Blog > Sewer Camera Inspection Reveals Collapsed Main Line (Real Footage)
Real Sewer Camera Inspection with E-Drains

13

May

Sewer Camera Inspection Reveals Collapsed Main Line (Real Footage)

When two toilets in a home kept backing up — again and again — the homeowners had already tried the usual quick fixes. But the clogs kept coming back. That’s when they called E-Drains.

Using a high-resolution sewer camera inserted through a rooftop vent — no digging or pulling toilets — we quickly found the real issue: a collapsed section of the main sewer line. Our inspection didn’t just treat the symptom — it uncovered the root cause and gave them a long-term fix.

Why We Use Sewer Cameras — and Why It Matters

Unclogging a drain might get things moving temporarily — but if the pipe is damaged, the problem will keep coming back. A professional sewer camera inspection lets us see what’s really happening inside your plumbing system without digging or guessing.

At E-Drains, we use this technology to:

  • Detect collapsed or crushed sewer lines
  • Spot tree root intrusions
  • Confirm pipe alignment and flow
  • Find hidden buildup or corrosion

It’s fast, precise, and can prevent major future repairs.

🚽 The Problem: Two Toilets, One Collapsed Pipe

In this case, Edy Cartagena, owner of E-Drains, inserted the camera through a rooftop plumbing vent — a clean and efficient way to access the home’s main sewer line. What he found explained everything: a section of the pipe had collapsed, narrowing the interior and trapping waste.

“This clog is going to happen again,” Edy explains in the video.
“The pipe is supposed to look like this [pulls back camera to show normal-looking pipe only ~1 foot back up the pipe], but now it looks like this [pushes the camera back down to show the collapsed pipe].”

What the pipe should look like

Sewer camera view of a properly functioning main line with normal pipe width.
This section shows what a healthy main sewer line should look like — round, open, and free of obstruction.

Before reaching the damaged area, the camera shows a normal section of the pipe: wide, unobstructed, and flowing properly.

What the Problem Looks Like

Real Sewer Camera Inspection with E-Drains
Just a foot farther down from the good looking pipe after our unclogging, the pipe collapses inward — a hidden issue causing repeated backups.

This collapsed portion reduced the diameter of the pipe, causing repeated backups and requiring a full pipe replacement to resolve the issue.

🎥 Watch the Moment the Collapsed Pipe Is Discovered (Full Inspection Video)

Now that you know what to look for, here’s the full inspection video — from rooftop access to the collapsed main line:

When Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection?

If you’re dealing with any of the following issues, a camera inspection can help:

  • Toilets or drains that clog repeatedly
  • Gurgling or bubbling sounds from pipes
  • Sewer smells in or around your home
  • Drains that back up even after being cleared
  • You’re buying or remodeling a home

These inspections take the guesswork out of your plumbing — and help avoid costly surprises.

Contact E-Drains for 24/7 Camera Inspections in San Diego County

📞 Call Us: 844-35-DRAIN (844-353-7246)
✅ Available 24/7 across San Diego County
🌐 Book Now: Schedule your inspection
⭐ Read Our Reviews: Google Business Profile

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