5 Reasons to Use Video to Inspect Your Clogged Sewer Pipes

February 20, 2019

Different Sizes Of Pipes — Meridian, MS — Roto-Rooter Plumbers

A working home sewer system is easy to take for granted since it seems to work magically to whisk away water and waste - until the day that it suddenly stops working. When you see bubbles rising through a toilet that won't flush or sewage backing up into the tub, you definitely need to figure out what's going on inside the pipes.

While video inspections can add to the overall cost of clog removal, they're highly recommended before you do any jetting or snaking. These five benefits emphasize the importance of video inspections.

1. Pinpoint the Problem

Large homes set back a good distance from the street can have dozens of feet of sewer main pipe stretching under the ground. Combine this with the potential for the clog to occur higher up within the home's drainpipes and pinpointing the exact problem becomes far more complicated.

Sewer and pipe inspection cameras help the plumber find and confirm the problem before starting any other work. This reduces wasted time and effort, resulting in a lower service fee in many cases.

2. Discover Other Issues

Even if the plumber knows where the clog is by how it affects the home's plumbing, this doesn't guarantee that only one clog has caused the problem. A grease and hair deposit may be a problem early on in the sewer line that only hides a further collapsed section or root intrusion.

While initial video inspection may have to stop at the first clog, the plumber can return the camera to the line after clearing each problem to check for problems further down the pipe. This ensures the plumber clears the entire length before declaring the job done.

3. Determine the Right Approach

With such a variety of clogs forming within sewer lines, guessing which unclogging process to try first might be hard. Hydro jetting that can knock fat or hair loose won't necessarily move tightly knotted roots, while even root cutters fail if the pipe has collapsed entirely.

Not all pipe-clearing methods are safe for all materials either. Clay and old cast iron pipes are particularly prone to damage from more vigorous methods. While the plumber can often make a guess to the sewer pipe material based on the age of the home, only a video inspection can verify if the guess was correct or not.

4. Get All of the Clog

The most basic approach to sewer pipe cleaning involves punching a hole through the middle of a clog so water can flow again. However, a quick approach like this won't remove the residue clinging to the sides of the pipe, resulting in further accumulating of new material so a clog eventually re-forms in the same spot.

In order to completely clean away the residue of a grease clog or the fine bits of roots left behind, you'll need a plumber who can inspect the pipes while they clean them. This ensures that the plumber will be able to thoroughly and carefully clean to avoid damage to the interior of the pipes and clear out the entire clog.

5. Make an Insurance Claim

If your home insurance coverage includes sewer line unclogging and replacement, you may need to have a video inspection to prove you really need the repairs. Even if this is not a requirement, having your plumber record a visual inspection and send you the video file for safekeeping can prevent your claim from denial.

Wondering what's happening inside your sewer pipes? Look inside by scheduling an inspection from us here at Roto-Rooter Sewer Service. If we discover signs of a problem, we'll recommend the best treatments for removing the clog and preventing future ones from forming.

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Signs You Need Sewer Line System Cleaning | Laurel, MS

June 11, 2025

If you’re a homeowner, business owner, or property manager in Jones County, sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS , should be on your radar. Your sewer line plays a critical role in keeping your plumbing running smoothly. However, many residents overlook the early signs of trouble until it’s too late and costly repairs follow. Don’t wait until raw sewage backs up into your yard or home. Instead, learn how to identify the red flags and act fast to protect your property and your wallet. Spot the Red Flags Before It’s Too Late When it comes to plumbing, early detection is your best defense. Some of the most common warning signs that you may need sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, include Slow-Draining Sinks and Tubs: If your water takes longer than usual to drain, a blockage could be forming deep in your sewer line. Foul Odors: Unpleasant smells coming from your drains may mean waste is not being carried away properly. Gurgling Toilets: Strange bubbling sounds after flushing are a sign of trapped air due to clogs or blockages. Frequent Backups: Repeated toilet or drain backups signal a serious obstruction that needs immediate attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to full pipe blockages, property damage, and even health hazards. For reliable sewer line cleaning in Laurel, MS, turn to the trusted team at Roto-Rooter Sewer and Septic Services . Why Early Detection and Cleaning Matter Waiting until your system fails can lead to expensive repairs or replacements. Sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, helps maintain the integrity of your pipes and keeps your household safe from unsanitary conditions. At Roto-Rooter, we use advanced camera inspection tools to pinpoint problems without invasive digging. This technology allows our certified technicians to see exactly where and what the problem is so they can resolve it quickly and efficiently. Roto-Rooter: Your Local Sewer Line Experts Locally trusted and backed by decades of experience, Roto-Rooter Sewer-Drain Service is your go-to for professional sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS. We’re proud to serve the Laurel community with fast, friendly service that gets the job done right the first time. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and routine maintenance, and we use the latest technology to ensure accurate, efficient solutions. Whether you're dealing with a minor clog or a major blockage, we’re equipped to handle it all with expertise and care. How Camera Inspections Make Sewer Line Cleaning Smarter Modern diagnostic tools, like sewer camera inspections, have revolutionized how professionals detect and solve plumbing issues. Instead of relying on guesswork or invasive digging, technicians can now feed a waterproof camera into the sewer line to get a real-time, high-resolution view of what's happening inside your pipes. This allows for accurate identification of clogs, cracks, tree root intrusions, or buildup, pinpointing the problem's exact location. For homeowners in Laurel, this means quicker diagnoses, less disruption, and more effective sewer line system cleaning in Laurel, MS, ensuring your plumbing system gets the precise treatment it needs. If you’re noticing any warning signs, or if it’s been a while since your last inspection, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule your cleaning. Let us help you keep things flowing smoothly and avoid costly surprises down the road!