How CCTV Video Pipe Inspection Works

The inspection equipment consists of a waterproof camera mounted on a flexible cable. We feed this cable through your drainage system while recording continuous footage.

The camera head contains LED lights that illuminate the pipe interior. High-resolution lenses capture clear images even in completely dark, wet environments. The cable length varies based on the system we’re inspecting, residential drains typically need 30 to 50 metres, while commercial sewer lines may require 100 metres or more.

We monitor the live feed on a screen as the camera travels through the drain. The equipment records footage digitally, allowing us to review sections multiple times and show you exactly what we found.

What CCTV Video Pipe Inspection Reveals

Blockages and their composition become immediately visible. We see whether grease, roots, foreign objects, or collapsed sections are blocking flow. This identification determines which clearing method will work, some blockages respond to hydro jetting, while others require mechanical cutting or excavation.

Pipe damage and deterioration shows clearly on camera. Cracks appear as lines across the pipe surface. Breaks create obvious gaps. Corrosion displays as rough, pitted surfaces on metal pipes or as holes in concrete pipes. Separated joints appear as misalignments between pipe sections.

Root intrusion points reveal where trees have penetrated the drainage system. The footage shows fine hair roots or thick woody roots inside the pipe. We identify exactly where roots enter, which helps determine whether pipe relining or full replacement is needed.

Pipe material and condition becomes evident through the inspection. We see whether pipes are clay, concrete, PVC, cast iron, or other materials. The footage shows the internal diameter and any deformation that has occurred over time.

Scale and grease build-up appears as coating on pipe walls. The thickness of this coating indicates how much the effective diameter has been reduced. This information helps plan appropriate drain and sewer cleaning methods.

When You Need CCTV Video Pipe Inspection

Recurring blockages that clear temporarily then return signal deeper problems. Standard drain cleaning might remove the immediate obstruction but miss the underlying cause. A camera inspection identifies whether damaged pipes, root intrusion, or structural issues are causing repeated blockages.

Slow drainage throughout a property suggests main line problems. Before calling for excavation, a CCTV video pipe inspection pinpoints the exact location and nature of the problem. This precision prevents unnecessary digging and reduces repair scope.

Foul smells from drains that persist after cleaning may indicate broken pipes where waste accumulates. The camera locates these damaged sections so repairs target the actual problem area.

Property purchases benefit from pre-sale CCTV video pipe inspection. Older properties may have deteriorated drainage systems that will need expensive repairs. The inspection provides documented evidence of pipe condition before you commit to the purchase.

Pre-Construction Planning

Major construction or landscaping projects need drainage mapping. A CCTV video pipe inspection records the exact location and depth of existing underground pipes. This information prevents accidental damage during excavation and helps plan new construction around existing systems.

Building additions, pool installations, and driveway extensions all risk damaging hidden pipes. Knowing their precise location beforehand protects your investment and avoids costly repair of broken sewer lines.

CCTV Video Pipe Inspection for Different Systems

Residential drainage systems include all pipes from your home to the municipal connection. The inspection checks kitchen drains, bathroom drains, toilet connections, and the main sewer line. We identify problems in individual branch lines or the shared main line that affects the entire house.

Commercial building drainage handles higher volumes and more complex routing. Office buildings, shopping centres, and restaurants have extensive pipe networks. The inspection maps these systems and identifies problems in specific sections without disrupting business operations.

Industrial wastewater systems carry process water and waste products specific to manufacturing operations. CCTV video pipe inspection reveals chemical damage, sediment accumulation, and structural problems in these specialized systems.

Storm water drains collect rainwater from roofs, driveways, and yards. These pipes block differently than sewer lines, typically with leaves, soil, and construction debris. The inspection shows whether blockages result from accumulated debris or structural problems like collapsed pipes.

Limitations of Pipe Inspection

Completely flooded pipes prevent camera passage. We need some air space for the camera to function. If pipes are full of water, we may need to pump them out before inspection.

Severe blockages stop the camera. If the pipe is completely obstructed, we inspect up to the blockage point. After clearing the blockage through blocked drain service, we can then inspect the remainder of the system.

Very small diameter pipes, typically under 40mm, cannot accommodate standard inspection cameras. Specialized micro-cameras exist for these situations but are not always necessary for residential properties.

Understanding Your Inspection Report

We provide recorded footage and a written report of findings. The footage includes timestamp markers showing distance from the entry point, making it easy to locate problem areas during future repairs.

The report details:

• Entry and exit points for the inspection
• Total length of pipe inspected
• Pipe material and diameter
• Location of any damage, blockages, or defects
• Severity rating for identified problems
• Recommendations for repairs or maintenance

You receive copies of both the video footage and written report. This documentation proves valuable for insurance claims, property sales, or planning future maintenance.

Acting on Inspection Results

Some findings require immediate action. Severe cracks, complete blockages, or imminent collapse need prompt repair to prevent property damage or sewage backup.

Other findings allow planned maintenance. Minor root intrusion, early-stage corrosion, or slight joint separation can be scheduled for convenient repair timing rather than emergency response.

The inspection separates urgent problems from future concerns, allowing you to prioritize repairs based on risk and budget.

CCTV Video Pipe Inspection Process

We locate access points to your drainage system. This might be external cleanout ports, inspection chambers, or removal of toilet fixtures for main line access. Properties without proper access points may need us to create one.

The camera insertion requires care to avoid damaging both the camera and the pipe. We navigate bends and junctions slowly, recording everything along the way.

The inspection duration depends on system length and complexity. A simple residential main line inspection takes considerably less time than mapping an entire commercial building’s drainage network.

After completing the physical inspection, we review the footage with you on-site. You see exactly what we found, where it exists, and why it matters for your system’s function.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far can the camera travel through my pipes?

Camera systems reach between 30 and 100 metres depending on the equipment used and pipe conditions. For residential properties, this covers most complete drainage systems from house to street connection. Longer commercial systems may require inspection from multiple access points to cover the entire length. Severe bends, blockages, or collapsed sections can prevent the camera from reaching its maximum distance. We inspect as far as possible from each access point to provide complete coverage.

Will the camera inspection damage my pipes?

No, the camera head is smooth and flexible, designed specifically to travel through pipes without causing damage. We adjust camera size based on your pipe diameter to ensure safe passage. The equipment navigates bends and junctions that are part of normal pipe routing. The only exception is extremely fragile pipes that are already failing—in these cases, the pipe condition itself is the problem, not the inspection. Camera inspection actually prevents damage by identifying problems before invasive exploratory digging becomes necessary.

Can you inspect pipes while they’re in use?

Limited flow allows inspection, but heavy usage prevents it. We need enough visibility for the camera to function properly. For residential properties, we typically ask that you avoid using water for the hour or two during inspection. Commercial properties may need to schedule inspections during low-usage periods like early morning or after business hours. Completely flooded pipes must be pumped out before inspection. We discuss timing requirements when scheduling the service based on your specific system and usage patterns.