CCTV Drain Inspections in Melbourne

A drain that keeps blocking up is frustrating, especially when you don't know what's causing it. Is it tree roots, a buildup of debris or something more serious, like a cracked pipe?

At O'Shea Plumbing, we use CCTV drain inspections to get a clear picture of what's happening underground, without digging anything up. A small waterproof camera lets us see inside your pipes, locate the problem and work out the best way to fix it.

All our inspections are carried out by licensed plumbers. Licence / Registration: DB-U 101491 | 52736 | REC-36928

What Is a CCTV Drain Inspection?

A CCTV pipe inspection uses a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable or push rod to examine the inside of your drainage system.

As the camera travels through the pipe, it sends live footage to a monitor, allowing us to spot problems that would otherwise be hidden underground.

Some of the most common issues we find include:

Tree roots growing through cracks or pipe joints
Cracked, fractured or collapsed pipes
Grease, sediment and debris restricting water flow
Misaligned or separated pipe joints
Corrosion or deterioration in older pipes
Foreign objects lodged inside the drain

Unlike traditional methods that might involve digging to locate the problem, a CCTV inspection lets us see exactly what's happening before recommending repairs.

When Should You Book a Drain Camera Inspection?

A drain camera inspection in Melbourne is useful whenever you need to know the condition of your pipes, particularly if you're dealing with a problem that keeps coming back.

We commonly recommend inspections for:

Recurring blocked drains: If the same drain keeps blocking after being cleared, a camera inspection can help identify whether roots, damage or another obstruction is responsible.
Older Melbourne homes: Clay and earthenware pipes can develop cracks, deteriorating joints and root intrusion over time.
Pre-purchase property checks: Underground drainage issues aren't always visible during a standard building inspection. Checking the sewer and stormwater pipes before buying can help uncover expensive problems.
Renovations and extensions: If you're planning building work, it's worth knowing where your existing drainage pipes are and what condition they're in.
Before pipe repairs: We use camera inspections to assess whether damaged drains are suitable for pipe relining in Melbourne.
After drain cleaning: A follow-up inspection can confirm whether a blockage has been cleared and reveal any underlying damage.

You don't necessarily need to wait until a drain is completely blocked. If you're noticing slow drainage, gurgling sounds or recurring sewer smells, an inspection can help identify the cause.

How Does a CCTV Pipe Inspection Work?

Most residential inspections take between one to two hours, depending on the length of the pipe, access and any obstructions we find.

Here's what's involved:

1We locate an access point. First, we find the best place to insert the camera, usually through an existing inspection opening, cleanout or accessible drain connection.
2We inspect the pipe. A waterproof camera is guided through the drain, sending live footage to a monitor. We can check for blockages, cracks, tree roots and other signs of damage as we go.
3We locate any problems. If we find a damaged section, we can use compatible camera locating equipment to help pinpoint its position underground. This is particularly useful if a targeted repair or excavation is needed.
4We review the footage. We'll explain what the camera has picked up and show you the areas that need attention.
5We recommend the next steps. Sometimes all that's needed is jet drain cleaning to remove debris or roots. Other times, a cracked or damaged section may need repairing. And if everything looks fine, we'll tell you that too.

The idea is simple: find the problem first, then work out the most practical way to fix it.

Sewer and Stormwater Inspections Melbourne

We carry out both sewer inspections and stormwater inspections across Melbourne, although the problems we look for can be quite different.

Sewer Pipe Inspections

Sewer pipes carry wastewater from toilets, kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Over time, grease, tree roots, foreign objects and deteriorating joints can restrict flow or cause blockages.

A sewer inspection helps us identify the source of the problem, check the condition of the pipe and determine whether cleaning or repairs are needed.

Stormwater Drain Inspections

Stormwater pipes carry rainwater away from roofs, driveways and other outdoor areas. They're particularly prone to collecting leaves, silt, soil and tree roots.

If your backyard floods after heavy rain, your stormwater drain overflows or water pools around the property, a camera inspection can help identify blockages and damaged sections of pipe.

How Much Does a CCTV Drain Inspection Cost in Melbourne?

The CCTV drain inspection cost depends on how many pipes need checking, their length and how easily we can access them.

For example, inspecting a single drain through an existing access point is usually quicker than checking several underground sewer and stormwater lines across a larger property.

The main factors affecting the price include:

Length and number of pipes being inspected
Location and accessibility of inspection points
Pipe diameter and layout
Whether blockages need clearing before the camera can pass through
Whether recorded footage or a written report is required

If a pipe is completely blocked, we may need to clear it first before the camera can inspect the full length. We'll explain this before carrying out additional work.

You'll receive a fixed price before work starts, with no call-out fee for jobs that go ahead.

CCTV Pipe Inspection Melbourne

O'Shea Plumbing provides professional CCTV pipe inspections and pipe inspection services across Melbourne, helping homeowners identify drainage issues before they turn into bigger problems.

Whether you need a camera inspection for a recurring blockage, a pre-purchase sewer check or an assessment before repairing damaged pipes, our licensed plumbers can explain what we find and recommend the next steps.

Need more than an inspection? Browse our domestic plumbing services or contact an experienced plumber in Melbourne today.

Book a CCTV Drain Inspection

Not sure what's causing your drainage problem? O'Shea Plumbing can inspect your pipes, show you what we find and provide clear advice on the next steps.

CALL US NOW ON 03 8566 8450

CCTV Drain Inspection FAQs

Can a CCTV inspection find a broken pipe underground?

Yes. A CCTV camera can identify visible cracks, collapsed sections, displaced joints and other damage inside accessible pipes. Compatible locating equipment can also help identify where the damaged section is underground.

Do I need to clear a blocked drain before an inspection?

Not always. We can often identify the cause of a blockage with the camera, but heavy debris or standing water may limit visibility. In those cases, cleaning may be needed before we can inspect the entire pipe.

Can you inspect pipes underneath concrete?

Yes, provided there’s a suitable access point and the camera can travel through the pipe. This is one of the main advantages of CCTV inspections, as we can investigate pipes beneath slabs, paving and driveways without digging them up.

Will I receive a recording of the inspection?

Camera footage can be recorded, and a written report may be available where required. Let us know if you need documentation for a property purchase, renovation or insurance matter so we can confirm what’s included.