What Issues Can a House Drain or Sewer Inspection Reveal?

One of the most common and damaging issues inside sewer lines is tree root intrusion. Roots naturally grow toward moisture, and if there are even small cracks or loose joints in your pipes, roots can find their way in. 

Over time, they expand and cause major blockages or even break the pipe entirely. This is especially common in older clay or cast iron pipes.

Pipes don’t last forever. Shifts in soil, heavy traffic above ground, or just natural aging can lead to cracks and breaks. These weak points allow wastewater to escape and groundwater to enter, creating both plumbing inefficiency and potential contamination around your home.

If your home is quite old, the metal pipes may already be corroded. Older galvanized steel or cast iron pipes, in particular, are highly prone to corrosion.

Corroded pipes restrict water flow and may eventually collapse if the deterioration becomes severe.

We recommend using inspection equipment regularly to check your pipes. This helps detect hidden issues early and prevents more serious pipe problems in the future.

Everyday use of drains means grease, soap scum, food waste, and other debris can accumulate over time. In some cases, foreign objects that shouldn’t be flushed end up stuck in the line, creating serious clogs. A plumbing camera helps identify exactly where and what the blockage is, saving time and cost on repairs.

Over time, soil movement can cause pipes to shift out of position. If the pipe joints become misaligned, it can not only disrupt water flow but also cause debris to accumulate at the offset, leading to more severe blockages or pipe erosion. 

Regular inspections of the plumbing system can help detect such issues early and prevent further damage.

A sewer belly forms when a section of the pipe sinks due to poor soil compaction or ground movement. This creates a low point where water and debris collect, eventually causing backups. In severe cases, sections may even collapse entirely.

Leaks may not always be obvious at first, but they can cause long-term damage if left untreated. Sewer cameras can reveal tiny leaks that lead to soil erosion, foundation issues, or foul odors around the property.

Not all plumbing jobs are done right the first time. Sometimes, cameras uncover poorly joined pipes, cross-connections, or makeshift fixes that don’t meet code. These mistakes can create ongoing problems until they’re corrected.

A sewer inspection can also reveal whether the line has been patched or relined. Trenchless repair methods like cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) are common today, but if not installed correctly, the lining may blister or separate.

Inspectors often find failed repairs in about 1 in 10 homes with patched systems. This allows buyers or homeowners to budget for eventual replacement instead of being blindsided.

Snakes, frogs, and rodents occasionally show up on the inspection camera. While rare, it’s not unheard of—especially in rural areas.

Example: A plumber in Florida documented a 3-foot black snake discovered in a sewer line during a camera inspection. While harmless, the snake had startled the homeowner with noises in the pipes for weeks.

Inspections sometimes uncover lost valuables. Rings, necklaces, keys, and toys have all been retrieved from sewer lines.

Real case: In 2022, a homeowner in California used a sewer camera to recover a diamond engagement ring that had fallen into his sink after an inspection of the camera revealed it was snagged on a fitting just 12 feet from the sink.

It’s not unusual for inspectors to find unexpected objects in sewer lines:

• Construction debris like bricks, cement, or wood (especially after renovations)
• Plastic bottles and trash washed in from storm drains
• Rags, clothing, or even tools accidentally flushed or dropped

These discoveries often explain recurring clogs that otherwise seem mysterious.

Finally, inspections can uncover conditions that threaten health. Leaking sewage contaminates soil and groundwater, while backups inside the home can spread dangerous bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. The CDC notes that even brief exposure to raw sewage can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, or respiratory problems.

Early inspections reduce the risk of families being exposed to these hazards.