John White Sewer Line Video

John White Sewer Line Video

Using a push rod fiber optic camera, drains are probed, recorded on video.

When a property lacks a proper "clean-out", or a direct drain access, inspectors often have to enter through a roof vent, or by removing a toilet.

Most of the sewer lines I've inspected were an amalgamation of ABS plastic, cast iron, and clay. Rarely I see copper drains, a material usually reserved for supply lines.

Sometimes the inspection not only seeks to ascertain the condition of the pipe, but to prove a city sewer connection. While I've only encountered a single property without a sewer connection, many properties have no sewer connection permit on file (there isn't a connection permit requirement). This permitting detail is usually revealed in the Los Angeles City Residential Property Records Report, also called the 9A.


Operators also utilize a Locator, which can pinpoint the snake's progress and depth. Locations are marked with fluorescent paint or small flags.

On my beat, most drains exit the rear of homes, possibly towards an early septic, and then turn 90 degrees toward a driveway or sideyard, along which they travel to the street. Some continue through rear yards away from the street, en route to an alley connection.

The John White people record to DVD, adding narration, a guide through a watery world that sometimes includes insect life. Great fun for the kids!

The service costs around $300.00.