Plano sewer and drain inspections use CCTV to reveal blockages, roots, cracks, and corrosion, guiding targeted repairs rather than guesswork. This service explains why inspections matter, what they cover, and how findings translate into concrete options such as hydro-jetting, pipe lining, or replacement. Customers receive a live video, stamped reports, and severity ratings, plus maintenance recommendations and pre-purchase packages. The process is minimally invasive, typically under two hours, with clear next-steps and pricing to help homeowners protect their properties.
Sewer & Drain Inspection in Plano, TX
Getting a clear, accurate picture of what is happening below your yard or under your slab is essential for protecting your Plano home from costly sewer failures. A professional sewer and drain inspection using CCTV camera technology identifies blockages, cracks, tree root intrusion, corrosion, and other defects so you can decide the right repair or preventative path with confidence.
Why a sewer and drain inspection matters in Plano
Plano and greater Collin County face a mix of older neighborhoods with mature trees and newer developments with shifting soils. That combination increases the risk of:
- Tree root intrusion from oaks, pecans, and other native species common in the area
- Soil movement and settling during wet summers and occasional freezes that can offset joints
- Older pipe materials (clay and cast iron in some pre-1990 homes) that are prone to cracking and corrosion
- Storm-related surcharging in low-lying areas leading to backups and infiltration
An inspection reveals problems before they become emergencies, preserves property value, clarifies costs for buyers, and informs targeted repairs rather than guesswork.
Common sewer and drain issues CCTV inspections reveal
CCTV video inspection lets technicians see the inside of the pipe in real time. Typical findings include:
- Blockages from grease, sanitary wipes, hair, or foreign objects
- Tree root intrusion penetrating joints and restricting flow
- Cracks and fractures in the pipe wall from settling or freezing
- Corrosion and pitting in older metal pipes
- Bellies or sags where the pipe has lost slope and traps solids
- Joint separation or offset causing leaks and infiltration
- Collapsed or crushed pipe from external pressure or root damage
- Cross-connections or illegal ties that can cause contamination or slow flow
What a professional inspection includes
A typical Plano sewer and drain inspection using CCTV technology will include:
- Visual assessment of access points and cleanouts
- Insertion of a high-resolution camera head with LED lighting
- Live video recording of the line from the cleanout to the main sewer connection
- Location tracking (distance markers) so defects can be pinpointed
- Still images and time-stamped video clips of all defects
- A written inspection report with severity ratings and repair recommendations
Sample inspection report elements and footage descriptions
A clear report helps you make decisions quickly. Common report sections:
- Property and access details: cleanout location, pipe diameter, material
- Line length and direction: footage markers for precise location
- Observations summary: list of defects with timecode references
- Condition rating: minor, moderate, severe
- Recommended next steps: maintenance, localized repair, lining, or replacement
- Estimated urgency: immediate, within 30 days, routine monitoring
- Attached media: downloadable video clips and annotated stills
Example footage notes:
- 00:01:23 — Root intrusion at 12 ft, 50 percent flow restriction; roots intact in joint
- 00:03:50 — Belly at 28 ft causing standing water and solids accumulation
- 00:07:10 — Longitudinal crack 36 ft; active infiltration visible during camera pass
Recommended solutions based on findings
Inspections lead to targeted options instead of guesswork. Typical recommendations:
- Hydro-jetting to clear grease, sludge, and soft root material for restored flow
- Mechanical root cutting followed by monthly monitoring or herbicide treatment where permitted
- Pipe lining (CIPP) to reline segments with cracks or multiple small defects without full excavation
- Sectional replacement for localized collapses or irreparable joints
- Full replacement or pipe bursting for severely deteriorated runs or irretrievable materials
- Grout or seal injection for small leaks at jointsSelection depends on defect type, pipe material, location, and homeowner priorities such as minimizing landscaping disruption.
Pre-purchase and preventative inspection packages
Buying a home in Plano? A pre-purchase sewer inspection clarifies potential liabilities and repair needs before closing. Preventative inspections are recommended:
- When your home has mature landscaping or large trees near sewer lines
- After routine blockages or repeated slow-drain complaints
- Before major renovations or hardscaping
- As part of an annual or bi-annual maintenance plan for older properties
Packages often bundle the inspection with digital reports and footage, and can be tailored to cover main sewer lines, lateral connections, and specific drain runs.
What to expect on inspection day
An inspection is minimally invasive and typically follows this process:
- Technician locates the cleanout or access point
- Camera is inserted and advanced while footage is recorded
- Homeowner or agent can view live feed or review clips afterward
- Technician provides a written report with annotated images and recommendations
- If immediate clearing is needed, options are discussed based on the recorded findings
Inspections usually take under two hours for a standard residential lateral but may take longer when long lines or difficult access are involved.
Prioritizing repairs: urgency guide
- Immediate: Active backups, collapsed pipe, severe flow restriction, or raw sewage in the home or yard
- Short term: Root intrusion causing >50 percent restriction, bellies causing repeated clogs
- Routine monitoring: Small cracks, minor corrosion, intermittent slow drains
Timely action prevents more extensive excavation and higher costs down the line.
Maintenance recommendations for Plano homes
- Schedule inspections before buying or selling a home and after tree removal or major landscaping
- Hydro-jet every 12 to 36 months if your home is older or has recurring slow drains
- Avoid flushing wipes or non-dissolvable materials
- Keep large tree roots clear of known sewer alignments when planning new plantings
- Combine sewer inspection with other home systems checks during seasonal maintenance
Scheduling and pricing overview
Inspection offerings are typically available as single, one-time inspections or as part of preventative maintenance packages that include written reports and video delivery. Pricing depends on pipe length, access difficulty, and whether follow-up cleaning or repairs are required. Transparent estimates and digital reports are standard components of a professional inspection package.
Sewer and drain CCTV inspection in Plano gives you the information needed to prioritize repairs, negotiate with buyers or sellers, and protect your home from costly damage. A clear video record and a concise, actionable report turn uncertainty into a plan you can trust.


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