Every call we take at The Sewer Inspection Company has a story, but this one has become a team favorite — partly because of the unusual problem, partly because of the challenge, and partly because of the unexpected “aha” moment that solved it.
It all started when an independent school district maintenance team called us in desperation. Six toilets in one of their restrooms were down, and they had already tried their own tools and methods to get them running again. Most were back in service — except for one stubborn fixture that simply wouldn’t flush properly no matter what they did.
The school’s maintenance crew suspected it might be a deeper sewer issue, but they weren’t sure. Because we specialize in professional camera-based sewer inspections, they brought us in to get to the bottom of it — literally.
Step 1: On-Site Assessment
The first thing we did was check all six toilets. Five flushed fine after basic clearing, but toilet number six was still jammed. That told us the blockage wasn’t in the shared line — it was likely inside the toilet itself.
We tried plunging. Nothing. We tried snaking. Still nothing. At this point, the maintenance crew was watching with curiosity — it wasn’t behaving like any normal clog.
Step 2: Removing the Toilet
With standard methods failing, we pulled the toilet from the floor to check for an obstruction. From the outside, it looked fine. Inside the porcelain trapway, still nothing visible. It was the kind of puzzle that leaves even seasoned plumbers scratching their heads.
Step 3: Calling in the Camera
This is why The Sewer Inspection Company exists. We brought out our high-resolution sewer inspection camera, normally used for inspecting underground sewer lines, and decided to send it up through the bottom of the toilet.
Within moments, the mystery was solved — the camera revealed a bright blue ball wedged deep in the trapway. It was perfectly positioned so it couldn’t be seen from either end, and it was stuck tight. Without the camera, there was no way to know exactly what we were dealing with.
Step 4: The Extraction
Finding it was one thing; getting it out was another. It took careful maneuvering and patience to dislodge it. Finally, with the toilet flipped upside down, the blue ball rolled free. Problem solved.
The moment we reinstalled the toilet, it flushed like new. Six out of six toilets working — mission accomplished.
Why the School Called Us in the First Place
The reason the school’s maintenance team brought in The Sewer Inspection Company was simple: they knew they needed the right tools and the right expertise. A standard plumber might have replaced the toilet entirely, but our camera inspection confirmed the problem, provided proof, and led to a quick and cost-effective fix.
It’s a perfect example of why we’re called in for hard-to-diagnose plumbing problems. Whether it’s a commercial building, a school, or a home, our process is the same:
Diagnose with precision Show the customer the exact problem Solve it efficiently