The health of your home sometimes requires needs you may not expect or have ever thought of. One example of this is deciding if it is time for a sewer camera inspection.
An inspection like this can help save stress and unnecessary repairs if it is the right time for you to do so. We will take a look at a few ways you can do this and help make the right consideration for your home.
What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Many people have never heard of a sewer camera inspection or what its purpose is to even consider. The process involves a specialized waterproof camera that can snake dozens of feet into your sewer pipe to identify any issues that could harm your plumbing.
There are several scenarios that may cause you or your plumbing expert to suggest a sewer camera inspection. Understanding why and what is crucial in these situations is important, so check with your plumbing expert to explain a little more about anything you may be unsure about when it comes to this kind of inspection
Why You May Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?
There are so many reasons these days why you may need a sewer camera inspection. Everything from drainage problems to the very common tree root issues that can damage sewer pipes severely.
If you have been seeing recurring problems with water pressure or signs of leaks with no answers, a sewer camera inspection may be a good idea for you to get the answers you need.
Inspections such as this are very common and the technology with the accuracy of what is happening in your pipes has grown greatly in the past several years.
The methods of inspection are non-invasive so your property is not disrupted in any way, as well as having the option to see what is happening underground while getting an accurate assessment of your plumbing needs is more helpful than ever.
The Long-Term Benefits of an Inspection
The benefits with getting this type of inspection do outweigh the unknown stress and unanswered questions you may have with your plumbing system. Having an idea of what this means for you and the long healthy life of your plumbing is key.
A few things to keep in mind when thinking about the benefits are:
• Are you having persistent drainage issues that should be addressed now?
• Do you live in an older home that is likely to have deteriorating pipes from age or corrosion?
• Are you buying a home that may need a sewer inspection to detect any unforeseen issues?
• Have you noticed an increase in water usage on your bill with no evidence as to why?
• Have you found unpleasant odors from the drains and pipes of your home that may be a blockage or an unknown leak?
Signs Indicating You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
Yes, there are signs you may need a camera inspection, and often the smallest things get overlooked because they may seem common or just part of homeownership which sometimes can be a bigger issue.
A little home maintenance checklist goes a long way. Check for things like multiple clogged drains or slow draining that may be more than just water pressure or a hair clog.
Pay extra attention to the things you often hear or see that may have a root cause that requires a little further investigation such as:
• Water backups in and around the home.
• Tree roots exposed or near the sewer line of your property.
• Gurgling noises or other odd sounds within your pipes and fixtures.
• Noticing lush or yellowing patches of grass that may indicate a sewer leak.
The Sewer Camera Inspection Process
When you have made a decision and discussed the options with a plumbing professional, understanding what to expect when it is time for the sewer camera inspection can put your mind at ease that answers will be had and the safety of your home is in action with this process.
In a few simple steps, you will learn more about how the process occurs on the day of your inspection:
Step 1: Initial Assessment
This is where a professional plumber will start by discussing any issues you’ve been experiencing and perform a preliminary assessment of your plumbing system. This helps the plumbing professional to better understand the potential problem areas and determine the best approach for the inspection.
Step 2: Inserting the Camera
The plumber will insert the waterproof camera with a flexible rod into your sewer line through an access point, such as a cleanout or a drain. You are welcome to ask to watch the process to understand more and get a glimpse of how the technology works.
Step 3: Inspecting the Pipes
As the camera moves through the sewer line, the plumber will monitor the video feed on a screen. They will look for signs of blockages, cracks, tree root intrusions, corrosion, or other issues affecting the pipes that they can then present to you with a resolution.
Step 4: Analyzing the Footage
After the inspection, the plumber will analyze the video footage to determine the exact nature and location of any problems. They may also record the footage for further review and some plumbing services even provide you with a copy for your records.
Step 5: Recommending Solutions
Based on the inspection findings, the plumber will recommend appropriate solutions to address any issues. This is where you can make decisions on what to do next as well as plan ahead for any non-crucial needs to improve your plumbing system.
All in all, this is a very simple and efficient process to help your home. It helps get the questions answered that may be affecting your home in a negative way and also understand the complete system of your home better.
Lastly, consider the benefits of early detection, cost savings, and overall peace of mind to get your home back in healthy plumbing shape.
For any plumbing questions, reach out to Plumbing Doctor, we’re here to help you be free from worry once again.