Horrible Things Found in Sewers During CCTV Inspections: A Peek into the Underground

CCTV inspections are a cornerstone of modern sewer maintenance. By sending high-resolution cameras through pipes, utilities can identify blockages, structural damage, or intrusions without invasive digging. These inspections uncover not only routine issues like cracks or roots but also some truly unexpected discoveries that highlight human behavior, environmental impacts, and the resilience of sewer systems. Below, we explore the most notable—and sometimes gruesome—findings from sewer CCTV inspections, drawing from industry reports and real-world examples.

1. Fatbergs: Monstrous Masses of Grease and Waste

Perhaps the most infamous sewer discovery, fatbergs are colossal blockages formed from solidified fats, oils, grease (FOG), and non-flushable items like wet wipes, diapers, and sanitary products. These grotesque masses can grow to enormous sizes, clogging pipes and causing overflows.

• Notable Example: In 2017, a 140-ton fatberg was discovered in London’s sewers, stretching over 250 meters—longer than two football fields! Composed of cooking grease, wipes, and condoms, it took weeks to break apart using high-pressure jets. A later “autopsy” revealed insights into local habits, including high levels of hygiene products.

• Impact: Fatbergs restrict flow, leading to backups and costly cleanups. They’re a growing problem in urban areas where improper disposal of grease and wipes is common.

• CCTV Role: Cameras reveal the size, composition, and location of fatbergs, guiding removal efforts and highlighting the need for public education on proper waste disposal.

2. Tree Root Intrusions: Nature’s Invasion

Tree roots are one of the most common and destructive issues found during CCTV inspections. Seeking water and nutrients, roots infiltrate sewer pipes through joints or cracks, creating dense blockages and even causing pipes to collapse.

• What CCTV Sees: Thick, fibrous root masses filling pipes, sometimes completely obstructing flow or causing “bellies” (sagging sections) where water pools.

• Damage: Roots can crack or offset pipes, leading to leaks or structural failure. In one case, a sewer inspection revealed a deep belly caused by root pressure from a nearby tree.

• Solutions: Cutting roots with robotic tools or relining pipes (e.g., CIPP lining) can restore functionality, but ongoing maintenance is often needed to prevent regrowth.

3. Strange Objects: From Grenades to Dentures

Sewers are a magnet for bizarre items flushed or dumped by mistake—or intention. CCTV inspections have uncovered objects that range from mildly amusing to outright dangerous:

• Hand Grenades: In London, an engineer discovered an unexploded hand grenade during a sewer inspection, requiring immediate intervention by bomb disposal experts.

• Civil War Cannonball: In Indiana, USA, a CCTV inspection revealed a Civil War-era cannonball lodged in a sewer, a relic likely washed into the system over time.

• Dentures and Personal Items: Dentures, toys, clothing, and even tools like wrenches have been found, often flushed accidentally or discarded improperly.

• Why It Happens: Curiosity, negligence, or attempts to dispose of evidence lead to these odd finds. CCTV cameras help identify these items, preventing clogs or safety hazards.

4. Live Animals: Unexpected Sewer Dwellers

Sewers are dark, damp, and nutrient-rich, making them surprisingly attractive to certain creatures. CCTV inspections have captured live animals navigating or trapped in pipes:

• Rats and Rodents: Rats are common sewer inhabitants, often seen scurrying through pipes on camera. Large infestations can exacerbate blockages by accumulating debris.

• Snakes and Reptiles: In warmer climates, snakes or small alligators have been spotted, entering sewers through open drains or manholes.

• Fish and Eels: In coastal areas, marine life can enter sewers during flooding, with CCTV capturing fish swimming in submerged pipes.

• Impact: Animals can damage pipes or indicate larger issues, like open access points. CCTV helps pinpoint their entry points for sealing.

5. Human Remains: A Gruesome Discovery

In rare and chilling cases, CCTV inspections have uncovered human remains in sewers, often linked to accidents or foul play:

• Case Study: In 1989, in Japan, a teacher discovered a shoe in a toilet, leading to a CCTV inspection that revealed a man’s body squeezed through a 14-inch sewer tank opening. The unusual positioning suggested he had become trapped while navigating the system.

• Implications: Such discoveries trigger police investigations and highlight the need for secure sewer access points. CCTV is critical for safely identifying these findings without endangering workers.

6. Collapsed or Corroded Pipes: Structural Nightmares

CCTV inspections frequently reveal severe structural issues that threaten sewer functionality:

• Collapsed Pipes: Entire sections of pipe can collapse due to age, root pressure, or soil shifts, creating blockages visible only through cameras.

• Corrosion: Cast iron pipes, common in older systems, often show heavy corrosion, with CCTV revealing pitted or scaled interiors that reduce flow.

• Cracks and Offsets: Horizontal cracking or misaligned joints (offsets) are common, often caused by ground movement or root intrusion.

• Impact: These issues can lead to leaks, backups, or environmental contamination. CCTV provides precise visuals, guiding repairs like pipe relining or replacement.

7. Massive Clogs: Everyday Items, Big Problems

Beyond fatbergs, CCTV inspections uncover clogs from everyday items improperly flushed or disposed of:

• Wet Wipes and Hygiene Products: Non-flushable wipes are a leading cause of blockages, often forming tangled masses. In South Carolina, divers removed huge balls of oily wipes clogging intake pumps.

• Grease and Food Scraps: Grease solidifies in pipes, while food scraps like pasta or vegetable peels create stubborn clogs.

• Hair and Toothpaste: These household items accumulate over time, narrowing pipes and trapping other debris.

• CCTV Role: Cameras pinpoint the exact location and composition of clogs, enabling targeted cleaning with jetters or mechanical tools.

These discoveries highlight why CCTV inspections are indispensable for sewer maintenance:

• Early Detection: Cameras reveal issues like roots, cracks, or blockages before they cause catastrophic failures .

• Cost Savings: Identifying problems early avoids costly emergency repairs or replacements.

• Public Safety: Detecting hazardous items (e.g., grenades) or environmental risks (e.g., leaks) protects communities.

• Data for Repairs: CCTV footage provides detailed visuals, helping engineers choose the right solutions, from relining to pipe bursting.

Preventing Horrible Sewer Finds

Many sewer issues stem from human behavior. To reduce these problems, consider:

• Proper Disposal: Avoid flushing non-flushable items like wipes, diapers, or grease. Use bins for hygiene products and recycle cooking oil.

• Regular Inspections: Schedule routine CCTV inspections to catch issues early, especially in older systems.

• Public Education: Utilities can run campaigns to inform residents about the impacts of improper waste disposal, as seen with London’s fatberg crisis.

• Tree Management: Plant trees away from sewer lines to minimize root intrusion.

CCTV sewer inspections reveal a hidden world of horrors, from massive fatbergs and invasive roots to bizarre objects like grenades, dentures, and even human remains. These findings underscore the importance of advanced inspection technologies in maintaining sewer systems and protecting public health. By identifying blockages, structural damage, and unexpected items, CCTV cameras help utilities act swiftly to prevent backups, overflows, or environmental harm. For homeowners and municipalities alike, regular inspections and responsible waste disposal are key to keeping sewers free of these nightmarish discoveries.