Wondering when to get a sewer camera inspection? We get it. In Florida’s warm, humid climate and many older neighborhoods, sewer line issues are more common than you might think. Whether you’ve noticed slow drains, foul odors, or recurring backups, a sewer camera inspection can give you the answers you need without digging up your yard.
Aztec Plumbing & Drains offers professional plumbing camera inspections across Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and Port Charlotte. If you’re wondering when it’s the right time to schedule an inspection, this guide breaks down the signs, timing, and benefits so you can make an informed decision.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection is a non-invasive way to get a real-time view inside your home’s sewer line. A flexible cable with a high-resolution waterproof camera is inserted through a cleanout or drain opening. As the camera travels through your pipes, it transmits video to a monitor, allowing the technician to see blockages, cracks, corrosion, and other issues.
This method is fast, accurate, and doesn’t involve excavation. It is a preferred option for diagnosing sewer line problems in Florida homes.
Common Sewer Line Problems in Florida
Florida’s conditions present some unique sewer challenges. Here are a few problems we regularly see in the Fort Myers and surrounding areas:
- Tree roots in sewer line
- Cast iron pipe corrosion, especially in homes built before 1975. These pipes often corrode from the inside out, creating blockages, rough interior surfaces, and leaks that worsen over time
- Sewer backup Florida
- Shifting soil and settling foundations
- Grease and build up
- Construction debris or foreign objects
According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, aging infrastructure and high groundwater levels in many parts of the state increase the likelihood of sewer line damage. Camera inspections provide a reliable way to assess these hidden risks early.
Top Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
You don’t need to wait for a full backup to know something’s wrong. Schedule an inspection if you notice:
- Frequent or unexplained drain clogs
- Water backing up into tubs, sinks, or toilets
- Gurgling sounds from drains
- Foul odors coming from pipes or yard
- Slow drainage despite cleaning efforts
- Lush, green patches in your yard
- Unexplained foundation cracks or soil erosion
- You’re planning to buy a home with older plumbing
Best Times to Schedule an Inspection in Florida
Timing matters, especially in Florida, where rain and root growth can worsen existing problems.
Consider scheduling a sewer camera inspection:
- Before buying a home
- After a major storm
- Every few years for older homes
- If you’re remodeling
- When switching to the city sewer
Sewer systems in areas like Fort Myers and Cape Coral are especially prone to root intrusion and corrosion due to their age and environmental exposure. Scheduling inspections during the dry season can help ensure better visibility and easier access.
Benefits of a Camera Inspection
A sewer camera inspection offers real advantages over guesswork or traditional digging:
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Avoid unnecessary digging
- Save money
- Peace of mind
- Great for real estate decisions
- Ideal for cast iron pipe concerns
Why Choose Aztec Plumbing & Drains
At Aztec Plumbing & Drains, we understand that sewer issues can be stressful and expensive. That’s why we make it easy to get answers with clear, professional sewer camera inspections.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- $0 trip fee
- Trained professionals
- Honest, upfront pricing
- 5-star service with a commitment to excellence
- Local experience from best-in-class technicians
- Same day service and repair
We proudly serve homeowners throughout Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and Port Charlotte.
Don’t wait for a messy sewer backup or major repair. Schedule a sewer camera inspection with Aztec Plumbing & Drains and get a clear view of what’s happening below the surface. Our local team is ready to help, and with no trip fee, there’s no reason to delay.
We’ve seen everything from toys stuck in the line to tree roots breaking through old cast iron. We’re ready for whatever shows up in yours. Call today at (239) 932-2959 or schedule online!
Florida Sewer Camera Inspection FAQ
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most inspections take under an hour.
Is a camera inspection safe for old pipes?
Yes, it’s completely non-invasive.
What if you find a problem?
We’ll walk you through your options and pricing.
Do I need to dig up my yard for a sewer camera inspection?
Not for the inspection. Repairs, if needed, may be trenchless.
Can a sewer camera inspection find tree roots in my sewer line?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best tools for it.
Have you ever heard someone mention a sewage backup? If so, you probably wondered what it was and why it could be such a serious issue. A sewage backup is exactly what it sounds like: backing up raw sewage into your home. It's an unpleasant, dangerous situation, but how can you tell if it's happening to you? Let's look at some common signs associated with a sewage backup so you can avoid a stinky situation.
Common Signs of a Sewage Backup
Bad Smells
An unpleasant smell from your drains is one of the most common signs of a sewage backup. This odor will often be described as musty or earthy and worsen over time.
Gurgling Noises
Other signs indicating a sewage backup include gurgling noises from your pipes, multiple drains clogging simultaneously, and water backing up in multiple fixtures.
Flooding
You may also experience flooding in certain areas of your home or business due to the pressurized buildup of wastewater in your pipes.
Of course, if you have any doubts about having a sewage backup, don't hesitate to contact an experienced plumber for help.
