Plumbing SOP Example

Main Drain Cleaning & Camera Inspection

Hydro-jet cleaning of main sewer line with camera inspection and root intrusion documentation.

1. Pre-work assessment & accessLocate cleanout access — main cleanout is typically within 5 feet of building foundation on the main sewer line. If no exterior cleanout is present, access through the closest interior fixture trap or add a temporary cleanout. Confirm line size with homeowner (3", 4", or 6" most common for residential). Ask about backup frequency, fixtures affected, and any known repairs or known tree locations near the sewer line.
2. Initial snake & debris clearingRun 3" cable with appropriate cutting head from cleanout toward the street connection. Feed cable slowly — do not force past resistance, as this can push debris further or damage a broken pipe section. If cable meets resistance at consistent distance, note the footage for correlation with camera inspection. Retrieve cable and inspect cutting head for root material, grease, or debris type — this informs the hydro-jet strategy.
3. Camera inspection — condition assessmentInsert camera from cleanout and advance slowly while recording. Note all defects by footage: root intrusion at joints, offset or collapsed pipe sections, grease accumulation, or pipe material transition points. Document root intrusion footage and approximate severity (light, moderate, or extensive per NASSCO PACP scale if applicable). Stop camera at blockage point — photograph and note depth and location on site sketch.
4. Hydro-jetting — root and grease clearingSelect nozzle type: rotating root-cutting nozzle for root intrusion, penetrating nozzle for grease. Set pressure appropriate to pipe material and condition — typically 2,500–4,000 PSI for residential lines. Do not jet in a known collapsed or severely offset section — high pressure can worsen structural damage. Advance nozzle slowly while jetting. Multiple passes may be required for heavy root intrusion or years of grease accumulation.
5. Post-jet camera verificationRe-camera the full line after hydro-jetting to confirm the line is clear and to reassess any structural defects that may have been obscured by debris. Verify flow at each lateral connection. Capture footage of all previously noted defects at the same footage markers. If structural issues are identified (offset joints, cracked pipe), note location precisely for potential spot repair or pipe lining recommendation.
6. Report & homeowner documentationExport camera footage video to customer-friendly format (USB or email link). Prepare written report including: line size and material, access point used, footage and description of all defects found, clearing method used, current line condition, and recommendations for any follow-up repair. Advise homeowner on root treatment options (copper sulfate or foaming root killer) and recommended inspection frequency. Leave written report and video with homeowner before leaving.