Video Camera Inspections vs. Traditional Drain Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

When a drain clogs, most homeowners immediately think of the usual fixes—snaking the line, pouring in chemical drain cleaners, or calling a plumber for a quick clearing. While these methods can provide temporary relief, they don’t always reveal the underlying cause of the problem. That’s why more and more homeowners are turning to video camera inspections, a modern plumbing solution that goes beyond surface-level cleaning.

At Specialty Plumbing and Drain, we use advanced video technology to look inside your pipes and identify issues that traditional drain cleaning can’t address. From root intrusion and pipe breaks to hidden corrosion, a camera inspection offers clear answers and helps prevent recurring clogs. If you’re dealing with stubborn or repeated drain issues, don’t settle for guesswork—call Specialty Plumbing and Drain today to schedule a professional video camera inspection.

What Is Traditional Drain Cleaning?

Traditional drain cleaning methods are the most common first step when a clog disrupts your home’s plumbing. Tools like plungers, handheld drain snakes, or professional augers are designed to break up or pull out blockages so water can flow freely again. In some cases, plumbers may also use hydro jetting—high-pressure water streams that blast away grease and buildup inside the pipes.

These approaches can be effective, especially for simple blockages caused by hair, food waste, soap scum, or grease buildup. They often provide quick results and get your sinks, showers, or toilets working again in a short amount of time.
However, traditional drain cleaning has limitations. It clears the immediate obstruction but does not show why the problem happened in the first place. If the issue is deeper in the sewer line, caused by root intrusion, collapsed pipes, or hidden corrosion, a cleaning alone may only provide temporary relief. Without knowing the root cause, you may find yourself calling for service again and again as clogs return.

At Specialty Plumbing and Drain, we provide both professional drain cleaning and advanced video camera inspections. That way, if a clog points to something more serious, we can identify the real issue before it turns into a costly repair. If you’re experiencing frequent or stubborn clogs, don’t just treat the symptom—contact Specialty Plumbing and Drain today to schedule a professional evaluation.

What Is a Video Camera Inspection?

A video camera inspection is one of the most advanced tools available in modern plumbing. Instead of guessing what’s causing a blockage, a plumber inserts a small waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable directly into your pipes or sewer line. As the camera moves through the system, it sends a live video feed to a monitor, allowing both the plumber and the homeowner to see exactly what’s happening inside the pipes.
This process can reveal a wide range of hidden problems, including:

• Tree root intrusion that has broken through or blocked a pipe.
• Cracks, breaks, or collapsed sections of pipe.
• Severe grease or scale buildup restricting water flow.
• Misaligned or deteriorating joints in older plumbing systems.
• Lost items (like jewelry) accidentally flushed into drains.

The biggest advantage of a camera inspection is accuracy. Instead of tearing up flooring, walls, or landscaping to search for the problem, the plumber can locate the issue with precision and recommend the right solution. This means fewer unnecessary repairs, lower costs, and long-term peace of mind.

At Specialty Plumbing and Drain, we use state-of-the-art camera technology to give homeowners clear answers and real solutions. Whether you’re dealing with recurring clogs or suspecting a bigger problem in your sewer line, a video inspection is the fastest way to get to the truth. Contact Specialty Plumbing and Drain today to schedule a camera inspection and see exactly what’s going on inside your plumbing system.

Key Differences Between the Two Methods

While both traditional drain cleaning and video camera inspections are valuable plumbing tools, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction helps homeowners know when a simple fix is enough—and when a deeper inspection is necessary.

1. Clarity vs. Guesswork

Traditional drain cleaning clears clogs but doesn’t explain why they keep coming back. A video camera inspection shows the exact cause, whether it’s roots, corrosion, or a broken pipe.

2. Temporary Fix vs. Long-Term Solution

Snaking or hydro jetting may get your drains flowing again, but the problem could return in weeks. With a video inspection, you can address the root issue and prevent repeated service calls.

3. Cost Efficiency

Drain cleaning is usually less expensive upfront, but repeated clogs can add up quickly. A camera inspection provides an accurate diagnosis, saving money in the long run by avoiding unnecessary work.

4. Peace of Mind

When you see the inside of your pipes on a live video feed, there’s no guessing about what’s really going on. Homeowners gain confidence knowing exactly what repairs are needed—and what isn’t.

At Specialty Plumbing and Drain, we often use both methods together: drain cleaning to remove immediate blockages, followed by a camera inspection to ensure the system is healthy. This approach provides relief now and protection for the future. If your clogs keep coming back, don’t settle for temporary fixes. Call Specialty Plumbing and Drain today for a complete solution with video camera inspection.

When Should You Choose a Video Camera Inspection?

Not every clogged drain requires a video inspection, but there are situations where this tool is the smartest choice. Knowing when to request a camera inspection can save you from costly and repeated plumbing headaches.
You should consider a video camera inspection if:

• You have recurring clogs – If the same sink, toilet, or shower keeps backing up even after cleaning, there’s likely a deeper issue in the line.
• Multiple drains are slow at once – This often points to a problem in the main sewer line, not just a localized clog.
• You smell foul odors from drains – Persistent sewer gas smells can indicate leaks, cracks, or blockages hidden in the pipes.
• You are buying or selling a home – A camera inspection is one of the best ways to confirm that the plumbing system is in good condition before closing.
• You suspect root intrusion or pipe damage – Trees and shifting soil can wreak havoc on underground sewer lines.
• You’ve had major landscaping or construction work done – Heavy equipment or digging can sometimes damage underground plumbing without you realizing it.

Video inspections provide the clarity homeowners need to make informed decisions. Instead of treating symptoms, you’ll know exactly what’s wrong and how to fix it.

At Specialty Plumbing and Drain, our licensed plumbers use advanced video equipment to quickly locate hidden plumbing issues and recommend the right solution. If you’ve noticed recurring clogs, sewer odors, or slow drains throughout your home, don’t wait—schedule a video camera inspection with Specialty Plumbing and Drain today.

Get Lasting Peace of Mind with a Video Camera Inspection in Roswell

Clogged drains are frustrating, but the solution isn’t always as simple as a quick cleaning. Traditional drain cleaning can clear blockages, but without knowing the cause, problems often return. A video camera inspection provides a clear view inside your pipes, helping homeowners avoid guesswork, repeated repairs, and unnecessary costs.

At Specialty Plumbing and Drain, we combine professional drain cleaning with advanced video camera inspections to deliver accurate, long-term solutions. Serving Roswell and the greater North Atlanta area, our team gives homeowners the confidence of knowing exactly what’s happening inside their plumbing system. Don’t settle for temporary fixes—call Specialty Plumbing and Drain today to schedule your video camera inspection and protect your home’s plumbing for the future.