and turns of sewer pipes.

  3. Insert the Camera: The camera is carefully fed into the sewer line. It’s mounted on the end of a flexible rod, which allows the technician to push the camera through the pipes. The flexibility of the rod enables it to move through bends and junctions in the pipe system.

  4. Conduct the Inspection: As the camera moves through the pipes, it transmits real-time video back to a monitor viewed by the technician. The plumber watches the footage to identify any signs of damage, blockages, leaks, or other issues within the pipes. The camera is also equipped with lights to illuminate the dark interiors of the sewer line.

  5. Locate Problems: If problems are identified, the camera system can often pinpoint their exact location. Many sewer cameras are equipped with transmitters that send out a signal detectable above ground. This allows the technician to use a receiver to locate where the camera is underground and determine the depth and precise position of any issues.

  6. Review and Record: The footage from the inspection can be recorded for further analysis, to keep a record, or to show to the homeowner or another plumber for a second opinion. This footage is useful for diagnosing complex issues and planning repairs.

  7. Report Findings: After the inspection, the technician will provide a detailed report of the findings. This report may include descriptions of any issues, their locations, the condition of the pipes, and recommendations for maintenance or repairs.

  8. Discuss Next Steps: Depending on the findings, the plumber will discuss the next steps with the homeowner or property manager. This could involve scheduling repairs, performing routine maintenance, or conducting follow-up inspections if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most sewer camera inspections can be completed in one to two hours, depending on the length and accessibility of the sewer lines.
2Can a camera inspection find any type of sewer problem?
Camera inspections are highly effective at detecting blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, and other structural issues, but they may not detect leaks.
3Do I need a sewer camera inspection if my drains are working fine?
An inspection is advisable if you have an older home, are experiencing unexplained plumbing issues, or are considering a home purchase.
4Is a sewer camera inspection invasive to my property?
The process is non-invasive, requiring only access to the sewer line, typically through an existing cleanout.

Contact Us Today For Camera Inspection

Although breakthroughs in technology have made hydro-jetting more accessible than ever, it’s still best to contact a professional, such as Joe the Plumber. Only licensed and insured experts should use hydro-jet tools because the high-pressure water jet is powerful and can seriously injure people.

If the obstructions in your pipes are not easily accessible, or if you have exhausted hand-operated snakes and chemical drain cleaners, hydro-jetting may be what your pipes are missing.

For over twenty years, plumbing experts like Joe the Plumber have been proudly leading the Cypress and Houston area in expertise and quality of service. For estimates and more, contact us today.

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