Why Your Plumber May Use a Drain Camera Inspection

If you have a drain problem, a drain camera inspection can help investigate what’s causing the issue. Blocked drain pipes are often the cause. By inspecting drains with a camera, your plumber can see exactly what is causing the problem and create a plan to fix it. The plumbing experts at IronClad Plumbing & Gas Blue Mountains are explaining the advantages of inspecting a drain with a CCTV.

Advantages of inspection with a drain camera

A drain camera is inserted into the pipe through a utility hole or other access points. Attached to it is a thin wire that sends images and sounds back to the operator. This allows the technician to see exactly what is happening inside the pipe and pinpoint the exact location of the problem – making it easy to locate roots, collapsed pipes, or other damages using GPS technology.

An inspection with a sewer camera is a cost-effective way to locate problems without digging up your entire yard or driveway. Without disrupting your routine, you can easily save time as well as money.

How to perform a CCTV drain inspection

Your plumber will first want to know where the problem areas are. They will then look at the drains to determine the best course of action.

Your technician will run a long, camera-equipped line through your drain to get a real-time view of the inside of your pipes. This information is sent back to your plumber or technician in real-time, allowing them to see the problems immediately and develop solutions quickly.

A report will be provided by the plumber after the completion of the inspection encompassing the problems in detail as well as suggested solutions.

FAQs About Drain Camera Inspections

Why will my plumber recommend a camera inspection?

If there have been repeated backups in your sewer line, or while using a cable machine in order to clean the line if any sort of oddness is detected, a sewer line camera inspection is probably the next step. Camera inspections can uncover all pipe problems in your home or business – from root masses blocking drainage to old, collapsed pipes, misaligned sections, or damaged pipes. A camera inspection will reveal the problem.

While using a camera for drain inspection, here are the benefits you will notice

The first reason is to save time. Repairing a pipe problem as quickly as possible will prevent further damage to your home or business. Delays in repairs can cause major damage that can be difficult and costly to resolve. A plumber can quickly identify the problem with a camera so you can proceed with the repair. 

You can save money on repairs with a camera inspection of your sewer lines. Your plumber can fix the problem efficiently and cost-effectively by accurately identifying it. In addition, with a camera inspection, your plumber can pinpoint the exact location of the problem, eliminating unnecessary digging. 

Why is it recommended to book a drain inspection before buying a home?

A building inspection can give you an idea of the condition of your drains. Still, it’s important to remember that building inspectors typically do not have the specialised equipment or knowledge to perform a thorough drain inspection. Most building inspectors can only check easily accessible and visible drains from the surface. Without a CCTV camera, it is impossible to know with certainty what condition your drains are in.

A few hundred dollars for a drain inspection is a small price to pay compared to the cost of fixing a major drain problem down the road. So take the time to thoroughly review your reports and ensure you are aware of any potential risks before proceeding with your purchase.

When to schedule a drain inspection

Different companies have different ways of inspecting drains and sewer lines. Some will use a snake-like device to make sure the pipe is clear, while others will clean the pipes as part of the inspection process. This helps to identify any potential clogs, but it cannot detect cracks or leaks in the pipe – cameras are needed for this. Cracks and leaks are common in outdoor pipes, such as the main sewer line, because they can be caused by settling ground or tree roots impacting the pipe.

Having your drainage system inspected at least once a year is important. This will help keep your home in good condition and prevent severe damage if a problem is not discovered and fixed early. 

If your system is visibly causing problems, it is imperative to schedule an inspection as soon as possible. For example, if your toilets and drains are working slower than usual or there is a detection of a clog in the main sewer, it is necessary to have a good inspection.