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Sewer Camera Inspections: A Complete Guide

Sewer camera inspections, also known as CCTV inspections, are an essential part of maintaining and repairing underground sewer pipes. A sewer camera is a specialized video camera that is designed to be lowered down into sewer pipes to provide a video feed of the interior condition.

Sewer camera inspections provide a detailed look at the inside of sewer pipes and can identify any defects, damages, clogs, or other issues. Some key things to know about sewer cameras and sewer inspections.

Why Conduct Sewer Camera Inspections

There are several important reasons to conduct regular sewer camera inspections:
  • Find and identify pipe defects - Sewer cameras can identify cracks, breaks, root intrusion, corrosion, collapsed pipes, and other defects. This allows targeted repairs.
  • Locate sources of clogs or blockages - Cameras can pinpoint the exact location of clogs and obstructions in the sewer line.
  • Assess pipe condition - Detailed pipe condition assessments can be made to identify pipes needing repair or replacement.
  • Prevent sewer overflows or backups - Identifying and addressing pipe issues before they cause overflows into homes or the environment.
  • Comply with regulations - Some municipalities require sewer inspections to comply with codes.
Why Conduct Sewer Camera Inspections
There are several important reasons to conduct regular sewer camera inspections:
  • Find and identify pipe defects - Sewer cameras can identify cracks, breaks, root intrusion, corrosion, collapsed pipes, and other defects. This allows targeted repairs.
  • Locate sources of clogs or blockages - Cameras can pinpoint the exact location of clogs and obstructions in the sewer line.
  • Assess pipe condition - Detailed pipe condition assessments can be made to identify pipes needing repair or replacement.
  • Prevent sewer overflows or backups - Identifying and addressing pipe issues before they cause overflows into homes or the environment.
  • Comply with regulations - Some municipalities require sewer inspections to comply with codes.
Based on my professional experience, here are my picks for the best Drain Pipe Camera:

Top sewer drain inspection camera Models

  1. The MiniFlex Plumbing Camera - the best and only device you will ever need for inspecting small diameter pipes (1.25"-4" pipes). It is a versatile inspection system specifically designed for very tight bends and traps.
  2. VIPER drain camera - the Portable Drain Camera is an economical kit designed for high quality inspection of sewers, building ducts/pipelines, manholes, chimneys and power plants
  3. Ridgid SeeSnake MicroDrain Camera - Excellent compact camera for 2" to 4" drain lines. Quality Ridgid construction.
  4. Ridgid SeeSnake Color Camera System - Industry leader with superior cable, camera and monitor. Very versatile for small to large drain lines.
  5. Hathorn PheonX Pro Sewer Camera - Records directly to SD card for simple documentation. High-end camera produces amazing pipe images.
  6. Vivax-Metrotech vCam-6 - Quality pipe inspection camera with color LCD monitor. Great value camera for municipal sewer departments.
"A drain pipe camera allows identifying and addressing minor drain issues before they become major expensive problems."

Sewer Camera Equipment

Typical equipment used for sewer camera inspections includes:
  • Camera head - The camera is attached to a flexible cable and lowered into the pipe. High resolution color cameras are used.
  • Cable reel - Stores and controls the cable with camera attached. Allows extending and maneuvering the camera.
  • Monitor - Displays the live video feed from the sewer camera as it moves through the pipes.
  • Lighting - Bright lighting attachments provide illumination in the dark pipes.
  • Recording equipment - Records the video inspection footage for archiving and review.

Sewer Camera Inspection Process

A basic sewer camera inspection process includes:
  1. Setup - The camera reel and monitor are brought to the pipe access point, such as a manhole. The equipment is prepared for insertion.
  2. Insertion - The camera head is lowered down into the pipe access point and fed through the pipes.
  3. Video inspection - The operator carefully manipulates the cable to maneuver the camera through pipes and look for any defects or issues. Live video feeds to the monitor.
  4. Documentation - Video footage is recorded and notes taken on pipe condition and any issues found.
  5. Reporting - Results are analyzed and a full report produced identifying any necessary repairs or maintenance.

Main Types of Sewer Cameras

There are a few main types and styles of sewer cameras used for pipe inspections:
  • 1

    Push Cameras

    • Designed to be manually pushed through the pipe.
    • Useful for shorter, straight pipe inspections.
    • Limitations in distances and maneuverability.
  • 2

    Tractor Cameras

    • Camera head attached to a tractor-like device.
    • Can be remotely steered and driven through pipes.
    • Allows longer inspections with more maneuverability.
  • 3

    Pan & Tilt Cameras

    • Camera head can pan from side to side and tilt up and down.
    • Gives full 360° internal view of pipes.
    • Helps inspect pipe connections and defects.
  • 4

    Portable Cameras

    • Compact all-in-one camera units.
    • More lightweight and portable option.
    • Best for small, simple inspections.

Key Benefits of Sewer Cameras

  • Visualize inside of pipes without excavation or destruction.
  • Find hidden root intrusions, cracks, breaks, blockages.
  • Survey long sections of pipe from single access point.
  • Maneuverable to view pipe connections, branches.
  • Record permanent video documentation of pipe condition.
  • Prevent sewer overflows and backups.
  • Avoid damage from undetected pipe failures.
  • Support proactive maintenance and repairs.
Potential Limitations of Sewer Cameras

  • Cannot turn sharply or see inside very small pipes.
  • Reaching some sections may be difficult.
  • Can get stuck if pipes have major blockages or collapses.
  • Requires an experienced professional operator.
  • Does not always identify structural weaknesses.
  • Initial equipment investment can be high.
Sewer camera inspections are an invaluable tool for underground sewer maintenance. They allow pipes to be assessed without destructive excavation and identify defects before they cause major problems. While requiring an investment in equipment and trained operators, sewer cameras can save money and headaches by pinpointing necessary repairs and preventing hidden pipe failures from causing sewer backups or overflows down the road. Regular sewer camera inspections are recommended as part of a comprehensive wastewater management program.