Bellies, Offsets and Roots: Reading Your Sewer Camera Inspection
Your drain tech says "belly" and "offset." Here's what each sewer camera finding means, how serious it is, and the typical fix.
Your drain tech hands you a sewer video and starts using words like "belly" and "offset." Here's what they mean and how serious each one is.
- Roots. What it is: Tree roots growing in through joints or cracks. How serious: Moderate; they come back. Typical fix: Cleaning on a schedule; liner or repair for heavy intrusion.
- Belly. What it is: A sagging section that holds water. How serious: Depends on size. Typical fix: Regular cleaning for small; dig and re-set for large.
- Offset. What it is: Pipe sections shifted out of line. How serious: Minor to major. Typical fix: Cleaning for minor; spot repair or liner for major.
- Crack / break. What it is: Pipe wall is damaged. How serious: Moderate to serious. Typical fix: Spot repair or liner.
- Scale / grease. What it is: Buildup coating the pipe walls. How serious: Low to moderate. Typical fix: Hydro jetting.
- Soil / worms. What it is: Line is open to the ground. How serious: Warning sign. Typical fix: Locate the opening, then repair.
The bottom line: one finding on a video doesn't automatically mean replacement. Ask your tech to show you the spot, explain the size of it, and lay out the cheapest fix that will actually hold.
Want a second opinion on a sewer video? Book a camera inspection and we'll walk you through it.
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Your drain tech says "belly" and "offset." Here's what each sewer camera finding means, how serious it is, and the typical fix.
