Is it Cost Effective to have an CCTV Drain Inspection? An Honest Take by Plumber Sydney

You have called in for plumbing services because you have a blocked drain and the plumbing company suggests that they should do a drain inspection with the camera to fix it. Is that true diagnostics or is it an upsell? I’m going to have to give you the truth here.

A plumber typically recommends a CCTV drain inspection about half of the time he speaks with the homeowner. It costs $200 to $400. Why don’t you just unclog the blocked drain? What will the camera show that a good jet blast can’t cure?

But sometimes that scepticism is justified. If a clog in the kitchen sink was caused by grease accumulation, the one-time event is likely not worth using a camera inspection. Explain it, throw in some well worded suggestions on avoiding draining oil down the drain, and walk on! However, in almost all sewage backups, with the exception of most clogs, the camera has been the one most important diagnostic tool in the plumber’s van. Here’s why.

Now What Is Really Displayed In The Camera And What Not

A flexible CCTV drain camera is a mini, waterproof camera mounted on a flexible cable that transmits live images to the monitor while it is being pulled through the pipe. The plumber can live view and capture the footage to review and document.

Here’s what it shows that you otherwise may not be able to see:

The cause of blockage (precise). Is it tree roots? Grease? Wet wipes? A foreign object? Or a broken pipe line? DIFFERENT CAUSES, DIFFERENT RESPONSE. Relining and jetting of root. A behavioural change and jetting of grease is required. An underground pipe must be dug up. If there were no camera you would only be guessing, and when you guess you treat it wrong.

The exact location. The camera cable comes with distance markers, which allows the plumber to view exactly from where the blockage is located from the access point. This is important for relining (it’s important that the part to be lined is known) as well as for excavation (it is very much important where exactly to be excavated will be known). When it comes to troubleshooting under the ground, finding an issue without the camera means costly, disruptive and inaccurate trial-and-error digging.

The condition of the pipe that is upstream from the obstruction. This camera indicates the condition of the pipe upstream and downstream when the blockage is removed. Do cracks run on any other parts? Other root ingressions? Displaced segments that will not block, but will? One camera inspection can discover issues that can otherwise be individual calls for assistance during the accompanying year or a few.

The type of pipe and condition of the joints. Terracotta, earthenware, ceramic, cast iron, PVC or a mosaic of all of these using rubber adaptors. It will give the plumber a look at what the drainage system is composed of and will help them select the proper method for repair.

When the Camera Saves You Money

Recurring blockages. For drains that have been clogged a number of times at the same spot the camera is not optional, but necessary. Many people treat a recurring blockage without seeking the cause, as they treat pain with painkillers without diagnoses. The camera can reveal if the reoccurring issue is the root coming in through a broken joint, if the pipe has a low point, or if a pipe was mended before by another plumber. After knowing the cause, it is possible to fix permanently so that you will not need to pay for clearing after fixing it.

Prior to purchasing a home. This pre-purchase CCTV drain inspection costs $200-400 and can detect thousands of dollars drainage problems. Damage from cracked pipes, root intrusion, pipe displacement and pipe collapse can all occur below grade. A pre-settlement camera inspection provides the opportunity to negotiate the price, ask the owner to repair, or avoid buying a home with a damaged drainage system.

Following any sewer line clean out. The camera is then jetted forward once more and the subsequent camera run verifies this clearance and identifies the condition of the pipe in the cleared area. When the camera shows any structural damage, this can be fixed now, before the pipe gets clogged again, because there is no blockage to remove with you in the line of sight.

When the Camera Isn't Necessary

A single slow fixture. If only one sink or shower drains slowly while the others drain well, then the problem is localized and will most likely be in the trap or the short section of line that braces into and from the fixture. A short run (hand snake) is able to clear it without the use of a camera.

Dimension of a known and isolated cause. You know the source of the jam, you know it’s within the toilet if it was a child’s toy that has fallen down the toilet. Remove the impediment and proceed.

Routine maintenance jetting. A camera inspection does add value if the drains are cleaned using a drain cleaning “rototor,” with no blockage and no symptoms, as a preventative measure only and not performed on every occasion (such as annual drain cleaning). Typically every two or three years is adequate for monitoring.

If you get the camera inspection and you find a cracked pipe before it breaks and before major excavation is required, you’ll save $5,000! When inspecting a problem pipe with a camera camera, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your pipe is in great condition for the buck you paid, if they find it in great condition. The video is kept for your records, your insurance provider and for future sale of your property. The camera not only doesn’t lie, it doesn’t guess and it won’t charge you for something you don’t need.