Let’s be honest: most of us don’t think much about what’s going on inside our pipes—until something goes wrong. That slow-draining kitchen sink? Could be a clog. The gurgling toilet? Maybe a venting issue. But without seeing inside the pipes, it’s really just a guessing game.
That’s where a drain camera inspection comes in.
At Jetflo, we use professional-grade cameras to take a live look inside your pipes—no digging, no tearing up floors. Just a simple, non-invasive peek into what’s going on underground.
And if you live in Peterborough, this kind of inspection can be especially helpful. A lot of homes here (particularly the charming older ones) come with aging plumbing that might be hiding some surprises.
So, what can a camera inspection actually detect? Let’s walk through the top five plumbing problems we uncover most often in Peterborough homes—and how catching them early can save you from costly repairs later on.
1. 🌳 Tree Roots Invading Your Pipes
If your home has big, beautiful trees on the property—great for shade, not so great for your pipes. Tree roots are naturally drawn to moisture, which means even the tiniest crack in your sewer line can attract them like a magnet.
Once inside, roots grow quickly, blocking the flow of waste and even breaking the pipe apart from the inside.
What we see on camera: A tangled mess of roots weaving through joints or fully blocking the pipe.
Why it matters: If we catch it early, we can clear the roots before they cause a full collapse or backup.
2. 🧱 Cracked, Collapsed, or Broken Pipes
A lot of Peterborough homes still have clay or cast iron sewer lines—both of which are prone to wear and tear. Over time, these pipes can shift, crack, or even collapse completely. Ground movement, heavy rains, or freeze-thaw cycles only speed up the process.
What we see on camera: Sections of pipe that are cracked, sagging, or caved in entirely.
Why it matters: Knowing the exact location and severity helps us recommend the right solution—whether that’s spot repair or full trenchless replacement.
3. 🧼 Grease, Gunk & General Build-Up
Think of everything that goes down your kitchen drain—grease, soap, bits of food. It doesn’t just vanish. Over time, all that debris builds up along the pipe walls, narrowing the flow and making it easy for clogs to form.
What we see on camera: Thick sludge, hardened grease, and debris clinging to the inside of the pipes.
Why it matters: Spotting build-up before it turns into a full blockage means we can recommend cleaning services before water backs up into your kitchen.
4. 🚽 Flushed Objects That Don’t Belong
Let’s talk “flushable” wipes for a second. Spoiler alert: they’re not actually flushable. Neither are feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, or any of the other things we’ve pulled out of pipes over the years.
What we see on camera: Obstructions lodged in bends or blocking sections of pipe entirely.
Why it matters: We can pinpoint the exact location of the clog and remove it efficiently—no unnecessary digging or guesswork.
5. ⏳ Early Signs of Aging Infrastructure
Sometimes, it’s not about a single problem—but a system that’s just plain tired. Corrosion, joint separation, hairline cracks—they’re all warning signs of plumbing reaching the end of its life.
What we see on camera: Corroded interiors, leaking joints, minor shifting—things that wouldn’t show up during a typical inspection.
Why it matters: You get to plan ahead. If replacement is on the horizon, we’ll help you budget and prioritize before it becomes an emergency.
When Should You Get a Drain Camera Inspection?
Great question. Here are a few scenarios where it really makes sense:
- You're noticing slow drains or recurring backups
- You’re buying a home in Peterborough (especially an older one)
- You’ve had foundation or landscaping work done recently
- You want peace of mind before listing your house for sale
A camera inspection is quick, affordable, and gives you a clear view of what’s going on underground—without the guesswork.
🎥 Want to see a camera inspection in action?
Check out one of our recent jobs here: Watch on YouTube
Related Reading
Thinking of buying a home in Whitby? Don’t skip this inspection step:
👉 Buying a Home in Whitby? Don’t Skip the Drain Camera Inspection
Serving Peterborough and across Southern Ontario, Jetflo’s here to help you see what’s hiding in your pipes—so you can make smarter decisions for your home.