The same drain becomes blocked again
A blockage that returns quickly after drain cleaning may indicate that an underlying cause remains in the pipe.
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS OF ACCESSIBLE PIPES
See what is blocking, recurring or damaging the drain before choosing the work
A camera drain inspection makes it possible to observe the inside of an accessible pipe as the camera passes through it. It can document a recurring blockage, roots, a displaced joint, crack, collapse or another visible abnormality.
SOS Plombiers receives video-inspection requests throughout Greater Montreal and attempts to direct them to a partner contractor based on the type of pipe, address, requested scope and local availability.
Specify from the outset whether you only need a diagnosis, video, locator, written report or documentation for a municipality, insurer or transaction.
FOUR SIGNS THAT JUSTIFY AN INSPECTION
The problem extends beyond a single trap
Several slow or simultaneously affected fixtures may direct the diagnosis toward a shared pipe.
Roots, damage or displacement
The video helps determine whether a visible abnormality explains the observed symptoms.
Video or report requested
A transaction, insurer or municipal process may require specific deliverables.
WHAT THE CAMERA CAN SHOW
Visual clues within the section actually inspected
- the apparent location of an obstruction or object;
- roots, deposits, open or displaced joints;
- a visible crack, crushed section or collapse;
- standing water or an apparent low spot;
- the approximate material and diameter when visible.
WHAT IT DOES NOT PROVE ON ITS OWN
A useful image, but not a universal verdict
- It does not confirm that the entire system is watertight.
- It does not show a section the camera cannot reach.
- A pipe filled with water or completely blocked may limit visibility.
- Depth and routing require compatible locating equipment.
- A French drain or foundation infiltration requires a separate assessment.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SERVICE
Inspection, drain cleaning or repair: which request should you submit?
A camera is not automatically the first step. The symptom, recurrence and accessibility determine whether it will provide useful information.
| What you observe | Service often appropriate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One sink, washbasin or bathtub drains slowly for the first time | Drain cleaning | A local blockage can often be treated without a preliminary video inspection. |
| The blockage returns, several fixtures are affected or the cause remains uncertain | Camera inspection | The video can document the pipe after sufficient access has been opened. |
| Sewage backs up through a drain or fixture | Sewer-backup service | The priority is to limit water use, secure the area and restore drainage. |
| A crack, collapse or deteriorated section has already been documented | Main drain and sewer repair | The scope then concerns the method, extent and cost of the repair. |
AN INSPECTION PREPARED IN FOUR STEPS
From the symptom to a documented decision
Define the scope
Address, building type, affected fixtures, frequency, previous work and required deliverables.
Create or use an access point
The contractor checks the cleanout or appropriate opening and determines whether drain cleaning is required.
Inspect the pipe
The camera advances through the accessible section; the images and distance counter are interpreted according to the conditions encountered.
Confirm the next step
The company explains the observations, limitations and options before any additional authorized work.
IMPORTANT LOCAL REQUIREMENT IN MONTRÉAL
A routine inspection is not automatically a municipal file
If the video must support a request for corrective work on a sewer connection, mention it before the appointment. Requirements may vary by borough and address.
The Ville de Montréal states that a report and video recording may be required. It also specifies that the video must show the connection up to the public section and display the distance counter.
What to confirm before authorizing the scope
- the borough and applicable form;
- the exact video coverage and display of the distance counter;
- preliminary cleaning if roots or an obstruction prevent the required recording;
- the information to include in the report, sketch and video file;
- the legal name and qualifications of the company signing the document.
SOS Plombiers forwards the request. The partner company must confirm that it can provide the deliverables required for your address before the service call.
VIDEO, LOCATION AND REPORT
Clearly request what must be provided after the inspection
Deliverables are not always identical or automatically included. They affect the equipment, time on site and price.
Video recording
Confirm the format, delivery method, inclusion of the date or address and the section that must be recorded.
Surface location
The approximate position and depth require a compatible sonde or locator; this service must be requested.
