Video Inspection of Stormwater Pipelines

Video Inspection of Stormwater Pipelines

Video inspection of stormwater pipelines is essential to understand the real condition of drainage networks, especially when there are infiltrations, ground settlement, recurring blockages or structural issues in buried pipes.
In these systems, problems are rarely visible at the surface — and an external visual check is not enough to identify the root cause.

At REVIPOX, we carry out technical video inspections of stormwater pipelines using HD cameras and robotic systems, allowing accurate and well-founded diagnostics to support maintenance, repair or trenchless rehabilitation decisions.

Why stormwater pipeline inspection requires a specific approach

Stormwater pipelines have different characteristics from domestic wastewater systems.
They are typically:

• buried

• larger in diameter

• subject to high water volumes

• exposed to soil movement, roots and settlement

For this reason, inspection requires robust equipment, strong lighting and sufficient image quality to identify not only obstructions, but also structural defects.

The importance of HD image quality and rotating camera heads

In stormwater networks, many issues appear on the pipe walls, at the invert or in connection areas between pipe sections.
With high-definition cameras and rotating heads, we can:

• identify cracks and early-stage ruptures

• detect soil or root infiltration

• observe deformation, ovalisation and partial collapses

• assess poorly sealed or deteriorated joints

• distinguish deposits from real structural damage

Image quality is decisive to avoid incomplete or incorrect diagnoses.

Inspection for maintenance vs inspection for rehabilitation

Not all stormwater inspections have the same purpose.

Inspection for maintenance

Recommended to:

• check the general condition of the network

• locate blockages

• plan preventive cleaning

When a rehabilitation-oriented inspection is required

Essential when:

• there are infiltrations into basements or foundations

• recurring failures or ground settlement occur

• a rupture or displacement is suspected

• trenchless rehabilitation is being considered

In these cases, the inspection must provide enough detail to decide whether the pipeline is suitable for rehabilitation and which method should be used.

Technical reports to support decision-making

Our stormwater pipeline video inspections include:

• full HD video recording

• images of critical areas

• precise location of anomalies

• technical assessment of pipe condition

• intervention recommendations (cleaning, localized repair, rehabilitation or replacement)

When required, reports can follow standards such as EN 13508-2 and are compatible with professional inspection software.

When should you request a stormwater video inspection?

• infiltrations in basements, garages or foundations

• dampness or odors after heavy rainfall

• ground settlement

• frequent blockages

• ageing or unknown networks

• planning of rehabilitation or construction works

A detailed inspection avoids blind interventions and reduces future costs.

Technical diagnostics to protect buried infrastructure

At REVIPOX, stormwater video inspection is part of a broader technical process designed to extend the service life of drainage networks, minimise excavation works and ensure well-informed decisions.

Seeing clearly inside the pipe is the first step to solving the problem correctly.