🎥 Video Overview
This short video shows the sewer camera inspection and the conditions found inside the sewer line.
Case Study Summary
Location: Coquitlam, BC
Service Performed: Sewer Line Camera Inspection
Pipe Material: Clay Tile Sewer System
Primary Issue: Repeated sewer backups caused by root intrusion
This Coquitlam homeowner contacted us after dealing with ongoing sewer backups. A camera inspection was performed to identify the cause and determine the most appropriate long-term solution.
Introduction
Older homes in Coquitlam often rely on original clay tile sewer systems, which are prone to failure as they age. In this case, the homeowner was experiencing consistent backups and slow drainage, indicating a deeper issue within the sewer line that couldn’t be solved with basic cleaning alone.
To accurately diagnose the problem, a professional sewer camera inspection was recommended.
Type of Sewer Line
Old Clay Tile Sewer System (End of Life)
Clay tile sewer lines were commonly installed decades ago and are now reaching the end of their expected lifespan. These systems are especially vulnerable to:
-
Pipe separations at joints
-
Cracking and shifting over time
-
Tree root intrusion through joints and fractures
Once roots enter the system, they continue to grow and expand, leading to recurring blockages.
The Problem
Consistent Sewer Backups
The homeowner reported frequent sewer backups, a common symptom of a compromised sewer line. These backups were occurring because wastewater could no longer flow freely through the pipe due to repeated obstructions.
Cause of the Issue
Multiple Pipe Separations Allowing Root Intrusion
During the camera inspection, we identified six separate pipe joints with significant root growth inside the sewer line. These separations allowed tree roots to enter the system, catch debris, and restrict flow — eventually leading to backups.
📸 Inspection Findings
These images clearly show how invasive root growth can become inside aging clay tile sewer systems and why visual inspection is critical before choosing a solution.
What We Did
Sewer Camera Inspection & Diagnosis
We performed a full sewer camera inspection to:
-
Locate the exact points of failure
-
Confirm the presence and severity of root intrusion
-
Assess the overall condition of the sewer line
-
Provide the homeowner with clear options moving forward
Camera inspections remove guesswork and ensure the right solution is chosen from the start.
Recommended Next Steps
Short-Term Solution: Drain Cleaning
A temporary solution is to clean the sewer line to restore flow. This can include:
-
Hydro jetting with a root-cutting nozzle
-
Mechanical drain cleaning using auger machines with root-cutting tips
This approach clears the blockage but does not prevent roots from growing back.
Long-Term Solution: Sewer Line Replacement
To permanently stop root intrusion, the damaged sewer line sections must be replaced. This can be done through:
-
Trenchless sewer line replacement (when conditions allow)
Replacing the failing clay tile sewer line eliminates root entry points and prevents future backups.
Final Thoughts
This case highlights why recurring sewer backups should never be ignored. In older clay tile sewer systems, backups are often a symptom of deeper structural issues that require proper diagnosis.
A professional sewer camera inspection provides homeowners with clarity, prevents unnecessary work, and helps determine whether cleaning or replacement is the best long-term solution.
Need a Camera Inspection? Call Your Guy Drainage Today!
If you’re dealing with repeated sewer backups or slow drains in an older home, a camera inspection is the first step toward a permanent solution. Understanding what’s happening inside your sewer line can save time, money, and unexpected repairs.