Inspection basics
- Date
- ________________
- Entry point
- Outdoor cleanout / indoor cleanout / toilet / other: ________
- How far the camera reached
- ______ ft, stopped because ________
- Line cleared beforehand?
- Yes / No; method: ________
- Footage provided?
- Yes / No; format: ________
Defect log
| Distance | Pipe material | What was seen | Urgency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| e.g. 18 ft | Cast iron | Heavy scale | Watch | Under slab |
| e.g. 42 ft | Clay | Roots at joint | Plan repair | Near parkway tree |
Urgency levels to use
- Watch
- Not causing clogs now; recheck in future.
- Maintain
- Likely to cause clogs; scheduled clearing may manage it.
- Plan repair
- Causing or likely to cause backups; get written options.
- Urgent
- Collapse or severe break; discuss next steps immediately.
During the inspection
- Watch the screen.Ask to see the live picture, or at least the key moments.
- Ask for the counter.Note the distance for every finding.
- Ask about material changes.Transitions between cast iron, clay and plastic are worth recording.
- Locate if needed.If repair is likely, ask whether the spot can be marked on the ground.
Before the plumber leaves
- You have the footage or still images with distances
- You know which defect is causing your backups
- You know which side of the property the problem seems to be on
- Repair options, if any, are promised in writing
- You understand whether a permit would be involved (check with the city)
Common questions
Can I do the inspection myself with a borescope?
Small consumer scopes are too short and flexible for a sewer lateral. Professional push cameras are built for the job.
What if the camera could not get through?
Record the distance and reason. That stopping point is itself a finding.
How long should I keep the worksheet?
Keep it with your house records; it is useful for future repairs and if you sell.
General information for Stanton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.