A drain camera inspection servicecan reveal hidden problems in your plumbing system. Using specially designed waterproof cameras, skilled technicians can see inside your pipes without digging or causing damage.
A sewer camera inspection helps identify the root cause of plumbing issues such as clogs, leaks, or slow drains. This technology allows experts to examine your sewer lines and other pipes from the inside, giving a clear view of problems like tree roots, broken pipes, or blockages that would otherwise remain hidden.
Video technology can provide accurate diagnoses and targeted solutions that save you time and money. Our professional team is equipped to handle inspections for residential and commercial properties, ensuring your plumbing system works properly.
Understanding Drain Camera Inspection
Drain camera inspection technology helps identify plumbing issues without destructive digging. This modern approach allows for the accurate diagnosis of pipe problems using specialized waterproof cameras.
Basics of Camera Inspection
A drain camera inspection involves sending a small, waterproof camera into your drain or sewer pipes. The camera is attached to a flexible rod that can navigate through the twists and turns of your plumbing system. As the camera moves through the pipes, it transmits real-time video to a monitor where we can see exactly what’s happening inside. This technology works in pipes ranging from 2 to 36 inches in diameter.
The inspection process is non-invasive and doesn’t require digging up your yard or breaking through walls. We simply insert the camera through an existing access point, such as a drain opening or cleanout.
Benefits of Using Cameras for Sewer Lines
Camera inspections provide a precise diagnosis of plumbing problems, so we can identify the exact location and nature of issues like cracks, blockages, root intrusions, and pipe collapses. This precision saves time and money by eliminating guesswork. Instead of digging up multiple areas to find a problem, we target the exact spot that needs repair.
Camera inspections are especially valuable for older homes where pipe conditions may be unknown. The technology also proves useful during home purchases. A sewer line inspection can reveal potential problems before you buy, potentially saving thousands in unexpected repairs. The documentation is also important for future insurance claims to show the condition of pipes before and after repairs.
The Drain Camera Inspection Process
A drain camera inspection involves several precise steps to accurately identify pipe problems. We use specialized waterproof cameras to see inside your pipes and locate issues without invasive digging.
Pre-Inspection Steps
Before we begin a camera inspection, we take several preparatory measures. First, we locate the main access points to your sewer or drain system. This usually means finding cleanout plugs or removing toilet fixtures to gain entry to the pipes. We then prepare the specialized waterproof camera equipment, ensuring all components function properly, including the camera head, flexible rod, and monitoring screen.
In some cases, we may perform a preliminary cleaning of the pipes. This helps remove obvious debris that might obstruct the camera’s view. A partially cleared pipe allows for a more thorough inspection and better visibility of potential problems.
During the Inspection
We carefully insert the flexible camera rod into your drain or sewer line. The camera head is equipped with bright LED lights that illuminate the pipe interior, providing clear visibility even in completely dark conditions.
As we push the camera through the system, real-time video appears on our monitor. We can see everything inside your pipes, including cracks, tree root intrusions, grease buildup, and foreign objects. The camera can travel through pipes of various diameters and navigate through bends and turns.
Our technicians note the exact locations of any issues using a radio transmitter in the camera head. This allows us to mark problem spots above ground for precise repairs later without unnecessary digging.
Post-Inspection: Interpreting Results
After completing the inspection, we will review the recorded video footage with you, identifying all problem areas and explaining what we’ve found in clear, understandable terms.
We provide a detailed report of the inspection results, including:
- The exact location of any damages or blockages
- The severity and extent of the problems
- Photo or video documentation of the issues
- Measurements showing how far into the system problems exist
Based on our findings, we recommend appropriate repair options. These might range from simple cleaning to pipe relining or replacement. Our transparency helps you understand exactly what’s happening in your sewer system and make informed decisions about necessary repairs.
Common Issues Identified by Drain Cameras
Drain camera inspections reveal several common problems that might be lurking unseen in your plumbing system.
Identifying Clogs and Blockages
Tree root intrusions are one of the most frequent problems we discover during camera inspections. Roots naturally seek water sources and can penetrate tiny cracks in pipes, eventually creating significant blockages.
Grease buildup presents another common issue in household drains. Over time, cooking oils and fats solidify along pipe walls, narrowing the passage and catching other debris. This creates stubborn blockages that standard snaking often can’t fully remove. Foreign objects also frequently cause clogs. Items like toys, hygiene products, and household objects can become lodged in pipes.
Additionally, mineral deposits and scale accumulationgradually reduce pipe diameter, especially in areas with hard water. These formations appear clearly on camera inspections, helping us determine appropriate cleaning methods.
Structural Defects in Sewer Lines
Cracked or broken pipes represent serious plumbing concerns, and these defects allow water leakage and soil infiltration, potentially leading to more extensive damage. Camera inspections reveal the exact location and severity of these cracks. Meanwhile, bellied pipes occur when sections of pipe sag due to ground settling. These low spots collect waste and water, creating recurring blockages.
Pipe corrosion gradually weakens plumbing, especially in older metal systems. Advanced corrosion appears as rough, uneven surfaces or complete deterioration of pipe walls. Another issue is misaligned pipe joints that create gaps where roots can enter and debris can collect. These joint problems often result from shifting soil or poor installation. Our cameras help us locate these precise trouble spots.
Choosing a Drain Camera Inspection Service
When choosing a drain camera inspection service, certification and experience should top your list. We recommend selecting technicians with at least 5 years of experience and proper plumbing credentials. This ensures they can accurately identify issues in your pipes.
Equipment quality matters significantly, and your chosen service should use high-resolution cameras with adequate cable length for your property’s needs. These cameras should provide clear imaging of your pipes’ interior conditions.
Customer reviews and testimonials offer valuable insights, so look for services with consistent positive feedback about their thoroughness and honesty. Pricing should be transparent, with no hidden fees.
Get in touchto speak to us about our drain camera inspection service and the costs involved.