What Causes Sewage Backups?
Sewage backups typically occur when there is too much pressure in the sewer line from your home to the city sewer system. This can happen for many reasons, including:
- Clogged pipes due to excessive debris buildup
- Tree roots
- Improper plumbing installation/repair work
- Faulty sewer lines
- Flooding
- And more
If you experience multiple sewage backups at once could indicate a more significant issue, such as a collapsed sewer line or septic tank failure.
The Dangers of Sewage Backups
Sewage backups are not only unsightly and smelly, but they can also pose serious health risks for you and your family. The contaminated water contains bacteria that can make you sick if it enters your home. Additionally, the moisture from the backup can lead to mold growth which is hazardous to your physical and mental health.
It's essential to take care of any sewage backup as soon as possible to avoid these hazards.
How to Prevent Sewage Backups
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prevent sewage backups from occurring in the first place, such as:
- Have your plumbing system regularly inspected for any signs of wear or damage.
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper down the toilet!
- Ensure all drains are clear of debris like hair and soap scum buildup.
- Don't pour grease down the drain, which will eventually lead to clogs in your pipes.
- Consider investing in a backflow prevention device or sump pump if you live in an area prone to flooding.
Related article you may find helpful: The Importance of Backflow Prevention
If you have noticed signs of sewage backup in your home or business, don't hesitate to contact our professionals at Aztec Plumbing & Drains. Don't let the problem worsen. Give us a call today! (239) 932-2959
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Picture this: Your home has a major clog. It’s causing sewage to back up into your bathroom sink and bathtub drain. The plumber arrives and asks where your sewer line cleanout is located. You don’t know. You and the plumber spend 20 minutes trying to find it.
Time is wasted while waste fills your sink basin. Gross.
Why Your Sewer Cleanout Line is Important
The sewer cleanout line gives a plumber access to the main sewer drain where blockage from tree roots occur. A plumber can run a special camera down the pipe to determine the location of the clog and how to best remove it. Hydro-jetting, which uses extreme water pressure to remove obstructions, is the likely solution.
Find Your Sewer Line Cleanout Now So You’re Prepared During an Emergency
The sewer line cleanout is a vertical pipe measuring 4 inches in diameter. The cleanout access port has a screw cap with a square knob on top. It should be sticking up from the ground several inches. You’ll likely find it on the side of your home, closest to a bathroom.
If you’ve checked the perimeter of your home and you still can’t find the cleanout, consult your property’s plot plans. These documents outline the sewer service lines and should identify the location of the cleanout.
If You Don’t Have a Sewer Line Cleanout…
If you live in an older home, there’s a chance that it doesn’t have a sewer line cleanout. The plumber has a couple of options, in this case, neither of them ideal: Remove the toilet to run the camera down the drain or access the sewer line from the vent stack in the roof.
But to clear the clog, the plumber will have to run the drain machine through the toilet pipe. This pipe is smaller than the drainpipe, so the clog will not be removed as thoroughly.
Installing a sewer line cleanout can prevent emergencies and increase your home’s resale value.
Bottom line: Your sewer line cleanout plays an important function in your plumbing’s operation by providing quick access to the main sewer line. For all of your plumbing needs, turn to the pros Aztec Plumbing & Drains. Call (239) 932-2959 to schedule your appointment.
Learn More About Sewers:
Often at Aztec Plumbing & Drains you will hear us talk about descaling sewer lines. Descaling sewer lines is the process of removing build up of scale caused by aging cast iron sewer lines. Cast iron sewer lines are typically found in houses built from the 1950s to the 1980s and can be pretty high maintenance if not taken care of properly.
Over the years flakes from the cast iron can break off into the sewer line from use. The scale (pieces that have broken off) accumulates overtime which eventually creates an obstruction in the line and catches paper products as they go by. The more paper products it catches, the bigger chance for blockage. For older homes, descaling should be a priority to help prevent blockages in your home and prevent homeowners from having to replace the whole line.
When homeowners contact a typical plumbing service about a block in their sewer line the usual response for most plumbers is to use a snake to clear the line. This only solves a temporary problem and can cause for scale to build up again. To properly clear the lines completely they need to be descaled. Descaling is the process of taking water under pressure to remove debris. Our drain clearing experts would be able to detect this issue and get the job done from A to Z.
Here at Aztec Plumbing & Drains, our Drain Clearing Experts are trained specifically for jobs like descaling. When it comes to scaling, the descaling process is the best option for any homeowner. Descaling is a large project, this cast iron scale was removed during a six hour descaling process. The cast iron lines are now clean and the customer avoided the expense of replacing the line thanks to our drain clearing experts. Whenever Aztec has a job to do, we make sure we do it thoroughly no matter how long it takes. Aztec Plumbing & Drains has got you covered from A to Z!
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