The 5 main items you should inspect during a drain detail are blockages, tree root intrusion, pipe cracks and damage, corrosion, and bellied or sagging pipes. Each of these problems can quietly build up inside your system and cause major plumbing failures if not caught early. That’s why a drain detail matters it checks for buildup, root growth, structural issues, and pipe weaknesses before they trigger costly repairs or health risks.
This guide covers each inspection item in detail. You will learn what to look for, why each item matters, and when to call a professional plumber. By the end, you will understand how proper drain inspections protect your home and save money.
What Does a Drain Detail Inspection Find?
A drain detail inspection finds hidden problems inside your pipes using special camera equipment. Professional plumbers insert a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into your drain system. The camera shows real-time video of your pipe’s inside condition.
The camera is equipped with bright lights and transmits live footage to a monitor, allowing the plumber to assess the condition of the pipes and identify any blockages or damage. This process helps spot issues that cannot be seen from the surface.
Why Drain Inspections Matter
Drain inspections prevent small problems from becoming big emergencies. The average cost of repairing your sewer line is $2,556, which is comparatively higher than the inspection itself. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, sanitary sewer overflows can contaminate waters and back up into homes, causing serious water quality problems and property damage. Early detection saves thousands of dollars in repair costs.
3 Key Benefits of Drain Inspections:
- Prevents major pipe failures before they happen
- Saves money on emergency repairs
- Protects health and safety from sewage backups
Item 1: What Blockages Can You Find During a Drain Inspection?
Blockages are the most common problem found during drain inspections. These clogs form when waste materials build up inside pipes and block normal water flow. Professional cameras can spot different types of blockages and their exact locations.
Common Types of Blockages
Grease buildup happens when cooking oils and fats cool down and stick to pipe walls. Grease buildup, foreign objects, and sediment accumulation can restrict water flow, leading to slow drains or complete backups. Over time, this creates thick blockages that are hard to remove.
Foreign objects like toys, feminine products, and paper towels cause serious clogs. Avoid flushing napkins, diapers and feminine hygiene products. These items do not break down in water and create complete blockages.
Hair and soap buildup commonly blocks bathroom drains. Hair catches on pipe walls and mixes with soap to form thick masses that slow water flow.
Signs of Drain Blockages
Watch for these warning signs that suggest blockages in your drain system:
- Water drains slowly from sinks, tubs, or showers
- Gurgling sounds from drains when water flows
- Bad smells coming from drain openings
- Water backing up into fixtures
If you notice multiple sinks in your home are draining slowly, it’s essential to address the issue promptly. Multiple slow drains often mean a main line blockage rather than single drain problems.
Item 2: How Do Tree Roots Get Into Drain Pipes?
Tree roots grow into drain pipes searching for water and nutrients. Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and sewer pipes provide the perfect environment. Even small cracks in pipes can attract root systems that eventually cause major blockages.
How Root Intrusion Happens
Tree roots start small but grow bigger over time. Over time, roots can penetrate pipe joints or tiny cracks and then grow and expand, leading to severe blockages or even pipe collapse. Once inside pipes, roots spread out and create thick masses that block water flow. Research from the U.S. Forest Service shows that tree roots cause more than 50% of all sewer blockages, making this a critical inspection item.
Modern pipe materials still face root problems. More modern systems installed using rubber-sealed couplings or new sturdier PVC piping, are still prone to root ingress. According to North Carolina State University Extension, tree roots cannot create cracks in sewer pipes but can only exploit existing cracks or gaps. No pipe system is completely safe from determined tree roots.
Warning Signs of Root Problems
5 Signs Tree Roots Are in Your Pipes:
- Slow draining in multiple fixtures at once
- Gurgling noises from drains and toilets
- Sewage smells coming from drains
- Extra green grass patches in your yard near sewer lines
- Frequent toilet backups that return quickly
If turning on a faucet in one room causes a gurgling sound in another room, then you may have a clog in your main sewer line. This cross-connection gurgling often indicates root blockages in main lines.
Trees Most Likely to Cause Problems
Large trees with aggressive root systems cause the most drain issues. Willow trees, oak trees, and maple trees commonly grow roots into pipe systems. Even trees planted far from pipes can send roots long distances to find water sources.
