Pipeline Video Inspections

When it comes to your home's sewer and drain system, what you can't see can absolutely hurt you. Hidden problems inside your pipes can lead to recurring clogs, slow drains, backups, water damage, and expensive repairs.

Fortunately, you don't always have to dig up your yard to find out what's happening underground.

Catons Plumbing, Drains & Water Cleanup offers professional pipeline video inspections that provide an accurate, no-guesswork way to assess the condition of your sewer and drain pipes.

What Is a Pipeline Video Inspection?

A pipeline video inspection uses a specialized waterproof camera to see inside your sewer and drain lines.

During an inspection, a Catons technician inserts a flexible, waterproof camera equipped with LED lighting into the pipeline through a cleanout port or another designated access point. The camera travels through the pipe, illuminating the interior and transmitting real-time video to a monitor above ground.

Instead of trying to determine what's happening based solely on symptoms, your technician can actually see what's inside the pipe.

That can make it much easier to identify the source of a plumbing problem and determine the most appropriate solution.

What Can a Sewer Camera Find?

A video inspection can reveal a variety of problems that may otherwise remain hidden underground, including:

• Blockages and obstructions
• Cracks or damaged sections of pipe
• Corrosion and deterioration
• Root intrusion
• Collapsed or compromised pipes
• Other structural problems within the sewer or drain line

Being able to see the condition of the pipe can help your technician determine whether the problem can be addressed with cleaning or requires a more extensive repair.

No Need to Dig Up Your Yard

One of the biggest advantages of pipeline video inspection is that it can help locate a problem without unnecessary excavation.

As the camera travels through the pipeline, it transmits a signal that can be detected by an above-ground locator. This allows the technician to determine the approximate location and depth of a problem area.

Rather than excavating large sections of your property to find a damaged pipe, your plumber can use the inspection information to target the area that actually needs attention.

That can mean more efficient repairs and less disruption to your landscaping and property.

When Should You Consider a Video Sewer Inspection?

A pipeline video inspection can be especially helpful when you're dealing with recurring plumbing problems.

Consider an inspection if you're experiencing:

Recurring Clogs

If the same drain or sewer line keeps becoming clogged, there may be an underlying problem that standard drain clearing isn't addressing.

A camera inspection can help determine what's causing the recurring blockage.

Slow Drains

A slow drain may seem like a minor inconvenience, but persistent slow drainage can be a warning sign of a larger obstruction or problem inside the line.

Sewer Backups

If your sewer line has backed up—or you've experienced multiple backups—seeing what's happening inside the pipe can help identify the underlying cause.

Suspected Pipe Damage

If you suspect that your sewer or drain line is cracked, deteriorated, or damaged, a video inspection can provide a close-up look at the pipe's condition.

Pipeline Inspections Can Be Useful Beyond Plumbing Emergencies

A sewer camera isn't only useful when something goes wrong.

Pipeline video inspections can also provide valuable information when you're buying or selling a home.

During a real estate transaction, a sewer inspection can give buyers and sellers a clearer picture of the condition of the property's sewer lines before closing.

Knowing about a potential problem before completing a purchase can help prevent an unpleasant and potentially expensive surprise down the road.

Video inspections can also be used to help locate items that have accidentally entered a sewer or drain line, including small objects and, in some situations, pets.

Keep a Record of Your Inspection

Another advantage of a Catons pipeline video inspection is that the footage doesn't simply disappear once the technician finishes the job.

Inspection footage can be saved to the cloud or a USB drive and shared with you, giving you a record of what was found inside your sewer or drain line.

Having that documentation can be useful for future reference, particularly if additional repairs or inspections are needed later.

Take the Guesswork Out of Your Sewer and Drain Problems

Your sewer and drain pipes may be hidden, but determining what's happening inside them doesn't have to be a guessing game.

With pipeline video inspection from Catons, technicians can see inside your pipes, identify potential problems, pinpoint their location, and help determine the appropriate next steps—all while minimizing unnecessary disruption to your property.

Don't let hidden pipe problems turn into costly emergencies.

Contact Catons Plumbing, Drains & Water Cleanup today to schedule a professional pipeline video inspection and find out what's really happening inside your pipes.