Before and after
What the customer called about
The owner of a brand-new Tulsa home wanted the drain lines and sewer line checked with a camera "to make sure everything looks fine and there are no bellies." She'd be busy at work, so she asked us to write it up with pictures and video and email it.
What our plumber found
Casey and Jared started at the backyard cleanout and ran the camera toward the city. A few feet past the cleanout they found a spot where the sewer line has a separation, and marked it with a pink flag. Then they ran the camera through the side cleanout into the house and found a belly running under the dining room, which they marked on the floor with blue tape. They ran the rest of the line out to the backyard cleanout and found no other bellies.
The tech's summary in the job record: "We did find a belly running through the dining room. We also found a spot in the backyard where the sewer line is disconnected or broken."
How we fixed it
We also performed a hydrostatic test: we plugged the cleanout, filled the drain lines and watched the water level from the floor drain for 15 minutes. The water held and did not drop, so the test passed.
Pictures and video went to the homeowner, with our recommendation to dig up the separated spot in the yard and repair it properly. A belly matters because it's a low spot where water and waste sit instead of flowing out, and that's what causes repeat clogs.
Why camera a new home?
New construction doesn't mean the sewer line is perfect. Ground settles, and a joint can pull apart. A camera shows you exactly where a problem is, and the marks on the ground and floor show you where it is before anyone talks about repairs. We camera and mark first, and we never guess at a dig.
What this means for your home
- Buying new or recently built? A camera inspection is a small cost next to finding a belly after the warranty period.
- If drains and a toilet back up together, it's the sewer line.
- A camera inspection by itself starts at $350; drain cleaning plus a camera starts at $420.
More on drain cleaning and sewer repair.
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Straight Answers
Should I camera the sewer line on a new home?
It can be worth it. On this brand-new Tulsa home the camera found a belly under the dining room and a separation in the yard line.
What is a belly in a sewer line?
A belly is a low spot where the pipe sags, so water and waste can sit in the line instead of flowing out.
What is a hydrostatic test?
We plug the cleanout, fill the drain lines with water and watch the level for 15 minutes. If the water doesn't drop, the test passes.
Do I get pictures?
Yes. This homeowner got photos and video by email.
How much is a sewer camera inspection?
A camera inspection by itself starts at $350; drain cleaning plus a camera starts at $420.
