Inspect Full Length of Pipe

Message: Careful Inspection is required for CMP, even if the initial impression is good.

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Upon initial inspection, a conduit may appear to be in decent condition with many years of service remaining. However, a simple observation at each end of a pipe will not provide enough information to determine the condition of a pipe. A camera inspection of the full length of a pipe will provide more detail and can often be done inexpensively with an action camera such as a GoPro.

Content Courtesy of USDA Decision Analysis Guide for Corrugated Metal Culvert Rehabilitation and Replacement Using Trenchless Technology

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  24-inch corrugated metal pipe

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  A casual observer would likely assume that this old culvert is fine, but the inspector should look closely to observe the pipe’s condition.

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  Looking into the outlet using strong light

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  Camera (with leg extensions) entering outfall.

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  Inside the culvert looking upstream using CCTV

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  Inside the culvert looking upstream, 84 feet from the outfall

Note: The content on this page was originally created as part of DamOutletWorks.org (DOWL, 2018). It has subsequently been updated and reformatted as part of the Dam Safety Toolbox.
Revision ID: 3135
Revision Date: 09/15/2022