A wide-angle sewer camera can make a defect close to the lens look larger than it appears farther away. The cable distance on the screen tells you where the camera traveled along the line. It does not measure the width of a crack or how much of the opening is blocked.
Ask what size is known
Have the technician identify the pipe diameter if known and explain how they estimated the size of the defect. Ask for a clip from more than one distance. If the report includes a measured opening, ask how the measurement was obtained.
Use the measurement to compare proposals
Give each contractor the same footage and notes. Ask how the remaining opening affects access for cleaning or repair. If the size could not be confirmed, record that limitation before approving work based on an estimate.
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