Drain cameras used to be specialist equipment. Now most decent Melbourne plumbers have one in the van. The change matters because guessing at drain problems costs a lot more than just looking.
What a drain camera actually is
A small waterproof camera on the end of a long flexible cable. The cable feeds down through the drain inspection point. The camera sends video back to a screen and records to a USB or SD card. Most also have a location finder so the plumber can mark exactly where in your yard a problem sits.
What the camera shows
The exact cause of a blockage. Tree roots growing through joints. Collapsed or cracked sections of pipe. Built-up grease or fat. Foreign objects (toys, wipes, anything that should not be there). The condition of the pipe walls.
Why this matters
Before drain cameras, a plumber would clear a blockage with a snake or jet and hope for the best. If the blockage came back, you would call them out again. Without seeing the cause, the same fix would be repeated indefinitely.
With a camera, the plumber can tell you whether you have a one-off blockage (clear and done), recurring tree roots (need ongoing maintenance or relining), or a collapsed pipe (need to repair or relay). You can make an informed decision about how much to spend.
What a CCTV inspection costs in Melbourne
Standalone CCTV inspection: $250 to $400. Usually includes a written report with photos and the location of any defects.
CCTV plus clearing the blockage: $400 to $700.
Many plumbers (including us) offer the CCTV free or at reduced cost when it is part of clearing a blockage. The thinking is the camera shows you what is happening so you trust the quote for any further work.
What to do with the report
If you are renting, give the report to your landlord. They will probably need to organise any pipe repairs.
If you own, file the report. Future plumbers can reference it. If you sell the house, you can show that any known issues have been addressed.
What to look out for in a quote
A reputable plumber will not insist on a CCTV inspection for a one-off blockage in a single fixture. That is overkill. CCTV is most valuable for recurring blockages, main sewer issues, or before any major plumbing work.