Plumbing issues are never fun to deal with, especially when they come from places no one can see. A clogged sink or a slow-draining shower is annoying, but the real stress starts when those surface-level symptoms hint at something deeper. That’s where a sewer camera inspection becomes a powerful tool for diagnosing problems without tearing up the property.
In Calgary, homes face everything from shifting soil to aging sewer lines. Having a reliable way to see what’s going on underground can save time, money, and unnecessary disruption. A video drain inspection, also known as a sewer scope or drain scope, gives a clear view of your main sewer line from the inside out.
Why Sewer Line Problems Are Often Hidden Until It’s Too Late
The main sewer line plays a crucial role in every home. It carries all the wastewater from sinks, toilets, showers, and appliances out to the city system or rural property septic tank. But because it’s buried underground, issues can build quietly for months or even years before making themselves known.
Many homeowners notice the signs but don’t realize what they mean. Repeated clogs, foul odors, water backing up into multiple drains, or unexplained soggy patches in the yard are all signs of deeper issues. These problems often point to a blockage, a break, or a slow collapse somewhere along the sewer line.
Waiting too long to act can turn a manageable repair into a full replacement. That’s why spotting the issue early with a drain scope is often the smartest move.
How a Sewer Camera Inspection Works
A sewer camera inspection uses specialized equipment to inspect the interior of a home’s sewer pipe. The process is simple, but the technology is powerful. A high-definition waterproof camera is attached to a flexible cable and inserted into the line through a cleanout access point. From there, the camera travels through the pipe, sending back a live video feed to a screen above ground.
At Harper’s Plumbing, we use professional-grade tools like the MILWAUKEE® M18™ 200’ Pipeline Inspection System, which delivers exceptional image quality and reliability, even in challenging pipe conditions.
The footage gives a clear, detailed look at the condition of the pipe. It shows exactly where clogs, cracks, bellies, roots, or corrosion are located. There’s no guesswork, no digging, and no unnecessary cutting into walls or floors.
Once the camera reaches the city connection or the end of the line, it is slowly withdrawn while the technician marks any trouble spots along the way. This allows for targeted repairs rather than broad, costly work.
What a Drain Scope Can Detect
Sewer camera inspections are used to find a wide range of issues that can cause recurring plumbing problems or serious damage over time.
Tree Root Infiltration
Tree roots naturally grow toward moisture. If a pipe has small cracks or joints that are no longer sealed, roots can find their way in and start growing inside the line. Over time, they can cause full blockages or collapse the pipe entirely. This is a common issue in older Calgary neighborhoods like Oakridge, Acadia and Willow Park with mature trees.
Cracks, Breaks, and Collapsed Sections
Pipes made from older materials are prone to cracking as they age. Ground shifting due to freeze-thaw cycles or nearby construction can also put pressure on the pipe, causing sections to shift, crack, or collapse. Camera inspections catch these changes before they turn into sinkholes or backups.
Bellies or Dips in the Line
A belly occurs when a section of the pipe sags downward, creating a low spot where waste and water collect. Over time, debris builds up and leads to repeated blockages. These low spots can’t be detected from the surface, but they show up clearly during a sewer scope.
Grease Buildup and Foreign Objects
Kitchen grease, wipes, and debris can collect and harden inside pipes, narrowing the flow path. Over time, this leads to slow drains and backups that no amount of plunging will fix. A sewer camera pinpoints exactly where the buildup is, what is potentially causing it and how severe it has become.
Misaligned or Offset Pipes
Sometimes sections of pipe shift out of alignment due to soil settling or improper installation. This can leave small gaps that collect debris or allow roots to enter. These offsets often lead to recurring issues until corrected.
When to Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection
Drain scopes are not just for emergencies. In fact, they’re most valuable when used as a preventative tool. Here are a few situations where a sewer camera inspection makes sense:
- Recurring clogs or backups despite cleaning
- Gurgling or slow drains throughout the home
- Foul odors from sinks, tubs, or basement floor drains
- Standing water or damp areas in the yard
- Buying or selling a home, especially older properties
- After major foundation work or landscaping
- Before a bathroom or basement remodel
What a Sewer Camera Inspection Can’t Do
While a sewer scope reveals a lot, it isn’t a complete diagnostic on its own. The camera can identify cracks, blockages, and damaged joints, but it doesn’t directly measure leaks.
To locate active leaks, additional tools like acoustic sensors or pressure testing may be used in combination with the camera. A full diagnostic can be offered when symptoms suggest that more than one issue is present.
Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspections in Alberta
Sewer camera inspections bring clarity to situations that once required digging, guessing, or trial-and-error repairs. Here’s why more homeowners are choosing to have one done:
- Non-invasive: no need to dig or destroy parts of the property just to diagnose a problem
- Fast and accurate: problems are located and documented in real time
- Lower repair costs: targeted repairs avoid unnecessary work
- Preventative value: catching a problem early costs far less than fixing a disaster
- Confidence in real estate: buyers and sellers both benefit from knowing the condition of the main line
- Peace of mind: know exactly what is happening beneath the surface
What to Expect From a Sewer Camera Inspection
Sewer inspections are a straightforward process when handled with care, but they still require skill and experience to get right. Here’s what to expect when booking a drain scope:
- A technician arrives and explains the process before starting
- Access is made through a cleanout, usually located in the basement
- The camera is inserted and pushed through the main line while footage is recorded
- Any issues are marked on the surface above
- After the inspection, findings are reviewed and explained clearly
- If needed, a repair plan is outlined with no pressure to commit on the spot
Why Sewer Camera Inspections Matter in Calgary
Calgary’s mix of new developments and older neighborhoods means every home faces different challenges underground. Cold winters, tree-heavy areas, and shifting soil all affect sewer line performance over time.
Whether dealing with Poly-B pipe concerns, or newer PVC systems, a drain camera inspection gives accurate insight with no disruption to the home or yard.
For families planning renovations, buyers preparing to close on a home, or anyone tired of dealing with recurring plumbing issues, this inspection offers clarity and direction.
The Value of Choosing the Right Team
We’ve served Calgary homes since 2013 with a focus on precision, clear communication, and reliable work. Every technician is licensed, insured, and takes pride in using tools like sewer cameras with care and attention to detail.
If it’s time for a sewer camera inspection, we’re ready to help. Whether it’s peace of mind before a renovation or answers for a recurring issue, we’ll walk you through the process and provide clear next steps without the stress.
Reach out today to book your inspection. With Harper’s Plumbing, you get thoughtful service, reliable results, and a small-town approach you can feel.
