Root Removal & Camera Inspection Finds Broken Sewer Pipe

Описание: In today’s service call I started by snaking the main drain from the backwater valve in the basement using my Ridgid K60 with a chain knocker head. I hit the first blockage at around 15 feet, and another one closer to the access at roughly 5–6 feet. While clearing the line I started pulling back small roots, which is always a sign that something may be going on inside the pipe.

To investigate further I ran my ‪@MilwaukeeTool‬ 85-foot High-Flex inspection camera through the line. During the inspection I found a break in the sewer pipe, which is likely where the roots are entering the drain. I explained to the homeowner that the repair may require the line to be dug up, but depending on the exact location it could potentially fall under the city’s responsibility.

After the inspection, I ran the machine a few more times to make sure the roots were fully cleared, then I used the camera again and videoed the line all the way out to the city main at the road.

The job wasn’t finished there. We also addressed a 3-inch floor drain near the washing machine that had been giving the homeowner problems in the past. Since this line had a trap, I switched from the chain knocker to a 3-inch root cutter / descaling head. I was able to run the cable all the way through to the backwater valve, something previous attempts hadn’t managed to do.

To confirm everything was clear, I ran the inspection camera through the line again, verifying that the drain was open and flowing properly out toward the main sewer line.

Drain issues like this often start with roots entering through cracks or breaks in the pipe, so a proper camera inspection after clearing the line is the best way to understand what’s really going on underground.

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