The best way for plumbers to figure out what’s happening with your sewer line is by using a camera inspection. A clear picture will allow them to determine if your sewer line can be cleared with a snake or water jet and the blockage’s source.
Invading Tree Roots
Thirsty tree roots are drawn to the water and nutrients that flow through a sewer line pipe. Even a tiny crack or loose joint in the tube allows the roots to penetrate it, leading to frequent clogs and costly repair bills. The vapor produced by hot wastewater in your pipes also attracts the roots. The vapor escapes into the excellent soil around the pipe, where the roots can sense it. Then, the roots slowly creep into the broken pipes, clogging and damaging them. One of the methods of sewer inspection is using a camera. When a plumber uses a camera to inspect your sewer lines, they can see the extent of the damage and recommend a course of action.
In many cases, the plumber will recommend root infiltration prevention services. These are more cost-effective solutions than fixing the damage once it becomes severe. Regular inspections can also help identify a sagging line, which can cause frequent clogs as waste builds up in the weakened areas of the pipe. Depending on the location of the hanging pipe, it may be easier to replace the entire line rather than just repairing or replacing parts.
Blocked Drains
A sewer camera is the plumber’s best friend when identifying what’s behind a blocked drain. This handy tool is designed to withstand water, push through obstructions, and provide a real-time picture of the pipe on a monitor. A clear view helps a plumber determine if a simple sewer snake is needed to clear the blockage or if you need a more extensive repair service like a pipe replacement. A professional can also use the camera to see what’s causing those weird bubbling sounds from tub, shower, and sink drains. These bubbles indicate that the line is narrowing and could lead to a big problem.
In addition, the camera helps determine the material makeup of your sewer line. Older pipes made from porous materials like clay are prone to breaking down or clogging with roots and surrounding dirt. This information can help you consider replacing the lines with newer PVC pipes to avoid future problems. A thorough camera inspection can also reveal the location of your sewer line, which is helpful if you’re planning to plant trees or build an outdoor project near the bar.
Hairline Cracks
In the past, finding sewer line problems meant a plumber digging up your yard and making educated guesses about what might be causing blockages. Now, with a camera inspection, your plumber can see exactly what’s going on inside the pipes and quickly identify the issue so they can figure out how to repair it.
Even if your sewer lines are in excellent shape, years of sending waste down them can still cause them to sag or bow underground. When that happens, solid waste can get caught in the sagging section of the pipe, leading to regular blockages. A video inspection can show plumbers where the problem is so they can decide if it’s better to dig up and replace that section of pipe or try a less invasive method like pipe relining.
Sediment Buildup
It’s easy for things that should stay on the drain to build up over time. Grease, chunks of food, disposable wipes, and other items that should be thrown in the garbage can block your sewer line. A camera inspection can help locate these blockages so your plumber can get to work on them. A sewer line camera inspection can also help your plumber determine what kind of pipes you have. Many older homes have clay pipes, while newer ones have cast iron.
A plumber can use the results of your camera inspection to determine if you need to consider replacing your old clay pipes with more unique, durable cast iron pipes. Getting to the root of your sewer problems can save you money in the long run. It can also help your plumber find a less invasive way to fix them. Historically, locating sewer problems often required digging up parts of your yard to dig down the sewer lines. Thankfully, this is no longer necessary with competent sewer line camera inspections.
Pipe Shifts
A sewer camera inspection allows a plumber to diagnose problems that could be happening with your piping system. These cameras are thin enough to fit into almost any pipe, and they project crystal-clear footage onto a monitor that allows the plumber to view conditions inside your lines in real-time. This can help them find the source of the problem and determine how to proceed with drain cleaning or pipe repair without digging up your yard.
Over time, a buildup of soap scum, hair, debris, and more can cause your pipes to narrow and restrict flow. This can lead to many issues, including sewage backing up into your home and clogged drains. A video inspection can show the plumber what is causing the problem so they can recommend a suitable fix. Other problems that a sewer camera can diagnose include sagging pipes, which can cause blockages when waste gets stuck in the weakened area of your pipeline.
A plumber can use the results of a sewer camera inspection to recommend a repair method like cured-in-place pipe relining or pipe bursting that will save you money on costly repairs.