01How it works
The plumber feeds a waterproof camera into the line through a cleanout, a house trap or a fixture drain. The monitor shows live video, and many systems record it and show distance from the entry point. A locator can find the camera head's position and depth from the surface, so repairs can be targeted.
02What it can find
| Finding | What it looks like | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Roots | Hair-like masses at joints | Cleaning now; repair at the joint if they return |
| Belly (sag) | Standing water in a section | Debris collects; repair if it causes clogs |
| Offset joint | A step between pipe sections | Snags debris; may need repair |
| Crack or break | Visible fracture, soil, missing pipe | Repair or replacement |
| Scale or corrosion | Rough, narrowed cast-iron walls | Descaling or replacement of worst sections |
| Grease | Coating on the pipe walls | Jetting; change habits |
03When it's worth it
- Clogs that keep coming back
- Backups into the basement
- Before buying an older house or brownstone
- Before a renovation that closes walls or floors
- After a line is cleared, to see why it clogged
After an inspection, jetting often clears grease, scale and roots the camera found.
04Reading the report
Ask for the video, the distance to each problem from the entry point, the depth where located, the pipe materials seen, and the plumber's recommendation. A good report separates "clean and monitor" from "repair now".
05Frequently asked questions
Can the camera go all the way to the street?
Usually, if there's a suitable access point and no blockage stops it. House traps and tight bends can limit it.
Does it need a permit?
No. Inspection is not permitted work; repairs that follow may be.
06Related
Services
Guides & rules
Sources & review
Last reviewed . General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.