Licensed Local Drain Experts with 20+ Years of Experience
Your home’s main sewer and drain pipes are hidden beneath basement floors and buried underground. Because these pipes are out of sight, it’s easy to overlook them—until a problem arises. Homeowners often assume that sewage backing up through a basement floor drain signals an issue with the floor drain itself. In reality, the floor drain is simply the lowest point of the drainage system where wastewater emerges when there’s a blockage in the main drain.
The only reliable way to diagnose the problem with underground pipes is by using advanced sewer camera inspection technology. Our licensed plumbers in Toronto specialize in fast, accurate sewer inspections using state-of-the-art video cameras to identify blockages, cracks, tree root intrusions, or collapsed pipes. With this method, we can pinpoint issues with precision and provide actionable solutions.
What is a Sewer Camera Inspection and How Does It Work?
A sewer camera inspection involves specialized equipment, including a flexible cable with an attached high-resolution camera, LED lights, and a monitor. The camera is inserted into the pipe through a clean-out access point or drain opening. As the camera travels through the pipe, it transmits live video footage to the monitor, giving the plumber a clear view of the pipe’s interior conditions.
Many sewer cameras also allow the video to be recorded for future reference or shared with homeowners. Additionally, the camera sends out electromagnetic signals that can be tracked with a locator device. This technology identifies the exact location and depth of the pipe, helping plumbers mark trouble spots and reduce unnecessary digging. If a pipe section beneath a concrete floor needs repair, the locator ensures only a specific area is accessed, saving time and effort.
Our trained plumbers have extensive experience in handling sewer camera equipment, ensuring an accurate inspection and professional service. If you’re experiencing drain problems, contact us today for an expert sewer camera inspection in Toronto.
Signs You May Need a Sewer Camera Inspection:
1. Sewage backup through the basement floor drain or bathroom fixtures
2. Persistent sewage odors in the home or basement
3. Gurgling sounds from basement drains or toilets
4. Frequent drain blockages that return after clearing
5. Failed drain snaking attempts with no resolution
6. Slow-draining fixtures that cause wastewater to back up and leave residue
7. Tree roots found during drain cleaning
8. Toilet flushing problems in the basement
9. Water seepage with unpleasant odors around the toilet or cracks in the floor
10. Cross-contamination of fixtures, such as wastewater appearing in another drain when using a fixture
Why Choose Us for Sewer Camera Inspection?
With over 20 years of experience serving Toronto and the GTA, we excel in identifying and resolving sewer issues quickly. Our plumbers not only show you the problem on the monitor but also use precise locating equipment to mark the exact spot for repairs. This minimizes unnecessary digging and helps plan efficient repairs.
Whether you need to repair a cracked pipe or connect new plumbing for a basement renovation, our accurate pipe mapping ensures optimal results. In cases where trenchless sewer replacement is required, we use advanced “torpedo” equipment to minimize disruption.
We proudly serve downtown Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, and the entire GTA with professional sewer inspection and repair services.
Don’t Wait for a Basement Flood – Call Us Today!
If you suspect a problem with your underground pipes, don’t wait for a sewage flood to ruin your basement. Call us at 416-834-6893 or submit an online request, and one of our experts will get back to you to arrange an inspection. With our professional sewer camera equipment, we’ll help you identify issues quickly and offer the right solutions to keep your home’s plumbing in top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions – Sewer Camera Inspection in Toronto
Q: Can any plumber perform a sewer camera inspection, or does it require a specialist?
A: Not every plumber in Toronto is equipped to perform a professional sewer camera inspection. This service requires specialized equipment, including a high-resolution camera, flexible cable, monitor, and pipe locator. Just as important is experience—accurately interpreting what’s seen inside the pipe is critical. A plumber who regularly performs sewer inspections will provide more reliable results, helping you make informed decisions about drain cleaning, repairs, or full sewer replacement.
Q: What if my drain clean-out location is unknown—how can the inspection be done?
A: If the main drain clean-out is not accessible or cannot be located, there are several alternative entry points. In many Toronto homes, a basement toilet can be temporarily removed to access the drain line for inspection, then reinstalled afterward. A floor drain may also be used, although the built-in trap can sometimes restrict camera access. In some cases, accessing the main stack behind a wall and installing a proper clean-out with an access panel is the best long-term solution for future maintenance.
Q: Can a sewer camera pass through pipes with tree roots inside?
A: It depends on the severity of root intrusion. For minor root growth, a sewer camera can usually pass through and assess the condition of the pipe. However, in cases of heavy root blockage—common in older Toronto properties—drain snaking or root cutting is typically required first to clear a path. Once the obstruction is reduced, a camera inspection can be completed to evaluate damage and recommend next steps.
Q: How do I choose the right plumber for sewer camera inspection in Toronto?
A: Look for a licensed and experienced plumber who specializes in sewer and drain diagnostics. Accurate camera inspection involves more than just viewing the inside of the pipe—it often includes locating the pipe’s exact position and depth underground. This information is essential for repairs or replacements. Hiring a company like Mister Plumber and Sewer Expert, with extensive experience in Toronto’s aging infrastructure, helps ensure accurate diagnostics and avoids costly mistakes.
Q: Can a plumber provide a video recording of my sewer inspection for insurance purposes?
A: Yes. Most modern sewer camera systems used by professional Toronto plumbers can record high-quality video. These recordings can be saved to a memory card or shared directly with you via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. This documentation is often required by insurance companies or useful for property records.
Q: Can I schedule a sewer inspection before buying a home in Toronto?
A: Absolutely—and it’s highly recommended, especially for older homes in Toronto. Many home inspectors do not inspect underground sewer lines, so arranging a separate sewer camera inspection during the conditional period is a smart investment. At Mister Plumber and Sewer Expert, we can coordinate with your schedule and provide a thorough inspection to help you avoid unexpected sewer repair costs after purchase.