On this page
Slow drains or sewer smell?
See inside the pipe before anyone digs. Call to reach a provider.
(813) 303-9621Free call connection · Open 24/7 · Plant City, Brandon, Valrico, Seffner & DoverA sewer camera inspection sends a waterproof camera on a flexible push rod through a cleanout or fixture opening into your drain and sewer lines. The video shows cracks, separated or offset joints, low spots (bellies), roots, scale and collapses in real time. A transmitter in the camera head lets the technician locate the exact spot and depth from above. This page also covers drain and waste line imaging inside the home.
What Does the Camera Show?
| Finding | What it means |
|---|---|
| Cracks and fractures | Wastewater can leak into the soil; may worsen over time |
| Offset or separated joints | Pipe sections shifted apart, often from settling soil |
| Bellies (sags) | Low spots where water and waste collect, causing clogs |
| Root intrusion | Roots entering through joints or cracks |
| Scale and corrosion | Common in cast iron; narrows the pipe and thins its walls |
| Collapse or broken pipe | Section has failed; usually needs repair or replacement |
| Grease and debris | Buildup that causes recurring backups |
Drain and Waste Line Imaging Inside the Home
The same cameras, often with smaller heads, inspect branch drains inside the house: kitchen and laundry lines, shower and tub drains, and the building drain under the slab. Indoor imaging is useful when a stain or damp floor only appears when a fixture is used, when one drain keeps clogging, or before a remodel. It also helps decide whether an under-slab drain needs a hydrostatic test to confirm a leak.
How Is a Camera Inspection Done?
- Find an entry point: an outdoor cleanout, a pulled toilet, or a roof vent.
- Run the camera slowly through the main line, recording video.
- Explore branches where the camera head can turn into them.
- Locate problems with a receiver above ground that picks up the camera head's signal, then mark the spot and note the depth.
- Review the footage with you and explain what each finding means.
Pro tip: Ask for a copy of the video. It's useful for repair quotes, for insurance, and as a baseline if you're buying the home.
When Should You Get a Camera Inspection?
- Recurring clogs or slow drains in several fixtures
- Gurgling toilets or sewage backing up
- Sewer odors inside or outside (see sewer gas and odor detection)
- Soggy or sunken spots along the sewer line in the yard
- Buying an older home, especially with cast iron or clay pipe
- Before repairs, to plan exactly what needs fixing
Sewer Lines in Plant City
Older parts of Plant City, including the historic downtown, have homes with cast iron drains and older sewer laterals. Cast iron corrodes along the bottom of the pipe and roots find their way into old joints. Newer homes use PVC, which is more resistant but can still shift in sandy soil or be damaged during construction. Homes outside the sewer system may have septic tanks and drain fields. Cameras are used on the lines leading to them, while tank service is a separate trade. More on drain issues in sewer and drain leak detection.
After the Inspection
Depending on the findings, options include clearing roots or buildup, a spot repair, lining the pipe from inside where suitable, or replacing a section. Call (813) 303-9621 for a free quote from a leak detection company in Plant City.
Warning: Don't keep running water if sewage is backing up into tubs or floor drains. Stop water use until the line is checked.
Sewer Camera Inspection FAQs
Is a sewer camera inspection invasive?
No. The camera enters through an existing cleanout, toilet opening or vent. Nothing is dug or cut for the inspection.
Can the camera tell exactly where the problem is?
Yes. A transmitter in the camera head is located from above ground, giving the position and approximate depth.
Can a camera find a drain leak under my slab?
It can show cracks and separations. A hydrostatic test may be used to confirm whether the under-slab drain is actually leaking.
Do you inspect lines to septic systems?
Cameras can inspect the line from the house to the tank. Septic tank service itself is a separate trade.
How do I get a quote for a sewer camera inspection?
Call (813) 303-9621 and mention any backups, odors or slow drains. A local provider can give you a free quote.
