The biggest problem when doing maintenance work on a sewer line is finding out the actual condition of the pipes without digging them up. Since sewer lines are underground, there is no easy way to access them for inspection before trying to repair the pipes.
That is the main reason why most homeowners neglect their sewer lines, says Keller n’ Jadd Management. Given that a sewer line is below ground, it is not always in the owner’s line of sight. As a result, sewer line problems are often pushed to the back burner in favor of more visible issues.
The effect of this is that sewer line problems are usually not discovered until they have reached an advanced stage. By the time the problem is noticed, it has not only done a lot of damage to the plumbing and building, but the cost of fixing it has gone up.
This can be prevented if homeowners had an easier way to access and inspect their sewer line. The traditional methods involve digging a trench to the sewer line level. As expected, this is time-consuming and unsustainable in the long term.
Thankfully, there is now an effective method for inspecting underground sewer lines that does not involve digging. This method is faster, more accurate and more affordable than traditional methods. The method is known as a Sewer Camera Inspection.
Sewer camera inspection: what it is and how it works
A sewer camera inspection uses a specialized waterproof camera that is inserted into the sewer line. The camera is attached to a flexible rod before being introduced into the sewer line via a small access hole or an existing cleanout.
After this, the operator maneuvers the camera through the sewer line, working it around any bends in the system. As it travels through the line, the camera transmits a high-resolution image of the interior of the pipes. This is received by an above-ground monitor in real time.
Using this method, the plumber can closely inspect the sewer line, taking note of the problems revealed by the camera. Along with the plumber’s notes, captured images are saved for further analysis. A final report of the inspection is prepared and sent to the homeowner.
What are the benefits of this method over the traditional methods?
Benefits of sewer camera inspection
Accurate diagnosis
A sewer camera inspection removes the guesswork from sewer line maintenance and repair. Because it permits close examination of pipe surfaces, it is possible to choose the best repair methods for the problems in the sewer line.
Pinpoint the location of problems
Along with a high-resolution image of the sewer line, the camera also provides the coordinates of the problems in the sewer line. That allows the issues to be solved with surgical accuracy.
Does not need a lot of permits
Unlike traditional methods that require permits because digging can sometimes threaten underground utility lines, sewer camera inspection is safe. As a result, it may not even require a permit.
Protects your property
Sewer camera inspection is non-invasive. It will leave your lawn virtually untouched and will not disrupt your lifestyle. With traditional methods, you may be left with a torn-up lawn, uprooted trees and damaged walkways.
Preventative maintenance
One of the best things about sewer camera inspection is it can help you prevent future sewer line problems. When sewer line inspection is done regularly, it can identify potential issues in the sewer line before they get worse.
Timely repair
Detection of problems at their beginning stages means they can be solved with less money. It also means you can avoid the cost of fixing the future damage that would have been caused by the problem.
Saves time and money
The cost of doing a sewer camera inspection is low compared to other methods. That is true of both the direct and indirect cost of the inspection. It is also true in the sense that a sewer camera inspection will help you to save time.
Versatile
This diagnostic tool is not limited to sewer lines alone. It can be used for drainpipes, sewer lines of all sizes, septic tanks and stormwater channels in residential and commercial properties.
Property inspection
When buying a new home, sewer line camera inspection can help you get the best deals. At minimal cost, this inspection can help you identify sewer line issues that were missed by the home inspector.
Improve the value of your home
When selling your home, including a recent sewer line camera inspection report can help win buyers over. By showing buyers that there are no sewer line problems to worry about, you can get a higher price for your home.
Whether repairing or cleaning a sewer line, a sewer line camera inspection can help you cut costs. It also ensures the effectiveness of your chosen sewer repair or drain cleaning method.