Item 3: What Pipe Cracks and Damage Look Like
Pipe cracks and damage allow sewage to leak out and groundwater to leak in. A sewer camera inspection can reveal minor leaks and structural weaknesses before they become significant. Camera inspections show the exact location and size of cracks or breaks.
Types of Pipe Damage
Hairline cracks start small but grow bigger over time. Ground movement, temperature changes, and water pressure cause these tiny cracks to spread. Left alone, hairline cracks turn into major breaks.
Offset joints happen when pipe sections separate at connection points. Soil movement caused by natural forces, like heavy rain, can create offset pipe joints. These separations create gaps where waste can escape.
Collapsed pipes completely block water flow and require immediate replacement. Some blockages in sewer lines can at times be due to collapsed pipes. Collapsed sections must be dug up and replaced with new pipe materials.
What Causes Pipe Damage
Age and wear affect all pipe materials over time. Pipes deteriorate over time due to aging, shifting soil, and external pressure. Older homes with clay or cast iron pipes face more cracking problems than newer plastic pipe systems.
Ground movement from earthquakes, heavy rains, or construction work can crack pipes. When soil shifts around buried pipes, it puts stress on pipe walls and joints.
Freezing temperatures cause water inside pipes to expand and crack pipe walls. This damage often happens in unheated areas like crawl spaces or near outside walls.
Item 4: When Does Pipe Corrosion Become Dangerous?
Pipe corrosion weakens pipe walls and creates holes that leak sewage. Pipe corrosion is a frequent issue with older sewer lines and results from the metal in the sewer line reacting with the wastewater that travels through them. Corroded pipes eventually collapse or break completely.
Signs of Pipe Corrosion
Rust stains around pipe connections show that metal pipes are breaking down. Iron and steel pipes develop rust that eats through pipe walls over time.
Pinholes start as tiny spots but grow into bigger holes. Broken and cracked pipes lead to leakages which can cause you to pay higher water bills especially if the crack is on the water pipes. Even small leaks waste water and increase utility bills.
Rough pipe surfaces catch waste materials and create blockages. Smooth new pipes flow better than rough corroded pipes that grab onto debris.
Pipe Materials and Corrosion Risk
Cast iron pipes corrode faster than other materials. Many older homes have cast iron drain pipes that last 25-50 years before needing replacement. According to research published in ScienceDirect, older pipes made of concrete and clay are more susceptible to root intrusion than modern pipes made of PVC.
Galvanized steel pipes also face corrosion problems. These pipes develop rust buildup that restricts water flow and creates leaks.
PVC plastic pipes resist corrosion but can crack from ground movement or freezing. Modern homes use PVC because it lasts longer than metal pipes.
Item 5: What Are Bellied or Sagging Pipes?
Bellied pipes sag downward and create low spots where waste collects. When the sewer drain pipes sag or drop without support in the ground, they become bellied. These low areas trap debris and create recurring blockages.
How Bellied Pipes Form
Ground settling causes pipes to sag when soil underneath pipes washes away or compacts. When the ground around the pipe shifts or settles, the sewer line can sink and create a downhill slope in the wrong direction. This creates permanent low spots in the pipe system.
Poor installation during original construction can create bellied sections. Pipes need proper support and correct slope to work properly. Unsupported pipe sections will sag over time.
Heavy equipment driving over buried pipes can compress soil and create sags. Construction work or large vehicles can damage underground pipes without anyone noticing.
Problems Caused by Bellied Pipes
Waste accumulation happens when solids settle in low spots instead of flowing to the main sewer. Over time, waste accumulates in the sagging pipe, causing a blockage. These collections of waste create recurring clogs that return after cleaning.
Slow drainage occurs because water must pool up before flowing over the high point after a bellied section. This creates ongoing drainage problems that get worse over time.
Gas buildup can happen in bellied sections where waste sits still. These gases create bad smells and can be dangerous in enclosed spaces.
How Often Should You Get Drain Inspections?
Most homes need drain inspections every 3-5 years for preventive maintenance. Whether you are a new or existing homeowner, having a yearly camera inspection performed in your drain & sewer lines can help prevent major plumbing issues before they occur. The EPA recommends that effective preventive maintenance programs significantly reduce the frequency and volume of untreated sewage discharges. Homes with older pipes or large trees nearby may need more frequent inspections.
