High-Definition Video Camera Inspection Diagnoses Collapsed Clay Pipe

A homeowner in a historic New Haven neighborhood was dealing with persistent, recurring mainline backups. Rather than repeatedly snaking the line—which only offers temporary relief—we deployed our high-definition fiber-optic sewer camera to pinpoint the structural cause.

Sewer snaking can clear tree roots or grease, but if a pipe has structurally failed, mechanical cables will eventually get stuck or worsen the damage.

We inserted the camera through the exterior cleanout. As we navigated the century-old clay sewer lateral, the high-definition feed revealed a severe dropped joint 42 feet out from the foundation, where the pipe had completely collapsed and shifted downward due to soil settling.

Using our digital radio locator on the surface, we mapped the exact location and depth (exactly 6 feet deep) of the collapsed joint in their lawn. By locating the precise spot of the break, we were able to coordinate a highly targeted spot-repair excavation rather than tearing up their entire mature front landscaping. We presented the homeowner with the video footage and a clear, upfront estimate to permanently resolve the issue.