There’s nothing quite as frustrating as standing in your bathroom or backyard, nose wrinkled, wondering where that unpleasant smell is coming from. Maybe the sink is draining slowly, or the toilet gurgles every time you flush.
You suspect a blockage, but where, and how bad? The worst part? You can’t see the problem, and guessing means time, money, and often a whole lot of unnecessary digging.
Blocked drains are a common headache for homeowners. But pinpointing the exact cause used to involve guesswork, trial and error, and hope for the best. Traditional methods often involved invasive work and delayed repairs.
Thankfully, those days are fading. With the rise of smart plumbing technology, CCTV drain inspections are faster and easier to find out what’s going on underground, without the mess.
Let’s explore how this tiny camera is changing the game for blocked drain detection.
What is a CCTV Drain Inspection?
A CCTV drain inspection is like giving your pipes a health check using a tiny, waterproof camera. Imagine it as a live stream inside your plumbing system where your plumber gets a clear view of what’s causing the blockage.
The setup includes a high-resolution camera attached to a long, flexible rod carefully fed into your drains or sewer lines. As it moves through the pipes, real-time footage is displayed on a monitor, allowing the plumber to spot any issues immediately.
This method is commonly used to find all sorts of underground nasties like tree roots breaking through old pipes, sections that have collapsed, greasy build-up clogging the flow, or random objects that somehow made their way down the drain.
Best of all, there’s no need to dig up your garden or pull apart concrete to locate the problem. It’s efficient, accurate, and completely non-invasive, making it a win for any property owner.
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short ?
Sometimes the old way just doesn’t cut it. Traditional blocked drain methods may still work in some cases, but they come with a fair share of problems.
1. Manual Pipe Tracing
- Involves physically tracking pipes above ground
- Prone to errors, especially in older or undocumented properties
- Slows down the detection process
2. Blind Digging or Excavation
- Requires tearing up sections of lawn, concrete, or flooring
- Creates a mess and requires restoration work afterwards
- Often unnecessary if the blockage is in a different location
3. Guess-and-Check Pressure Testing
- Uses water or air pressure to test for leaks or blocks
- Doesn’t reveal the exact location or cause
- Can lead to misdiagnosis and further delays
5. Increased Time and Labour Costs
- More workers and longer hours mean higher costs
- Repeated visits may be needed
- Often leads to more disruption for homeowners and businesses
How CCTV Technology Pinpoints Blockages with Accuracy
CCTV technology takes the guesswork out of drain inspections. It gives plumbers a clear, instant view of what’s happening below the surface, making it easier to act fast and fix the issue properly.
1. High-Definition Video Feed
- Shows the inside of the pipe in real-time
- Reveals cracks, build-up, and other signs of damage
- Helps identify the condition of old or worn pipes
2. Pause, Record and Replay Footage
- Plumbers can stop and assess suspicious areas
- Footage can be reviewed or shared with homeowners
- Helps with planning repairs more accurately
3. On-Screen Distance Tracking
- Measures how far the camera has travelled
- Pinpoints the location of blockages (e.g., 3.5 metres in)
- Avoids unnecessary digging or pipe removal
4. Identification of Specific Blockages
- Detects tree roots breaking through pipe joints
- Spots fatbergs, and grease build-up in kitchen lines
Highlights cracked sections or areas with soap scum and debris
With this level of detail, plumbers can quickly decide on the right fix, clearing the line, repairing a crack, or replacing a section. It reduces time, saves hassle, and gets things flowing again with less disruption.
The Speed Advantage: Time Saved Equals Cost Saved
CCTV drain inspections save time from the moment the camera goes in. There’s no need for repeated site visits or trial-and-error digging. Plumbers can see the issue straight away, which means they’re not wasting time guessing or going back and forth trying different fixes. Once the problem is identified, the repair can begin almost immediately.
Because the diagnosis is fast and accurate, plumbers arrive ready with the right tools and parts. They know what they’re dealing with before hands-on work begins, shortening the overall repair time. This matters when every hour counts, especially in busy households or commercial settings.
