Video Overview
This video shows the sewer camera inspection and the condition of the sewer line that caused a basement flood and insurance investigation.
Case Study Summary
Location: Surrey, BC (Cloverdale)
Service Performed: Sewer Line Camera Inspection
Pipe Material: Cast iron inside, old concrete asbestos outside
Primary Issue: Complete external sewer line collapse leading to severe backups and flooding
This Surrey homeowner experienced a major sewer backup that flooded the basement. Their insurance company required professional diagnostics — and that’s when we were called in to perform a sewer camera inspection.
Introduction
Older sewer service lines in Surrey often contain legacy materials like cast iron and concrete asbestos pipe, especially in homes with basements. These materials can deteriorate with age, corrosion, and soil conditions — eventually failing entirely.
In this case, the homeowner’s basement flooding was a serious symptom of an underlying sewer issue that couldn’t be diagnosed from the surface alone. A sewer camera inspection was recommended to determine the exact cause before moving forward with repairs.
Type of Sewer Line
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Cast iron pipe inside the home
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Asbestos concrete pipe from the foundation to the city connection
Concrete asbestos sewer pipe was a common material decades ago but is now prone to corrosion and structural failure as it ages.
The Problem
The homeowner reported a basement flood caused by a sewer backup. Initial attempts at surface diagnosis couldn’t determine whether the blockage was internal, external, or structural.
Because of the severity and the insurance company’s requirements, a professional sewer camera inspection was performed to identify the true cause.
Cause of the Issue
Complete collapse of the exterior asbestos concrete sewer line
During the camera inspection, we found that:
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The bottom half of the external sewer pipe had entirely corroded away.
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Sections of the pipe had completely collapsed.
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The pipe structure was no longer allowing wastewater to flow properly toward the municipal connection.
This wasn’t a partial clog or root intrusion — it was full structural failure of the line, requiring replacement.
Inspection Findings
The camera footage clearly showed the condition deep inside the sewer line. Because the bottom of the asbestos concrete pipe had disintegrated and collapsed, the camera was unable to pass through these sections — highlighting just how severe the structural failure was.
This information quantified the homeowner’s flooding problem and gave the insurance company documented proof of the cause, ruling out interior blockages or homeowner misuse.
What We Did
Sewer Camera Inspection & Diagnosis
We conducted a full sewer camera inspection to:
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Pinpoint the exact location of the failure
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Observe the material condition of the pipe
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Determine whether the issue was repairable or required replacement
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Provide the homeowner and insurance providers with clear, accurate findings
Camera inspections eliminate guesswork and ensure the appropriate repair path is taken from the start — rather than relying on excavation alone.
Recommended Next Steps
Permanent Solution: Full Sewer Line Replacement
Because the exterior sewer section had completely collapsed and corroded, the only long-term solution is:
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Replace the old concrete asbestos sewer line
This means removing the failed sections from the foundation wall to the city connection and installing a new, reliable sewer pipe.
Trenchless methods may be considered depending on site conditions, access, and soil depth — but full replacement is necessary because the existing pipe is beyond repair.
Final Thoughts
This case reinforces why recurring backups and basement flooding should never be ignored. A collapsed sewer service line is not something that basic cleaning or spot repairs can fix — and only a professional inspection can reveal the severity of hidden failures.
A sewer camera inspection provides clarity, peace of mind, and documentation that informs the right solution, especially in cases involving insurance claims or significant structural issues.
Need a Camera Inspection? Call Your Guy Drainage Today!
If you’re dealing with sewer backups, flooding, or suspect a failing sewer pipe in Surrey or Cloverdale, a professional camera inspection is the first step toward a permanent solution.
👉 Contact us for Surrey sewer camera inspections
👉 Learn what’s happening inside your sewer before it’s too late