CCTV drain camera inspections
Guessing what's wrong with a drain is expensive. A CCTV drain inspection sends a waterproof camera through your pipes so we can see exactly what's causing a blockage or leak: tree roots, a collapsed section, a displaced joint, or a build-up of grease and debris. We can also locate the problem from the surface, so if a repair is needed we know exactly where it is and how deep it sits. That means fewer surprises, less digging and a repair that targets the real cause.
What a camera inspection can show
Tree root intrusion
Roots entering through joints and cracks, and how far they've grown into the pipe.
Cracks and breaks
Fractured or collapsed sections of pipe, common in older clay and earthenware lines.
Displaced joints
Pipe sections that have shifted out of line, catching waste and causing repeat blockages.
Build-up and foreign objects
Grease, wipes, sediment and objects that shouldn't be there.
Pipe location and depth
Tracing where your drain runs so you know what's under your garden, driveway or building.
When a CCTV inspection makes sense
We recommend a camera inspection in these situations.
- Your drain keeps blocking. If the same drain blocks again and again, there's an underlying cause a camera will find.
- Before pipe relining. We need to see the pipe's condition to know whether it's suitable for relining.
- You're buying an older property. A pre-purchase drain inspection can reveal problems before you commit.
- Before landscaping or building. Knowing where pipes run helps avoid damage when you plant trees or build an extension.
- After clearing a blockage. A quick look after jetting confirms the drain is clear and shows any damage.
- Signs of a broken pipe. Sinking ground, soggy patches or sewer smells in the yard.
How an inspection works
- Access the drain. We find a suitable access point, usually an inspection opening or gully in the yard.
- Run the camera. The camera head travels along the pipe while we watch the live picture on a screen.
- Locate problems. A locator tracks the camera from above, so we can mark where issues are and how deep.
- Explain the findings. We show you what we found and talk through the options, from clearing to repair or relining.
If the camera shows roots or blockages, we can usually clear them with high-pressure jetting and root cutting. If the pipe is cracked or damaged, pipe relining can often fix it without digging up the yard. For a deeper look at drain problems in the area, read our Maroubra blocked drains guide.
Why Eastern Suburbs locals call us
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
- Free quotes, and a clear price before any work starts
- We use the camera findings to recommend the right fix, not the most expensive one.
Common questions
Do you need to dig to do a camera inspection?
No. The camera goes in through existing access points such as inspection openings or gullies.
Will I get to see the footage?
Yes, we show you what the camera finds while we're on site and explain it in plain English.
Can a camera find where my pipe is leaking?
It can show cracks, breaks and displaced joints in drain pipes. For leaks in pressurised water pipes, we use different methods.
Is the problem mine or Sydney Water's?
A camera shows exactly where along the line the problem sits, which helps answer that question. As a rule, private pipework is the owner's, while Sydney Water looks after its main and the junction.
We carry out drain camera inspections in Randwick, Maroubra and Pagewood.