Sewer leaks can be located with precision using video camera inspection equipment that feeds through your existing cleanouts, allowing our technicians to view the interior of your pipes on a monitor and pinpoint the exact location of cracks, root intrusion, or collapsed sections without exploratory digging. This technology eliminates the need to excavate your entire yard based on guesswork or surface symptoms.
The process begins with a thorough assessment of your property. Our licensed technicians access your sewer line through existing cleanout ports—typically located near your home's foundation or in your yard. These cleanouts serve as natural entry points for diagnostic equipment and are part of most municipal sewer systems. We insert a flexible fiber-optic camera attached to a motorized cable into the line, which transmits high-definition video to a monitor above ground. As the camera travels through the pipe, we document the condition of every section, identifying the precise location of any damage.
Video inspection reveals several common sewer problems with exact positioning. Root intrusion, one of the most frequent issues in older systems, appears as hair-like roots penetrating the pipe walls—we can see exactly where roots have breached the line. Cracked or broken pipes show clearly on the monitor, with visible separations or collapsed sections. Offset joints, where pipe segments have shifted, are also visible. Grease buildup or sediment accumulation can be assessed, helping determine whether cleaning or repair is the priority. The camera includes a locating transmitter that works above ground, allowing us to mark the exact surface location of any damage using GPS-style positioning or ground markings.
Once we've identified the problem area, we provide you with a detailed video report and repair recommendation. This targeted approach means excavation is limited to the specific section requiring repair—often just 3 to 6 feet of digging rather than trenching across your entire yard. For homeowners with landscaping, pools, patios, or underground utilities, this precision is invaluable. You avoid unnecessary damage to your property while minimizing restoration costs.
The inspection itself typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on line length and accessibility. Costs for video inspection generally range from $300 to $600, which is far less expensive than exploratory digging or emergency repairs resulting from a complete line failure. Many homeowners find the inspection cost recovers itself through the savings achieved by targeted repair rather than wholesale line replacement.
With 19 years of experience in sewer diagnostics and repair, Blackmon Plumbing holds an active plumbing license (MPL-38162) and uses state-of-the-art camera equipment to serve residential and commercial clients throughout the region. Our video inspection service provides the clarity and certainty needed to make informed repair decisions.
Blackmon Plumbing offers comprehensive sewer line inspection and repair services, using advanced camera technology to identify leaks and damage without unnecessary yard excavation.