When you first become aware that there is a problem with your sewer line, you may already be familiar with the concept of camera inspections. You might already be aware of the symptoms of the problem before you have a full understanding of the scope of the problems themselves; in this case, a camera inspection will assist you in finding a solution to the problem. You may need to rely on a camera investigation if you are ready to diagnose the problems with your plumbing.
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How Does a Camera Work Within a Sewer Line?
A drain snake is similar to a sewer camera in that it consists of a very small and flexible camera that is attached to a cable. The plumber will use the snake to get to the area where there may be a clog or break in the pipe in the hopes that they will be able to fix the issue with as little intrusive action as is humanly possible. The snakes can twist and turn, which enables them to navigate their way through the winding path of your pipe.
When you use a camera, instead of digging up your yard to get to the bottom of the issue, you can simply look at the footage. This is one of the many advantages of using a camera. In the past, a plumber may have been required to cause damage to your property to determine why a problem continues, only to discover that the issue could have been resolved without the need for such damage.
The plumber will frequently be viewing the camera footage in real-time, which enables them to make an almost instantaneous diagnosis regarding the condition of your pipes. You don’t need to wait days or weeks for somebody to evaluate the footage and provide you with an estimate after doing so.
What Are the Advantages of Having a Camera Inspection for Your Sewer Line?
You can identify certain types of sewer problems using a camera that is placed inside a sewer line. A blockage or backup inside the pipes, for example, can be seen by a plumber with the assistance of a sewer camera. You risk having your line blocked by a variety of items, including paper and grease. If you flush the incorrect item down the toilet, you may not discover that there is a blockage in your line until several weeks or months later.
In addition, sewer cameras are very helpful for locating tree roots, which are a unique kind of clog that requires a unique approach to its removal. When there is a problem with your plumbing, the culprit is frequently tree roots. Roots that are actively looking for water have the potential to damage porous pipes and cause cracks when they do so. The removal of the tree and installation of new pipes are potential solutions to this issue.
It may take a careful camera investigation to identify the people who are the root cause of major problems because some problems are much more subtle. Your pipes can be damaged by a wide variety of things, including breaking, cracking, and collapsing. Pipes can be damaged when the ground beneath them shifts, which happens occasionally. Your plumber will be able to zero in on the precise location of the problem thanks to the information provided by the camera they are using.
If you are looking to buy a house and your real estate agent recommends that you have a plumber inspect the plumbing of your potential new home, you may want to consider having a sewer line camera inspected instead of just hiring a standard plumber. For more information on local companies that can assist you with drain camera inspection, click here.
In conclusion, camera investigations provide unique perspectives on recently completed utility projects. Human error can cause damage to your pipes; therefore, an employee of the utility company who worked on your pipes may have accidentally damaged some of your plumbing while doing so. You may be able to use the footage obtained from a camera inspection of your sewer line to negotiate with the utility company about the repairs you will need.
What Can Possibly Go Wrong?
All of these things have the potential to result in the production of foul odors, or even worse. If a sewer becomes sufficiently clogged, sewage may overflow, necessitating an expensive and unpleasant cleanup process. A dirty plumbing system can also result in dirty residues in the basement as well as wet floors in the basement after it rains. None of these things is particularly attractive in homes and may make you uncomfortable to the point where you cannot invite people over for parties and other gatherings.
In a commercial setting, sewer issues can negatively impact profit. Sewer camera inspections not only reveal the more obvious problems that were mentioned above, but they also reveal the general condition of the sewage pipes. Grime, mineral deposits, and other debris, such as hair, are some of the things that can accumulate in the pipes over time. Even though this is not a pressing issue right now, it could become one in the future if the current circumstances continue to deteriorate.
Investing in a sewer camera inspection is something you should seriously consider doing for your peace of mind, particularly if you live in an older home or have not had your sewer lines inspected in a while. Spotting a problem early on can save a ton of time and money. When compared to the cost of cleaning up a sewage spill that was caused by a backed-up drain, the cost of having your sewer line inspected is relatively inexpensive.
How Often Does One Have to Clean Out a Sanitary Disposal System?
When it comes to inspecting or cleaning sewers, there is no “one size fits all” solution. There are many different considerations to take into account when determining how frequently a sewer should be thoroughly cleaned. If it hasn’t been done already, older homes or buildings with older sewage systems should have a sewer camera inspection done on them if it hasn’t already been done. The number of people who live in a home is one factor that can influence how frequently drains need to be cleaned out. Because of the amount of hair that gets into the drains and eventually causes clogs, for instance, we know of one homeowner who has three girls who need us to clean out their drains approximately every six months.
This is because the hair eventually causes the drains to become clogged. As a side note, to stop hair and other debris from accumulating in your drains and causing backups, you should put drain screens in all of your showers and bathtubs. Paper towels, sanitary napkins, and wipes should not be flushed down toilets under any circumstances. These items were not intended to be flushed and may contribute to clogs if they are flushed down the toilet. Even if you don’t do it regularly, if you notice any of the following warning signs that your drains may be clogged, it’s a good idea to have them inspected and cleaned as soon as possible:
- The water in showers, bathtubs, toilets, and other fixtures drains slowly.
- Gurgling sounds that are not natural can be heard coming from the drains, and foul odors can be detected coming from the drains or your basement.
- If you’ve never had your sewers or drainage checked before, if you live in an older home, or as soon as you start noticing any of the warning signs listed above, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a professional.
What Steps Should You Take Next Regarding Your Pipes?
Your next move should be to speak with a plumber about having a camera inspection done on your pipes. Your plumber may use a camera to inspect your pipes rather than resort to more invasive methods.
Homeowners who are experiencing plumbing issues can receive assistance from AD Plumbing. Visit this page and contact their office as soon as possible to discuss your concerns and arrange for one of their technicians to examine your plumbing system by inserting a camera down one of your drains.