Slope - What we look for in a camera inspection.

While the standard for slope is always “1/4 inch per linear foot” this may not really be possible to determine from a visual perspective within a pipe. But we do have means of looking for the slope in a pipe to determine if the interior pipe or exterior sewer lateral is performing properly in its design to effectively carry water and waste from the building. Based on the standards, we are looking for a gradual slope away from the house, or starting point inside the building.

What we are looking for

Key items we may look for is areas with standing water (water that is present in the pipe), items that may be affecting water in the pipe (offsets, dropped joints, possible sags or flat sections in the pipe) and bends in the pipe that may be holding water. Another item we check for is debris build up in the pipe. While we are always looking for FOG (fats oils and grease) we will also look for debris such as wads of paper product (toilet paper, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, ect) that may be indicators of other issues in the pipe. At times we may observed a foreign object within the pipe which we will remark and possibly mark the location of.

Sags / Flat areas in the pipe

Sags or “Flat Areas” in the pipe are often noted when you will find water present in the pipe, typically between 1/8 to 1/4 inch in depth, and traveling at the same depth of a distance of the pipe. We make note of the approximate depth of the water in the pipe as well as the type of pipe material and the distance of the water present, to determine the severity of the sag / “flat area” in the pipe. There are other factors we will review as well, combined with the water present, to give us a better determination if this is a current problem that should be addressed or if it might be an issue to note, (keep an eye on for possible maintenance) but then address in the future with other work that may be performed on the plumbing system.

Overall

These are just a sample of the factors we will review and make note of in the pipe during inspection, as well as remark upon in our report depending on the type of inspection we perform .