How to Confirm a Sewer Pipe Leak

Piping used in today's sewer lines is made of a very high-strength plastic.

Sewer pipe leaks can be tricky to identify because water always runs to the lowest point. Water can be showing up at one place and the actual leak can be 10 feet away. However, if you follow a few steps you will be able to confirm whether a sewer pipe is leaking or not.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Gloves
• Sewer video camera
• Pipe wrench

Instructions

1. Observe all the areas in the house where the sewer pipe is not hidden in walls or flooring. Look for leaks and use your sense of smell to locate sewer odors.

2. Flush the toilets in the highest part of the house. If a sewer pipe is leaking, it will leak only when the toilets are flushed. However if the leak occurs all of the time, then the leak could be caused by a cracked water line.

3. Open a sewer access cap using a pipe wrench.

4. Insert a sewer video camera the line. Slide the camera slowly forward looking carefully for any cracks.

5. Withdraw the camera and replace the access cap.

Tips & Warnings

• You can rent a sewer camera from some rental stores.

• A certified inspector can perform the inspection if needed.

• Do not flush toilets when the drain cap access is off.

References

• Sewer Video Inspection:Pipe and Sewer Video Inspection

Resources

• RJM Company: Sewer Inspection Cameras