Signs You Need a Video Pipe Inspection Before Starting Repairs

A video pipe inspection is one of the most valuable tools available when diagnosing issues in underground sewer, drainage, and utility systems. Whether you’re dealing with chronic backups, planning a major excavation, or preparing to invest in property upgrades, a proper inspection can help you understand exactly what’s happening below the surface before committing to costly repairs.

Jumping into repairs without full visibility can lead to expensive setbacks, misdiagnoses, and even damage to otherwise functional infrastructure. Below, we outline the most common signs that indicate it’s time to schedule a video pipe inspection before moving forward with any repair work.

1. Recurring Backups or Persistent Slow Drainage

If you’ve had a plumber out more than once for the same clogged drain, or if multiple drains are running slowly at once, there may be a deeper issue in your pipeline. Chemical cleaners or snaking might provide temporary relief, but they won’t address the root cause if it lies deeper in the system.

A video pipe inspection offers a real-time, inside view of the pipe’s condition, revealing whether you’re dealing with heavy buildup, tree root intrusion, sagging lines, or a blockage that needs more than a quick fix.

2. Wet Spots, Pooling Water, or Sinkholes on Your Property

Unusual wet areas, sunken patches in your yard, or puddles that never seem to dry can be signs of a leaking or damaged underground pipe. These symptoms often appear when wastewater escapes from a cracked or collapsed pipe and saturates the surrounding soil.

A video pipe inspection can help confirm whether a pipe has been compromised and where the damage is located, so crews can excavate only the necessary area, saving time, money, and unnecessary disruption.

3. Construction or Excavation Is on the Horizon

Before you break ground on a new building, parking lot, or utility line, it’s critical to know the condition and location of your existing underground infrastructure. Video pipe inspection provides precise footage and mapping of your pipe system, helping you avoid accidental damage during excavation.

For property owners and contractors alike, this step is crucial for protecting existing assets and ensuring compliance with local building codes.

4. You’re Buying or Selling a Commercial Property

A building’s plumbing system is often out of sight, out of mind until a major problem surfaces. Before investing in or selling a property, a video pipe inspection can confirm the condition of sewer and drainage systems, helping to avoid unpleasant surprises.

This kind of documentation gives buyers peace of mind and offers sellers a chance to fix issues or price the property accurately.

5. Large Trees Are Growing Near Sewer Lines

Tree roots are powerful, and they’ll go wherever moisture is, including into the tiny cracks or joints in sewer lines. Over time, this intrusion can cause blockages or structural damage to your pipes.

If you suspect root intrusion or have trees growing close to your pipeline, a video pipe inspection can verify whether roots have entered the system and to what extent. Early detection is key to preventing more severe and expensive repairs down the line.

6. Your Property Experienced Flooding or Ground Movement

Heavy rains, floods, and construction vibrations can cause the ground to shift, potentially damaging buried pipes. Even minor movements can result in pipe misalignment or cracking, especially in older systems made from clay or cast iron.

With video pipe inspection, you can evaluate whether your system has suffered structural stress and plan repairs accordingly, before the damage escalates.

7. There’s No Accurate Record of Your Pipe Layout

It’s not uncommon for site plans or pipeline diagrams to be outdated or missing entirely on older properties, which creates uncertainty when planning repairs or renovations.

Video pipe inspection not only confirms the system’s condition but can also help map out the current configuration of your pipes. This information is valuable for contractors, engineers, and property owners trying to make informed decisions.

8. You Suspect a Major Blockage or Collapsed Pipe

If you’ve noticed unusual smells, gurgling drains, or sudden drops in water pressure, it could indicate a collapsed or severely compromised pipe. Waiting too long to investigate can lead to significant structural damage or health hazards.

A video pipe inspection is the fastest and most accurate way to diagnose the severity and location of the problem. It eliminates guesswork and enables targeted repairs that minimize disruption to your property.

9. You Want to Confirm the Success of Previous Repairs

Once repairs are completed, a follow-up video pipe inspection ensures the work was done correctly and that the pipe is functioning as intended. This final verification step can save you from repeat service calls and provide documentation that may be required for warranty or insurance purposes.

10. You’re Looking to Avoid Unnecessary Digging

Without a clear understanding of what’s happening below the surface, traditional digging methods are risky and costly. Video pipe inspection eliminates the need to excavate blindly by pinpointing the exact issue and its location.

This minimally invasive technology reduces labor costs, protects landscaping and pavement, and shortens repair timelines, all while preserving surrounding infrastructure.

Choose Superior Hydrovac for Trusted Video Pipe Inspection Services

At Superior Hydrovac, we provide professional video pipe inspection services tailored to commercial, municipal, and industrial needs. Our equipment delivers clear, real-time footage and our experienced operators know exactly what to look for, whether it’s a hidden obstruction, a cracked joint, or a section of pipe that’s on the verge of collapse.

Contact the experts at Superior Hydrovac today online or at 844-271-5944 to get started on your next project.