Underground Heroes: Why Regular Sewer Line Camera Inspections Are a Game Changer

Beneath your home or building lies an intricate system of pipes that rarely get any attention, until there is a problem. Sewer lines are not glamorous, but they are essential to the daily function of your plumbing. And when something goes wrong, the consequences can be messy, expensive, and highly disruptive.

At Jurassic Mechanical Plumbing & Heating Ltd., owned and operated by Mike Deters and Shawn Reid, we understand that the best plumbing work often happens behind the scenes, or more accurately, underground. With years of combined experience and a shared drive to raise the standard of mechanical trades, Mike and Shawn built a company that brings precision, professionalism, and peace of mind to every job. One of the most powerful tools in our toolbox is something many homeowners and property managers have never seen: the sewer line camera inspection.

This small but mighty piece of technology is transforming how we diagnose problems, prevent disasters, and save clients thousands of dollars. If you have not scheduled a sewer line inspection recently or ever, this blog will show you why it should be part of your routine property maintenance.

What Is a Sewer Line Camera Inspection?

A sewer line camera inspection involves inserting a high-definition waterproof camera into your main sewer line. The camera is attached to a flexible rod that snakes through your pipes, sending back a live video feed to the technician above ground.

This allows plumbing professionals to visually inspect the entire length of your sewer system in real time, without having to dig a single inch of soil.

What Can the Camera See?

You might be surprised just how much we can uncover with a sewer inspection camera. This technology allows us to detect:

• Cracks or fractures in the pipe

• Tree root intrusions

• Pipe misalignments or collapses

• Blockages or buildup

• Corrosion or scaling

• Grease clogs

• Foreign objects

• Deterioration of older materials

Whether your system is made of PVC, cast iron, or clay, the camera can move through it all with ease, capturing clear footage along the way.

Why It Matters More Than You Think

Most people wait until there is a problem, like a backup, slow drain, or foul odor, before calling in a plumber. But at that point, the damage may already be done.

Sewer line repairs often require excavation, which means breaking up concrete, digging trenches, and potentially disrupting landscaping, flooring, or driveways. This can quickly turn into a major project costing thousands of dollars.

Regular sewer camera inspections help identify problems early. That means simpler repairs, lower costs, and fewer surprises.

The Top Benefits of Sewer Line Camera Inspections

Let’s break down exactly why these inspections are a game changer:

1. Early Detection Saves You Money

Finding a hairline crack before it becomes a full collapse can make the difference between a quick fix and a major excavation. The earlier you catch the issue, the less invasive and expensive the repair will be.

2. Targeted Repairs with No Guesswork

Without a camera, plumbers often have to rely on assumptions or exploratory digging. With a camera, we can pinpoint the exact location of the problem. That means no unnecessary cutting, no guesswork, and no inflated costs.

3. Pre-Purchase Peace of Mind

Buying a home or commercial property? A sewer line inspection should be part of your due diligence. It can reveal hidden issues the seller may not even be aware of, and help you avoid inheriting a costly problem.

4. Verifies the Health of Older Systems

If your property was built before the 1980s, there is a good chance your sewer system is aging or made from materials like clay or cast iron that are prone to deterioration. Regular inspections give you visibility into the system’s current state.

5. Perfect for Post-Repair Confirmation

After a major repair or pipe cleaning, a sewer camera inspection confirms the job was done right. We provide before and after footage to ensure the system is flowing properly and structurally sound.

A Professional Chart That Speaks for Itself

Issue	Detected with Camera?	Cost if Caught Early	Cost if Left Untreated
Tree Root Intrusion	Yes	Moderate	Very High (full excavation)
Grease Buildup	Yes	Low	Moderate (clogs/backups)
Cracked Pipe	Yes	Low to Moderate	High (possible collapse)
Foreign Object (toys, wipes)	Yes	Low	Moderate to High
Misaligned or Sagging Pipe	Yes	Moderate	High (recurrent backups)

This chart illustrates how preventive inspection is not just about convenience. It is about protecting your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Real-Life Example: A Costly Miss Turned Into a Simple Fix

Recently, one of our commercial clients in Edmonton called us due to a recurring odor in their lower-level washrooms. They had previously paid for drain cleaning from another company, but the issue returned within weeks.

We conducted a sewer line camera inspection and discovered a minor pipe shift where tree roots had started to enter the system. The shift was only a few centimeters, but it was enough to trap waste and cause repeated blockages.

Because we caught it early, we were able to clear the roots and install a pipe liner without any digging. The entire job was completed in one day, with minimal disruption. Without the camera, the problem would have gone unnoticed until the pipe failed entirely, resulting in a multi-day excavation and an expense five times higher.

Who Should Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection?

You might be thinking, “I don’t have any plumbing problems right now.” That is great, but sewer issues rarely start with warning signs.

We recommend camera inspections for:

• Homeowners in older neighborhoods

• Properties with mature trees

• Anyone buying or selling real estate

• Businesses or rental properties with high usage

• Homes with recurring clogs or slow drains

• After major renovations or plumbing upgrades

To learn more on this subject and join conversation, view this link: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-purpose-of-a-sewer-camera-inspection.

The Jurassic Mechanical Difference

Mike Deters and Shawn Reid built Jurassic Mechanical on trust, teamwork, and a shared commitment to doing things right. Our sewer inspections are never about upselling or pressure. They are about giving you accurate information so you can make smart decisions for your home or business.

We use state-of-the-art camera equipment, offer full video documentation, and explain everything in plain language. Our clients appreciate our honesty, our craftsmanship, and our follow-through.

We believe in being your long-term plumbing partner, not just the company you call in a crisis.

Let’s Take a Look Beneath the Surface

If you have never had a sewer line camera inspection, there is no better time than now. Whether you are planning a renovation, selling your home, or just want peace of mind, this simple service could save you thousands.

To book your sewer camera inspection with Jurassic Mechanical, contact us today:

Phone: 587 453 1019

Email: info@jurassicmechanical.com

Let us show you what lies beneath, before it becomes a bigger problem. Your pipes may be underground, but their impact is felt every day.