A sewer inspection video can run several minutes of murky pipe. The plumber knows what they saw, but a week later you may not. Filling in this worksheet while the plumber is still there, or while watching the video afterward, captures what matters.
Most cameras show a running distance counter on screen. Use that number for every note so anyone reviewing the video later can jump to the same spot.
Header details
- Date of inspection
- __________
- Access point used
- Cleanout / toilet / roof vent: __________
- Direction filmed
- Toward street / toward house
- Total distance reached
- ______ ft
- Reached city connection?
- Yes / No, stopped because: __________
Defect log
| Distance (ft) | Defect type | Pipe material | Approx. depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ____ | e.g. roots at joint | e.g. clay | ____ | |
| ____ | e.g. standing water | ____ | starts at __, ends at __ | |
| ____ | ____ | |||
| ____ | ____ |
Defect names to choose from
- Roots (light / heavy)
- Fine hairs at a joint versus a mat that narrows the pipe.
- Crack
- A visible split, around or along the pipe.
- Offset
- A joint where one section no longer lines up with the next.
- Sag / belly
- Standing water over a stretch of pipe.
- Scale
- Rough rust buildup inside cast iron.
- Break or hole
- Missing pipe wall with soil visible.
Before the plumber leaves
- I have the video file or a link to it
- The surface is marked over the main defects
- I know which defects the plumber thinks caused the backup
- I wrote down each repair option mentioned
- I asked which option the plumber recommends and why
Common questions
What if the video has no distance counter?
Ask the plumber to note distances verbally or in writing while filming, and add them to the sheet.
Can I fill this in myself from the video?
Yes, for the facts you can see. Leave the interpretation of defects to a licensed plumber.
How long should I keep the footage?
As long as you own the house. It becomes a baseline for future inspections and is useful when selling.
General information for Placentia, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.