A Brief Guide to Sewer Camera Inspection
Sewer video inspection is a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses specialized waterproof cameras to examine the interior of sewer lines. It provides real-time, high-definition footage of the pipe's condition, allowing plumbers to identify and locate issues without unnecessary excavation. This guide will discuss sewer camera inspection, including signs it’s needed, what problems it can catch, and its advantages.
Signs to Get a Sewer Video Inspection
Recognizing when to schedule a professional sewer video inspection can help avoid issues from worsening and causing more costly problems and damage. For example, a clogged sewer line can lead to sewer line leaks. Certain warning signals from the plumbing clearly indicate a problem with the sewer line that a camera inspection can be used to accurately diagnose.
Slow draining throughout the home’s drains is one of the most common indicators of sewer line issues, often a sewer line clog. Unusual gurgling sounds coming from toilets or drains, foul smells from the drains, and water or sewage backups from drains and toilets also signal sewer line clogs or problems.
Unexplained patches of unusually lush, green grass in the yard, unusual puddles or wet areas in the yard during dry weather, and bad sewage smells around the property can also indicate a damaged or leaking sewer pipe, and that a sewer line camera inspection is needed. When recurring clogs persist despite repeated treatments, it's also time to consider deeper pipeline assessment through video technology.
Professional sewer and drain camera inspection provides the definitive diagnosis needed for effective repairs. So, scheduling a video inspection at the first sign of trouble with sewer lines can help with repairs and prevent minor issues from escalating into sewage disasters.
Issues Sewer Camera Inspection Can Catch
A professional sewer video inspection can reveal numerous hidden problems lurking beneath the property. By sending a high-resolution camera through sewer lines, technicians can identify issues that might otherwise go undetected until they cause significant damage. The camera provides real-time footage of the pipe's interior condition, so this diagnostic approach prevents costly guesswork.
One of the most common problems detected during pipe inspections is stubborn clogs. These blockages often consist of grease buildup, foreign objects, or accumulated debris that restricts proper flow. The camera can also identify pipe corrosion, where aging materials begin to deteriorate and thin out. Corrosion weakens pipes significantly. Without timely intervention, these weakened sections can fail and cause leaks.
Tree root intrusion represents another serious threat that sewer cameras can discover. Tree roots seek moisture and nutrients, which can cause them to invade sewer lines through joints or tiny cracks in sewer lines, creating more damage and clogs over time. Additionally, sewer cameras can detect structural issues like cracks, leaks, and complete pipe collapse that might explain recurring drainage problems.
Benefits of Sewer Line Video Inspection
Modern sewer video inspection technology has revolutionized how plumbers diagnose and repair underground pipe problems. This non-invasive diagnostic method uses specialized waterproof cameras to examine the sewer line's interior without disrupting a property. The high-definition footage reveals what's happening inside the pipes without any costly and time-consuming digging or excavation. This precision also eliminates guesswork completely so that repairs can be done more accurately.
Video inspection ensures the accurate diagnosis of complex sewer problems. The camera can identify various issues, including root intrusions, pipe collapses, leaks, and stubborn blockages. Furthermore, sewer video inspection footage provides a view of the condition of the pipes so people know when pipe replacement is needed and problems can be avoided. So, if sewer pipes are old and corroded, they can be replaced before the corrosion causes sewage leaks and damage.
After a sewer line repair or replacement is complete, a follow-up video inspection verifies that all issues have been properly addressed, giving homeowners peace of mind that the solution solved their sewer line problem completely. This verification step can help prevent recurring issues and ensure repairs are done correctly.
About VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc.
VanDerBosch Plumbing Inc. has more than 30 years of experience serving the Chicago area. They provide same-day service, after-hours service, and straightforward pricing. Call them for sewer camera inspection services in Chicago, IL.
