You never quite know what the camera’s going to find. That line sums up our job pretty well. A drain camera inspection in Auckland is the easiest way to see what’s happening inside your pipes, and after sending cameras down drains all over the city, we can tell you the answer isn’t always what you’d expect.
Sometimes it’s roots. Sometimes it’s build-up. And sometimes it’s something that makes us stop and lean in for a closer look.
Here are a few of our more memorable finds, plus what each one teaches us about looking before you dig.
The Rat That Found a Way In
Rats and drains cross paths more often than most homeowners would like to think. Broken pipes, open joints and gaps around old connections give them an easy route into the system.
So if a rat has made itself at home in your drain, that’s a clue. Somewhere along the line, there’s a gap or a break that shouldn’t be there. A drain camera inspection shows us where the damage is, so it can be repaired properly instead of patched on a hunch.
The Golf Ball Nobody Can Explain
Yes, a golf ball. How it got down there is still one of life’s great mysteries.
It sounds funny, and it is. However, a solid object sitting in a pipe is no joke for your drainage. It catches debris, slows the flow and eventually turns into a proper blockage. Because the camera shows exactly what’s causing the problem, we can remove it with the right approach. That might mean targeted drain unblocking rather than a lot of trial and error.
Concrete Poured Over a Broken Pipe
This one is the classic “quick fix” that isn’t. At some point, someone poured concrete over a broken pipe instead of repairing it.
From above, it looked sorted. Underground, the pipe was still broken. Worse still, it was now sitting under a slab of concrete and much harder to get to. That’s exactly why we always say look first. A CCTV drain survey pinpoints the problem before anyone commits to a fix that only hides it.
The Everyday Finds: Roots and Build-Up
Of course, not every job turns up a surprise. Most of what we see is the everyday stuff. Tree roots chase moisture into cracks and joints. Meanwhile, grease, debris and scale slowly narrow the pipe over time.
These problems are common, but they still can’t be seen from the surface. We’ve covered them in more detail in our post on what a CCTV camera can find before you start digging.
Why a Drain Camera Inspection Beats Guesswork
When something’s wrong with a drain, the first instinct is often to start digging. The trouble is, without seeing inside the pipe, you’re guessing at where the problem is and what’s causing it.
A drain camera inspection in Auckland takes the guesswork out. You get recorded footage from inside the pipe, the exact location of any damage, and a clear idea of what needs fixing. As a result, if digging is needed, it happens in the right spot the first time.
If you’re planning any excavation, it’s also worth checking where other underground services run. beforeUdig is a free service for that. Not sure whether you need an inspection or pipe location? Our post on drain inspection vs pipe location explains the difference.
Signs It’s Time to Send the Camera Down
Slow-draining sinks, gurgling noises, bad smells, water pooling in the yard and blockages that keep coming back are all good reasons to take a look. Buying a property or planning building work is another good time to check. Also, if you’ve spotted rats around the house, your drains are worth ruling out.
For more warning signs, have a read of signs you need a CCTV drain inspection.
Book a Drain Camera Inspection in Auckland
Got a drain that’s playing up? Let’s see what’s happening inside the pipe before anyone picks up a shovel.
Give us a ring on 0800 99 11 00 or request a quote. You can also check out what our customers say on NoCowboys.