When to Schedule Emergency Inspections
Immediate inspection is needed when you notice these warning signs:
- Multiple drains backing up at the same time
- Sewage odors throughout your home
- Water pooling in your yard near sewer lines
- Toilets gurgling when you use other fixtures
If you encounter any of these signs or are having other plumbing issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber for emergency service.
Pre-Purchase Home Inspections
New home buyers should always get drain inspections before closing. New homeowners should consider getting a sewer inspection done even if the home they just purchased is newly constructed. Hidden drain problems can cost thousands after you move in.
Although most home inspectors don’t do sewer line inspections, you should have a qualified plumber do one as part of the home inspection process when you’re buying a home. This extra step protects your investment and prevents surprise repair bills.
What to Expect During Professional Drain Inspections
Professional drain inspections take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your home’s pipe system size and complexity. A drain inspection can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour, but it’ll depend on how large your home’s sewer system is and what the issues are.
The Inspection Process
Step 1: Access Point Location – The plumber finds the best entry point into your drain system. This is usually an existing clean-out or main house sewer trap. Clean-outs provide direct access without digging.
Step 2: Camera Insertion – A waterproof camera on a flexible cable goes into your pipes. The camera has bright LED lights and transmits live video to a monitor above ground.
Step 3: Video Recording – The plumber records everything the camera sees while moving through your pipe system. When we use video inspection on a sewer line, we record what we see and can produce a DVD or digital copy of the procedure.
Step 4: Problem Analysis – After the inspection, the plumber reviews the video footage and identifies any issues found.
Step 5: Written Report – You receive a detailed report with video footage, problem locations, and repair recommendations.
Inspection Costs and Value
Most drain inspections cost $175-$500 depending on your location and pipe system complexity. A typical sewer line camera inspection cost ranges anywhere from $175 to $350+, depending on where you live, what plumber you go to, and how far down the line your blockage is located.
This cost is small compared to major repair expenses. Emergency pipe repairs can cost $2,000-$10,000 or more when problems are found too late.
When to Call AnQoR Plumbing and Heating
Professional drain inspections require special equipment and trained technicians. AnQoR Plumbing and Heating provides comprehensive drain cleaning services and camera inspections for Glen Cove area homeowners.
Signs You Need Professional Help:
- Recurring drain clogs that return quickly
- Multiple fixtures draining slowly
- Sewage smells in your home
- Water backing up from floor drains
- Unusual sounds from your drain system
Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art camera equipment to identify all five main inspection items. We provide honest assessments and fair pricing for any sewer line repairs or pipe replacements your home needs.
Preventing Future Drain Problems
Simple maintenance helps prevent the 5 main drain problems found during inspections. Regular care extends pipe life and reduces emergency repair costs.
What You Can Do
Watch what goes down your drains. Avoid putting grease, hair, food scraps, and non-biodegradable items into your drain system. These materials cause most blockage problems.
Schedule regular maintenance. Professional drain cleaning every 1-2 years keeps pipes flowing smoothly and removes buildup before it causes blockages.
Monitor your yard for warning signs. Look for extra green grass patches, wet soil, or bad smells near your sewer lines. These signs often indicate hidden pipe problems.
Consider root barriers if you have large trees near your sewer lines. Physical barriers or chemical treatments can prevent root intrusion into your pipes.
Final Thoughts
The 5 main items to inspect during a drain detail are blockages, tree root intrusion, pipe cracks and damage, corrosion, and bellied or sagging pipes. Professional camera inspections find these problems early, when repairs cost less and cause fewer disruptions to your daily life.
Regular drain inspections protect your home, prevent health hazards, and save money on emergency repairs. When you notice warning signs like slow drains, gurgling sounds, or sewage odors, contact AnQoR Plumbing and Heating for professional camera inspection services. Our experienced team helps Glen Cove area homeowners maintain healthy drain systems and avoid costly surprises.
Don’t wait for drain problems to become emergencies. Schedule your professional drain inspection today and get peace of mind about your home’s hidden pipe system.