What a Video Camera Inspection Reveals About Your Pipes

Your pipes tell a story—but you can't read it without looking inside. A video camera pipe inspection uses advanced fiber-optic technology to reveal the hidden condition of your plumbing system, giving you and your plumber the information needed to make smart repair decisions.

How Video Camera Technology Works

Modern plumbing cameras are engineering marvels designed for harsh conditions:

• Waterproof housing protects the camera in standing water and sewage
• Flexible cable navigates bends and turns in your pipes
• LED lighting illuminates pitch-dark pipe interiors
• Self-leveling head keeps the image upright regardless of orientation
• Location transmitter pinpoints the camera's exact position underground

The camera transmits high-definition footage to a monitor, where your plumber can examine every inch of your pipes in real-time.

Common Problems Video Inspections Detect

1. Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are the number one enemy of South Florida sewer lines. They enter through tiny cracks and joints, then grow rapidly in the nutrient-rich environment inside your pipes.

What it looks like on camera: Hair-like fibers entering at pipe joints, progressing to thick root masses that block flow.

Solution: Minor root intrusion may respond to hydro jetting. Severe cases require pipe repair or replacement.

2. Pipe Corrosion and Deterioration

Cast iron pipes installed before 1980 are particularly vulnerable to corrosion in Miami's humid climate. Galvanized steel pipes fare even worse.

What it looks like on camera: Rough, flaky interior surfaces, orange/brown discoloration, and reduced pipe diameter from scale buildup.

Solution: If corrosion is widespread, cast iron pipe replacement or complete repiping may be necessary.

3. Cracks and Fractures

Ground movement, settling, and age can cause pipes to crack. Even small cracks create problems by allowing root intrusion and groundwater infiltration.

What it looks like on camera: Visible lines or breaks in the pipe wall, sometimes with light showing through from outside.

Solution: Localized cracks may be repaired with trenchless methods. Multiple cracks indicate the need for pipe replacement.

4. Bellied or Sagging Pipes

When soil settles unevenly or pipes aren't properly supported, sections can sag and create low spots where waste and debris accumulate.

What it looks like on camera: Visible dip in the pipe where water and debris collect; the camera may pass through standing water.

Solution: Bellied sections typically require excavation and replacement of the affected segment.

5. Joint Separation

Over time, the connections between pipe sections can fail, creating gaps where roots enter and waste escapes.

What it looks like on camera: Visible gap between pipe sections, misalignment, or offset joints.

Solution: Depending on severity, options range from trenchless relining to traditional excavation and repair.

6. Grease and Debris Buildup

Kitchen grease, soap scum, and other materials coat pipe walls over time, gradually reducing flow capacity.

What it looks like on camera: Thick coating on pipe walls, narrowed pipe diameter, visible grease deposits.

Solution: Professional drain cleaning or hydro jetting to restore full flow.

What Condition Are Your Pipes Really In?

A video inspection provides a condition rating that helps prioritize repairs:

Rating	Condition	Action Needed
Excellent	Clean interior, no visible damage	Routine maintenance only
Good	Minor buildup, no structural issues	Schedule cleaning
Fair	Moderate buildup or minor cracks	Plan repairs within 1-2 years
Poor	Significant damage or corrosion	Repair soon to prevent failure
Critical	Severe damage, active problems	Immediate repair required

The Inspection Process Step by Step

Before the Inspection

• Locate and clear access to cleanouts
• Avoid heavy water use for 1-2 hours before
• Note any specific problem areas to investigate

During the Inspection

1. Access - The camera enters through a cleanout or removed toilet
2. Systematic review - Every section is examined methodically
3. Documentation - Problem areas are recorded with location data
4. Discussion - Your plumber explains findings in real-time

After the Inspection

You'll receive:

• Video recording of the inspection
• Written report of findings
• Recommendations for any needed repairs
• Cost estimates for recommended work

Why Miami Homes Need Regular Inspections

South Florida presents unique challenges for plumbing systems:

• High water table increases groundwater pressure on pipes
• Sandy soil can shift and cause pipe movement
• Hurricane activity may disturb underground utilities
• Tropical vegetation produces aggressive root systems
• Age of housing stock means many homes have original pipes

Learn more about how Miami's climate affects sewer line performance and why proactive inspections matter.

Making Informed Decisions

A video inspection removes the guesswork from plumbing repairs. Instead of paying for exploratory digging or assuming the worst, you'll have documented evidence of exactly what's happening inside your pipes.

This information helps you:

• Budget accurately for needed repairs
• Prioritize work based on actual severity
• Avoid unnecessary repairs that won't solve the problem
• Plan ahead for eventual replacements

Schedule Your Video Inspection

Ready to see what's really happening inside your pipes? Our video camera inspection services provide the clarity you need to make confident decisions about your home's plumbing system.

Contact Hernandez Plumbing today for a comprehensive video inspection. We'll show you exactly what we find and explain your options in plain language—no pressure, just honest information.