A drain cleaning truck clears clogged drains with high-pressure cleaning, but it cannot identify damage to the pipes. To find cracks, root penetration, or other structural problems, you need a camera inspection of the drain. Many companies that offer drain cleaning also have equipment for TV pipe inspection, and these services are often used together to both clean and examine the condition of the drain system.
What is the difference between flushing and camera inspection of pipes?
Flushing and camera inspection are two different processes that are often confused. Flushing uses high pressure to remove clogged drains, grease, sludge and other deposits that block pipes. A flushing truck sends a powerful jet of water through the pipe, loosening and flushing away the obstructions. This temporarily fixes the problem, but it doesn’t tell you why the blockage occurred or if there is any damage to the pipe system.
Camera inspection, also known as TV pipe inspection, uses special cameras to visually examine the inside of drain pipes. The technician passes a waterproof camera through the pipe while viewing what is inside directly on the screen. This reveals cracks, root intrusion, improperly installed joints, and other structural problems that flushing cannot detect.
Most drain inspection companies offer both flushing and inspection. It is common to flush first to clean out deposits, and then run a camera through to see if there is any damage that needs to be repaired. This way, you can both clean the drain and document the condition of the pipe system.
How does camera inspection in sewer pipes work?
Camera-based sewer inspections use specialized waterproof cameras mounted on flexible cables or small vehicles that can navigate through the pipes. The camera transmits live video to a monitor above ground, allowing the technician to see exactly what is inside the pipe. The system has built-in lighting that illuminates the inside of the pipe, and many cameras also measure distance so damage can be pinpointed.
During the inspection, the technician slowly moves the camera through the pipe system while studying the video for signs of problems. He looks for cracks, displacements, corrosion, root penetration and other deviations from normal conditions. The entire inspection is often filmed, so you have documentation of the condition of the drain.
For smaller pipes, cameras are used on flexible cables that can bend around bends and intersections. For larger drains, remotely operated vehicles with cameras can be used to provide more stable video. Either method gives you visual confirmation of what’s wrong with your drain, rather than guessing based on symptoms.
Technical details of pipe inspection
Modern inspection equipment can document exactly where problems are located in the piping system. This makes it easier to plan repairs and avoid unnecessary digging. The technician can tell the difference between temporary obstructions that can be flushed away, and permanent damage that requires replacement of pipe components.
What types of damage can be detected with TV pipe inspection?
TV inspection of pipes can reveal a wide range of problems that are not visible from the outside. The camera shows cracks and breaks in the pipe walls, which often occur due to subsidence in the ground or age-related wear. You can also clearly see when roots have penetrated the joints and grown inside the pipe, which is a common cause of repeated blockages.
The inspection also reveals displacements where pipe sections have moved relative to each other, creating steps or kinks where debris collects. Corrosion and deterioration of the pipe material becomes visible on video, especially in older cast iron or concrete pipes. Completely collapsed pipe sections, where the pipe has collapsed, are clearly visible and require immediate repair.
Other problems detected include:
- Improperly installed joints and leaking connections
- Limescale and deposits that reduce capacity
- Foreign objects stuck in the pipe
- Ground movements that have affected the location of the pipes
- Faulty falls that prevent water from flowing properly
Visual inspection gives you the certainty of what is actually wrong, rather than guessing based on symptoms such as slow draining or odor, saving you both time and money when it comes to fixing the problem.
When should you order a camera inspection of your drain?
You should consider a camera inspection of your drain when you experience repeated blockages despite flushing the pipes. If the problem returns shortly after flushing, it indicates that there is structural damage that needs to be repaired. Slow emptying in multiple drains at the same time may also indicate damage to the main drain that requires further investigation.
Bad odors from the drain that do not disappear after flushing may be caused by cracks or leaks where wastewater is seeping out. Before buying a property, it is a good idea to have the drainage system inspected, especially in older houses where the pipes may be in poor condition. This can save you from large unforeseen expenses after taking over.
Other situations where inspection is relevant:
- After major excavation work or construction projects nearby
- As preventive maintenance in older sewage systems
- In case of unexplained wet spots in the garden that may indicate a leak
- When you are planning major renovations and need an overview of the condition
- If you have large trees near the drain lines
Simple flushing is sufficient when you have a common blockage caused by a buildup of grease or debris. However, if you suspect damage, or the problems recur regularly, a camera inspection will give you the answer to what needs to be done.
How we help with pipe inspection and flushing
When you need help with a drain inspection or flushing, we quickly connect you with qualified professionals who have the right equipment. Our customer service is available 24/7, and we understand that drain problems often require quick action. We ensure that you are connected with partners who can perform both flushing and camera pipe inspections.
Our partners across Norway have modern inspection equipment and experience in diagnosing and solving drain problems. They can often be on site quickly in urgent cases, and they provide you with documentation of the condition of the drain so that you have the basis to make the right decisions about any repairs.
How we help you:
- Available 24/7 for both urgent and planned assignments
- Quick connection to local professionals with inspection equipment
- Comprehensive solutions from diagnosis to complete repair
- Experienced technicians who interpret the video inspection professionally
- Documentation you can use in insurance cases or property sales
Call 401 24 700 for emergencies or visit our website for scheduled inspections. We will help you find the right solution to your drainage problems, and you can easily reach us via our contact information .
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How long does a camera inspection of the drain take?
A standard camera inspection usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the length of the pipe system and its complexity. For a typical single-family home sewer system, expect to take around 1 hour. If problems are found that require more in-depth investigation, the inspection may take longer, but the technician will keep you informed along the way.
How much does it cost to have a TV inspection of the drain pipes performed?
The price for a camera inspection varies based on the length of the pipe system and availability, but is typically between 3000-8000 kroner for a standard single-family home. Many companies offer package prices if you combine inspection with flushing. It is a good idea to get quotes from several suppliers, and remember that the inspection can save you much more money by uncovering problems before they become serious.
Do I have to flush the drain before a camera inspection?
Yes, it is highly recommended to flush the drain before a camera inspection to get the best possible image quality. Grease, sludge and deposits on the pipe wall can hide cracks and other damage that the camera would otherwise detect. Therefore, most professionals flush the pipes first as part of the inspection process, so that the camera can provide a clear and reliable image of the actual condition of the pipe.
Can camera inspection find leaks in sewer pipes?
Camera inspection can identify cracks, breaks and poor joints where leaks may occur, but the camera does not see the water leaking into the ground. To confirm active leaks, additional tests such as pressure testing or smoke testing are often used in combination with the video inspection. However, if the camera shows obvious cracks or openings, it is very likely that there is a leak.
What do I do if the camera inspection reveals serious damage?
If the inspection reveals serious damage such as collapsed pipes, large cracks or extensive root penetration, you will need to consider repairing or replacing the affected pipe sections. The technician will provide you with a report with recommendations and can often offer solutions such as digging and replacing, or modern methods such as sock lining which repairs the pipe from the inside without digging. It is advisable to get several quotes before deciding on a solution.
Can all types of drain pipes be inspected with a camera?
Most drains can be inspected with a camera, but there are limitations. Pipes down to about 40-50 mm in diameter can be examined with special cameras, while larger pipes are easier to inspect. The pipe must have sufficient access via existing sumps or cleaning points. If the pipes are completely blocked or collapsed, they must first be flushed or partially cleaned before the camera can be passed through.
Will I receive documentation after the camera inspection?
Yes, most professional companies will provide you with a report with still images or video of the inspection, along with a description of the findings and recommendations. This documentation is valuable if you need to apply for insurance, schedule repairs, or document condition when selling a property. Ask about this in advance, as the scope of documentation can vary between providers.
