How to Prepare for a Sewer Camera Inspection
Know what to tell us when you schedule an inspection, how to prepare the property, what happens during the visit, and what to do with the findings.
Information That Helps Us Schedule the Inspection
A camera inspection starts with the information you provide when you schedule it. The more our dispatch team understands about the situation, the more accurately we can prepare the right equipment and the right crew.
Useful details include the signs that led to the inspection, the age of the line if known, and the findings of any previous inspection. If the property has an exterior cleanout, mention it, since it gives us access to the line without bringing equipment through the home. If the line has a history of root intrusion or backups, share it, since it helps us assess the scope.
Preparing the Property
A camera inspection is a non-invasive service, but a few preparations help the visit go smoothly.
- Clear the area around the cleanout or the access point, including the path our technicians will take to reach it
- Ensure the cleanout is accessible, since the camera is inserted through it
- Secure pets away from the work area for their safety and so the technician can work freely
- Inform the household about the visit so they can avoid heavy water use during the inspection
- If the line is actively backed up, mention it, since we may need to clear the blockage before the camera can see the walls
- Have any previous inspection findings or records available, since they help us compare the condition over time
What Happens During the Inspection
A camera inspection follows a general sequence, though the details depend on the line. Understanding the stages helps you know what to expect and what to ask.
We begin by confirming the signs with the property owner and locating the access point. We insert the high-definition camera through the cleanout and push it through the line, providing a real-time view of the interior walls. As the camera moves, we identify any cracks, root intrusion, channeling, or grade depressions, and we use the radio transmitter to pinpoint the exact depth and surface location of any problem.
After the inspection, we explain the findings, including the condition of the pipe, the location and the extent of any damage, and the recommended service. We can provide a digital video of the inspection, which is a record of the condition and a reference for the future. Throughout the visit, we explain what we are seeing and answer any questions.
Questions Worth Asking During the Inspection
During the inspection, a few questions help the property owner understand the findings and the next steps.
- What is the condition of the pipe, and what did the camera find?
- Where is the problem, and how deep is it?
- What are the service options, and what are the tradeoffs?
- Do I need a repair, a cleaning, or a replacement?
- What should I watch for after the inspection, and when should I call?
- Can I get a copy of the video for my records?
What to Do With the Findings
After the inspection, the findings guide the next step. If the line is sound, no service may be needed, and the inspection is a baseline for the future. If the line has a clog, a cleaning may be the next service. If the line has root intrusion or cracks, a repair or a replacement may be the recommendation. The findings give the property owner the information to make an informed decision.
For a property with a history of root intrusion, a scheduled inspection can monitor the condition and catch any new growth before it causes a backup. For a home buyer, the inspection can inform the purchase decision. We explain the findings and the options so the property owner can decide on the next step with real information.
When to Call Us Again
After the inspection, contact us if the signs return, if new signs appear, or if the line is not performing as expected. For any sign of a backup, call right away, since it is an emergency. For a scheduled monitoring, a regular inspection can catch a problem before it causes a backup.
All Counties Plumbing serves homeowners and businesses across our confirmed Miami-Dade and Broward territory. Call (305) 303-0920 or submit a service request through our contact page to schedule a camera inspection or a follow-up service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I tell you when I schedule an inspection?
Share the signs that led to the inspection, the age of the line, and the findings of any previous inspection. Mention any exterior cleanout and the history of root intrusion or backups.
How long does a camera inspection take?
Most inspections are completed within an hour, though a complex line may take longer. We tell you the expected timeline when we arrive.
Do I need to be home for the inspection?
Yes, we need access to the cleanout, which is typically inside or outside the home. We explain the findings and the recommended service before we leave.
What if the line is actively backed up?
We may need to clear the blockage before the camera can see the walls. A snaking or a hydro jetting may precede the camera, which gives the clearest view of the condition.
Do you serve both Miami-Dade and Broward?
Yes, our confirmed camera inspection territory includes Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Call (305) 303-0920 to confirm service for your location.
How do I schedule a camera inspection?
Call (305) 303-0920 or submit a service request through our contact page. We inspect the line and recommend the right service.
Need Help With This?
Talk to our dispatch team about your South Florida property. We serve Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and are ready to help.