03/22/2025
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The Importance of Sewer Camera Inspections

The Importance of Sewer Camera Inspections

The Importance of Sewer Camera Inspections

Let's face it: nobody thinks about their sewer lines until something starts backing up or smelling funky. But those pipes are hidden under your house or your business, doing some serious heavy lifting daily. And just like any hardworking part of your plumbing system, they need attention now and then. At John Padilla Plumbing, we have seen firsthand how sewer camera inspections save San Diego homeowners and business owners from massive headaches—and even bigger bills.

Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer camera inspection is exactly what it sounds like. We examine your sewer lines internally using a flexible rod with a special waterproof camera. It gives a real-time view of what's underground without tearing up your lawn, driveway, or floors. It's clean, efficient, and incredibly revealing. And the best part of all? It keeps us from going behind walls, floors, and ceilings to diagnose plumbing issues before they become disasters.

How Sewer Camera Inspections Work

When one of our licensed plumbers shows up with a sewer camera for inspection, they will first find an access point- an aperture or a roof vent. After scanning supplies, we insert the camera into the line for inspection. The high-definition video shows everything in real-time: roots, cracks, corrosion, blockages-you name it. Something's not right, we'll catch it. We can see all this on film and provide a detailed report for insurance or home purchases.

Common Sewer Line Issues Detected

Over time, more than the sturdiest pipes will begin to fail or break. That is why sewer camera inspection has become very important, and some of them are:

  • Tree root invasion
  • Pipes' cracks or fractures
  • Corrosion in aging cast iron lines
  • Misaligned or sagging sections
  • Grease buildup and debris blockages
  • Invasive plant growth—even without nearby trees. 

Top Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection

Do you need an inspection? Here are a few red flags that tell you it's time to call us:

  • Frequent toilet backups or slow drains
  • Sinks and yards emitting putrid smells
  • Gurgles from plumbing
  • Damp or moldy spots, unexplained
  • Low water level in toilets
  • Yard or driveway-invading soppy patches
  • Advantages of Routine Sewer Camera Inspections.

 

Being ahead of sewer problems is much easier and cheaper than being behind when they come up. This is precisely what regular inspections can do for you:

  • Early detection of issues before they get emergency
  • Prevent significant repairs, saving money 
  • Plumbing system lifespan increase 
  • Definitely, a mother nurtures more comfort in presenting accurate diagnoses 
  • Landscaping water damage prevention 
  • Undoubtedly, good documentation for anything related to insurance or property sales.

Residential vs. Commercial Sewer Inspections

Whether you're taking care of a residence in North Park or running a business downtown, that sewer system has got to be in excellent condition. Home sewer inspections can be faster and easier. Well, it's a lot more complicated regarding the sewer systems in commercial properties, and that means there's a lot more to lose if something goes badly wrong. Rest assured, our crew is equally equipped to pursue these procedures with precision and care.

Why Licensed Plumbers Should Perform Sewer Inspections

This is not what you want to do yourself or trust someone unlicensed. Our licensed plumbers have the right tools, training, and experience to do it correctly. We don't just find the problems; we also know how to fix them! If city repairs are needed, we can file a formal plumber's report, which unlicensed techs cannot do.

How Many Times Should You Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection?

In general, we recommend a sewer camera inspection every 2-3 years, especially for a house over 30 years old. If you are purchasing a new home, definitely do it before closing. It's probably the smartest plumbing move you can make, and it could save you thousands.

Final Thought: Protect Your Property—Call a Professional Plumber

Regular LSC sewer camera inspections are one of our most rewarding services. They are fast, inexpensive, noninvasive, and provide a view of underground events. Whether it is a minor blockage or a major repair in the making, sooner identification gives you control—and that's what good plumbing should be.

Don't wait for a minor issue to escalate into a mess and cost a fortune! Contact John Padilla Plumbing today for a professional sewer camera inspection in San Diego. We keep things flowing!