A sewer camera inspection takes the guesswork out of drain and sewer problems. Instead of assuming where a blockage or break might be, we feed a high-resolution camera through the line and watch exactly what's happening inside your pipes in real time. You see what we see, on screen, as it happens.
For Markham homeowners, this is especially valuable. The city's neighbourhoods span more than a century of construction, from clay laterals in Unionville to plastic pipe in Cathedraltown, and the right fix depends entirely on what's actually down there. A camera inspection is also one of the smartest things you can do before buying an older home or finishing a basement.
Sewer Camera Inspection Around Markham
Markham's housing stock spans more than a century, and the sewer under your lawn could be clay, cast iron, Orangeburg or modern plastic depending on when your street was built. We've inspected lines in Unionville that were original to the house and lines in Cathedraltown that were nearly new — the camera removes the guessing either way.
If you're buying in one of Markham's older pockets, book the inspection before your conditions expire. Sellers rarely know the state of the sewer, and a standard home inspection never looks inside it. The footage is yours to keep and negotiate with.
Signs You Need Sewer Camera Inspection
A camera inspection is worth booking when any of these apply:
- Recurring drain problems. If the same line clogs again within months of being cleared, something structural is going on — roots, a sag or a crack — and the camera will find it.
- A sewer backup. After any backup, an inspection shows whether the cause was a one-time blockage or a damaged line that will back up again.
- Buying an older home. A standard home inspection doesn't look inside the sewer. In older Markham neighbourhoods, a camera inspection before closing can save you from a five-figure surprise.
- Before a basement renovation. If you're about to cover the floor and walls with finishes, confirm the drains underneath are sound first.
- Unexplained sewage odours. A crack or failed joint can vent sewer gas without causing a visible leak. The camera finds it.
- Planning flood protection work. Backwater valve and weeping tile work starts with knowing the condition and layout of your existing drains.
How We Do It
- 1
Find the access point
We locate your main cleanout, usually in the basement near the front wall. If it's buried behind finishes, we discuss the best way to reach it.
- 2
Run the camera
The camera travels the length of the line while we watch the feed, noting the pipe material, joints, roots, scale, sags and any damage.
- 3
Locate problem spots
The camera head transmits its position, so we can mark exactly where an issue sits — how far from the house and how deep — which matters for any repair quote.
- 4
Explain what we see
We walk you through the footage in plain language: what's normal wear, what's a real problem and what can wait.
- 5
Provide the recording
You get a copy of the inspection footage, useful for insurance claims, home purchases and getting comparable quotes.
- 6
Recommend next steps
If the line is healthy, we say so. If work is needed, you get options with clear pricing, from cleaning to spot repair to replacement.
Why Choose Markham Plumbing
We inspect to inform, not to sell. A clean bill of health is a perfectly good outcome.
- You watch the inspection live and keep the recording
- Exact location and depth of any problem, marked for accurate quotes
- Plain-language explanation of what matters and what doesn't
- No obligation — the inspection stands on its own
- Useful documentation for insurance and real estate transactions
- Combined with cleaning in one visit when the line needs both
Sewer Camera Inspection FAQs
How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most residential inspections take 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on access and the length of the line. If we're also cleaning the line, plan for a longer visit.
Do I get a copy of the video?
Yes. The recording is yours to keep. It's valuable documentation if you're buying or selling a home, making an insurance claim or comparing repair quotes.
Can a camera inspection find a leak under my basement floor?
It finds problems inside the drain and sewer pipes, which is where most under-floor leaks originate. For supply line leaks, we use different leak detection equipment.
Should I get an inspection before buying a home in Markham?
If the home is more than about 25 years old, absolutely. Sewer replacement is one of the most expensive surprises a buyer can inherit, and it never shows up in a standard home inspection.
What if the camera can't get through?
A blockage or collapse that stops the camera is itself a finding. We'll clear the line first if possible, then complete the inspection so you know the full picture.