A CCTV drain inspection is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools available to modern plumbers. By inserting a small waterproof camera into your drainage system, a plumber can see exactly what is happening inside your pipes without digging up your yard, pulling up floors, or guessing at the problem. For Rockingham homeowners dealing with recurring drain issues, buying a property, or planning renovations, a CCTV drain inspection can save thousands of dollars by identifying problems before they become emergencies.
How CCTV Drain Inspections Work
A CCTV drain inspection uses a specially designed camera mounted on a flexible cable or self-propelled crawler that is fed into the drain from an access point such as a cleanout, gully trap, or inspection opening. The camera transmits real-time video to a monitor that the plumber watches during the inspection.
The camera is equipped with powerful LED lights that illuminate the interior of the pipe, providing a clear view of the pipe walls, joints, and any obstructions. Modern drain cameras can navigate bends and junctions, and many are equipped with a locator sonde that allows the plumber to mark the exact position and depth of any problems on the surface above.
As the camera moves through the pipe, the plumber can identify the location, nature, and severity of any issues. The entire inspection is recorded, and you receive a copy of the footage along with a written report detailing the findings and recommendations.
The process is non-invasive, meaning no excavation or disruption is required for the inspection itself. A standard residential drain inspection in Rockingham typically takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the property and the extent of the drainage network.
What Can a Drain Camera Detect?
A CCTV drain inspection can identify a wide range of problems that would otherwise be invisible without excavation.
Tree root intrusion. The camera clearly shows roots that have entered the pipe through cracks or joints. The plumber can see the extent of the root growth and determine whether the roots can be cut away or whether the pipe section needs replacement.
Cracked, broken, or collapsed pipes. Structural damage to pipes is immediately visible on camera. Cracks that allow infiltration, fractures from ground movement, and sections that have partially or fully collapsed can all be identified and precisely located.
Joint displacement. Over time, pipe joints can separate due to ground movement, settlement, or deterioration of the jointing compound. Displaced joints create ledges inside the pipe that catch debris and allow root entry. The camera shows exactly which joints are affected and how severe the displacement is.
Blockages and buildup. The camera reveals the nature of any blockage, whether it is grease, scale, foreign objects, or a combination. This information helps the plumber choose the most effective clearing method, whether that is high-pressure jetting, mechanical cutting, or manual removal.
Pipe material and condition. The camera shows the type of pipe material, which is important when planning repairs or assessing remaining lifespan. Older clay and earthenware pipes in Rockingham properties built before the 1980s are often in surprisingly poor condition, and a camera inspection can quantify the extent of deterioration.
Incorrect falls or bellies. A properly installed drain pipe has a consistent downward slope, known as the fall, that allows gravity to carry wastewater to the sewer. If a section of pipe has sagged or settled, creating a low point or belly, water and debris collect there and cause recurring blockages. The camera can identify these problem areas.
Cross-connections and illegal plumbing. Occasionally, drain inspections reveal plumbing work that does not comply with regulations, such as stormwater pipes connected to the sewer system or vice versa. Identifying these issues is important for both compliance and functionality.
When Should You Book a CCTV Drain Inspection?
There are several situations where a CCTV drain inspection is highly recommended.
Recurring blocked drains. If the same drain blocks repeatedly despite being cleared each time, there is an underlying structural or root intrusion issue that surface-level clearing cannot solve. A camera inspection reveals the root cause so a permanent solution can be implemented.
Before buying a property. A pre-purchase drain inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make when buying a home in Rockingham. Standard building inspections do not include the underground drainage system, yet a damaged sewer line can cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more to repair. Spending $200 to $400 on a drain camera inspection before settlement can reveal problems that give you negotiating power or help you avoid a costly purchase altogether.
After purchasing an older property. If you have recently bought a Rockingham home built before the 1990s and did not get a pre-purchase drain inspection, it is worth booking one to establish a baseline understanding of your drainage system’s condition. This is especially important if the property has mature trees near the drain lines.
Before renovations or extensions. If you are planning a bathroom renovation, kitchen extension, or any building work that connects to the existing drainage system, a CCTV inspection ensures the existing drains are in good condition and capable of handling the additional load. Discovering a damaged sewer line during a renovation is far more disruptive and expensive than finding it beforehand.
After severe storms or ground movement. Significant weather events or noticeable ground settlement can damage underground pipes. If you notice new drainage issues after a major storm or see signs of ground movement around your property, an inspection can check for damage.
As part of regular maintenance. For properties with known risk factors such as mature trees near drain lines, older pipe materials, or a history of drainage problems, a camera inspection every three to five years is a worthwhile preventive measure.
How Much Does a CCTV Drain Inspection Cost in Rockingham?
The cost of a CCTV drain inspection in Rockingham varies depending on the scope of the inspection and the size of the property.
A basic inspection of the main sewer line from the house to the boundary typically costs between $200 and $350. A comprehensive inspection of the entire drainage network, including branch lines from individual fixtures, ranges from $350 to $600.
Pre-purchase inspections with a detailed written report and recorded footage are generally at the higher end of the range, as they require more thorough documentation for your records and potential use in purchase negotiations.
When combined with drain clearing work, many plumbers offer a reduced rate on the CCTV inspection since the camera is being deployed as part of the clearing process anyway. If you are already calling a plumber for a blocked drain, asking them to run the camera as part of the job is often the most cost-effective way to get an inspection done.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Once the inspection is complete, the plumber will discuss the findings with you and provide a written report. If problems are found, the report will include recommendations for repair or remediation, along with approximate costs.
For minor issues like small root intrusions at joints, the plumber may recommend periodic mechanical or hydro-jet root cutting to keep the drain clear. This is a maintenance approach that manages the problem without the expense of excavation.
For more serious structural issues like cracked pipes, collapsed sections, or significant joint displacement, the plumber will recommend repair options. These may include traditional excavation and pipe replacement, or in some cases, trenchless pipe relining, where a new pipe lining is installed inside the existing pipe without digging.
The recorded footage becomes your property and serves as a useful reference for future comparisons, insurance claims, or property sale documentation.
Get Your Drains Inspected
Whether you are dealing with recurring blockages, buying a property, or simply want peace of mind about the condition of your drainage system, a CCTV drain inspection is a fast, non-invasive, and cost-effective way to get answers.
Plumber Rockingham provides professional CCTV drain inspections using the latest camera technology across Rockingham, Baldivis, Port Kennedy, Secret Harbour, Warnbro, and all surrounding suburbs. We provide detailed reports with recorded footage and clear recommendations so you can make informed decisions about your drainage system. Contact us today to book an inspection.
