Why a Sewer Camera Inspection Can Save You Thousands
When your drains slow down or your sewer line backs up, it's natural to want the problem fixed as quickly as possible. But before choosing a solution, it's important to answer one simple question:
What's actually causing the problem?
A sewer camera inspection allows plumbers to look inside your sewer line using a specialized waterproof camera. Instead of relying on guesswork, you can see exactly what's happening inside your pipes and make informed decisions about the best solution.
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we believe diagnosing the problem is the first step toward fixing it correctly.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection uses a high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable that's carefully guided through your sewer line.
The live video allows us to inspect the inside of your pipes and identify issues that can't be seen from above ground.
A camera inspection can reveal:
- Tree root intrusion
- Cracked or broken pipes
- Offset pipe joints
- Bellies (low spots) in the sewer line
- Grease and sludge buildup
- Mineral deposits
- Foreign objects
- Collapsed sewer pipes
- Aging clay or Orangeburg pipe
Rather than guessing, we can show you exactly what we find.
Why Guessing Can Cost You More
Without knowing what's causing the blockage, it's easy to spend money on the wrong solution.
For example:
A drain cleaning may restore flow, but if tree roots have entered the pipe, the problem will likely return.
Hydro jetting can remove years of buildup, but it won't repair a broken or collapsed sewer line.
Repeatedly clearing the same clog without identifying the cause can lead to ongoing service calls and higher costs over time.
Finding the cause first often saves both time and money.
When a Camera Inspection Is Especially Helpful
A sewer camera inspection is often recommended when:
You have recurring drain backups.
Multiple drains are slow at the same time.
Your basement floor drain backs up.
You hear frequent gurgling from toilets or drains.
You're considering hydro jetting.
You're purchasing an older home.
You've experienced tree root problems before.
You want to confirm the condition of your sewer line before investing in repairs.
A Camera Inspection Helps You Choose the Right Solution
Every sewer problem is different.
A camera inspection helps determine whether your home needs:
- Drain snaking
- Hydro jetting
- Spot repair
- Complete sewer replacement
- Or simply routine maintenance
Instead of recommending the same service for every customer, we tailor our recommendations to what your plumbing system actually needs.
Common Sewer Problems We Find
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots naturally seek moisture and can enter small cracks or joints in underground sewer pipes. Left untreated, they can grow larger over time and create recurring blockages.
Pipe Bellies
A belly occurs when part of the sewer line settles, creating a low spot where water and debris collect. This can cause recurring backups even after the line has been cleaned.
Broken or Collapsed Pipes
Older sewer lines can crack, separate, or collapse due to age, shifting soil, or root pressure. These issues usually require repair or replacement rather than repeated drain cleaning.
Grease and Debris Buildup
Kitchen grease, soap residue, and other debris can gradually narrow the inside of the pipe. In many cases, hydro jetting is an effective way to remove this buildup and restore proper flow.
Peace of Mind Before You Spend Money
One of the biggest benefits of a sewer camera inspection is confidence.
Instead of wondering whether you actually need a repair, you'll have visual evidence showing the condition of your sewer line.
That allows you to make informed decisions based on facts—not assumptions.
Our Approach
At Beebe Drain & Sewer Co., we don't believe in recommending expensive services without understanding the problem first.
Sometimes a simple drain cleaning solves the issue.
Sometimes hydro jetting is the best solution.
Sometimes a camera inspection reveals that the sewer line is damaged and should be repaired or replaced.
Our goal is always the same:
Identify the cause. Explain your options. Recommend the right solution.
Protect Your Home Before a Small Problem Becomes a Major Repair
Many sewer problems develop gradually over time. Catching them early can help prevent costly water damage, emergency repairs, and repeated service calls.
If you're experiencing recurring drain issues or simply want to know the condition of your sewer line, a professional sewer camera inspection can provide the answers you need.
Trust Beebe Drain & Sewer Co.
Beebe Drain & Sewer Co. proudly serves homeowners throughout the Des Moines metro with honest recommendations, professional sewer camera inspections, and long-term plumbing solutions.
Whether you need a camera inspection, drain cleaning, hydro jetting, sewer repair, or sewer replacement, we'll help you understand what's happening underground so you can make the best decision for your home.
Because the best plumbing solutions begin with the right diagnosis.
Beebe Drain & Sewer Co. proudly serves homeowners in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Grimes, Johnston, Clive, Waukee, Ankeny, Altoona, Pleasant Hill, Norwalk, Indianola, Ames, and surrounding Central Iowa communities.