Written report or sketch
Specify the recipient and expected information. A simple verbal explanation does not replace a formal report.
For a real estate transaction, a targeted video inspection can complement the building assessment, but it does not replace a general pre-purchase inspection or confirm the condition of every pipe.
PRICE TO CONFIRM BEFORE THE SERVICE CALL
What affects the cost of a camera inspection
There is no single price applicable to every pipe. The assigned partner company must confirm its charges, expected duration, inclusions and possible additional fees before you authorize the scope.
Also consult our guide to the price of a camera inspection. The company’s actual quote takes precedence over any general indication.
Access
Existing cleanout, opening to create or additional equipment.
Existing cleanout, opening to create or additional equipment.
Condition of the drain
Cleaning or drain clearing required before the pipe can be viewed.
Cleaning or drain clearing required before the pipe can be viewed.
Length and configuration
Number of branches, bends, diameter and section to inspect.
Number of branches, bends, diameter and section to inspect.
Deliverables
Video, locator, report, sketch or municipal file.
Video, locator, report, sketch or municipal file.
RESIDENTIAL, MULTI-UNIT AND COMMERCIAL
The same equipment, different scope requirements
House, condominium or plex
Indicate which fixtures are affected, whether the pipe is private or shared, the location of the cleanout and any previous repair. In a condominium, also confirm authorization to access common areas.
Business, building or mixed-use property
Specify access hours, operations that must continue, affected areas, the person authorized to approve the work and the desired report format. For a broader scope, see the commercial plumbing page.
LOCAL COVERAGE
Video-inspection requests throughout Greater Montreal
Coverage and response time depend on the address, type of pipe, requested scope and availability of a partner equipped for the requested inspection.
Montréal and the West Island
Laval and the North Shore
Longueuil and the South Shore
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Camera drain inspection: answers before booking
Is a camera necessary every time a drain is blocked?
No. A recent local blockage can often be treated through drain cleaning. An inspection becomes particularly useful when a problem recurs, affects a shared pipe, remains difficult to locate or suggests a pipe defect.
Must the pipe be cleared or cleaned before the inspection?
Sometimes. A camera cannot pass through every obstruction or see properly in a pipe filled with water or debris. The contractor determines whether preliminary drain clearing or cleaning is required to obtain usable images.
Are the video and report always included?
No. On-site viewing, recording, a download link, locating, a written report and a sketch may be separate deliverables. Ask what is included before authorizing the scope.
Can damage be located precisely from the surface?
An approximate location may be identified if the camera head or a sonde transmits a signal compatible with a locator. Accuracy depends on the equipment, depth and site conditions; this service is not implicit in every inspection.
Is a camera inspection appropriate for a real estate purchase?
It can complement a pre-purchase inspection when a sewer connection or specific drain raises concerns. It does not replace the general building inspection or allow conclusions about sections that were not inspected.
Is a French-drain inspection the same thing?
No. A sewer-connection inspection concerns an accessible drainage pipe. A French drain generally surrounds the foundation, and its access, configuration and assessment methods are different. Specify the type of drain concerned when submitting the request.
Can recurring blockages be completely prevented?
No inspection guarantees that a drain will never become blocked again. Useful measures depend on the observed cause: use, deposits, roots, improper slope or deterioration. For general supplementary information, see this guide on pipe maintenance.
Who confirms the diagnosis, price and work?
SOS Plombiers receives and qualifies the request. The assigned partner company confirms its availability, checks access, interprets the images, communicates its terms and performs only the work you authorize.
A CLEAR SCOPE PRODUCES A MORE USEFUL INSPECTION
Describe the drain, symptoms and document you need
SOS Plombiers gathers the information and attempts to direct the request to a partner contractor available in your area. Mention the address, building type, affected fixtures, frequency of the problem and reason for the inspection.
The assigned partner confirms the response time, charges, deliverables and scope of the inspection before the service call.
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES
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