Less time spent investigating also means less disruption. Homeowners aren’t left waiting days for answers, and businesses that depend on working plumbing, like cafes, gyms, or childcare centres, can avoid costly downtime.
Fast inspections mean faster solutions, which ultimately leads to lower repair bills and fewer headaches all around.
Real-World Scenarios Where CCTV Inspections Save the Day
CCTV inspections aren’t just smart—they’ve solved real problems for real people. Here are a few examples of how they’ve made a difference.
Backyard Blockages in the Suburbs
A family dealing with frequent drain issues finally called in a CCTV inspection. The footage showed that a section of pipe had been squashed due to shifting soil. With the problem clearly identified, repairs were quick and targeted, saving them from months of frustration.
Kitchen Trouble in a Busy Restaurant
A local restaurant began noticing slow drainage in the kitchen during peak hours. A quick camera inspection found thick grease build-up in the waste line. With the blockage located and cleared fast, the business stayed open without missing a beat.
Tree Roots in a Heritage Property
The owners arranged a routine check in an older home before a renovation. The inspection found tree roots breaking into the clay pipes. The issue was fixed early, avoiding a full pipe collapse and expensive structural repairs.
CCTV Inspections and Preventative Plumbing
CTV drain inspections aren’t just for when things go wrong; they’re a smart way to avoid future issues. With a camera inside your pipes, plumbers can spot early warning signs before they turn into costly repairs. This proactive approach can save time, stress, and money in the long run.
- Older homes and buildings surrounded by large trees benefit from regular inspections, as roots often invade ageing pipe systems
- Early signs of cracks, corrosion, or sagging pipes can be picked up before they lead to serious blockages or collapses
- Small build-ups of grease or debris can be cleared before they grow into stubborn clogs
- Property managers use CCTV reports to maintain plumbing systems and plan future works
- Real estate agents and buyers rely on camera inspections to assess the condition of underground plumbing during transactions
Using CCTV as part of regular maintenance keeps things running smoothly and avoids nasty surprises later on.
What to Expect During a CCTV Drain Inspection
A CCTV drain inspection is a fast and easy process designed to give clear answers without any disruption. It’s a straightforward way to check what’s happening inside your pipes without turning your yard into a construction site.
- Most inspections take less than an hour, depending on access and pipe length
- No mess or digging is required—everything is done through existing drain openings
- A waterproof camera is fed into the pipe and sends back a live video feed
- You can view the footage in real time or receive a full report or recording afterwards
- The plumber can explain what’s shown and advise on next steps straight away
- It’s far more cost-effective than exploratory digging, which can involve extra labour and repair work
- Ideal for both urgent problems and routine checks
This method gives you clear, fast results with minimal fuss. It’s low-risk and straightforward, and it helps you make informed decisions about your plumbing without second-guessing.
When Should You Consider a Drain Camera Inspection?
There are clear signs that your drains might need a closer look. If you’ve noticed any of the issues below, before things get out of hand.
- Drains that are constantly blocked or draining slowly
- Gurgling noises coming from toilets, sinks or showers
- Strong, unpleasant smells near sinks or outdoor grates
- Random patches of extra green or wet grass in the yard
- Tried DIY fixes that haven’t solved the problem
Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a major plumbing job. A quick camera inspection can uncover the real cause and help you sort it out early.
Smarter Plumbing Starts with a Camera
Blocked drains don’t need to be a guessing game. With CCTV drain inspections, finding the source of a plumbing problem is faster, cleaner, and far more accurate. It’s a smarter way to handle what used to be a drawn-out and messy process.
Whether you’re dealing with recurring issues or want peace of mind before they start, this simple inspection can make all the difference. At Fixed Today, we use advanced drain camera technology to get straight to the source. Contact us today to book a CCTV inspection and let us help you get your drains flowing freely again—no digging, no delays.
