Before sewer camera inspections, plumbers relied on guessing where a sewer line issue might be located and then excavating the front yard in hopes their guess was accurate. Now plumbers can look deep within a home’s plumbing system all the way into the sewer line without touching a backhoe and can not only pinpoint the exact location of a sewer line issue but thoughtfully plan and execute a solution based on real-time data.
In this article, we will look at what a camera inspection is and its purpose as we reveal the signs frequently associated with sewer line problems. We will identify the varying issues that bog down sewer lines and discuss the many benefits of opting for a sewer line inspection instead of excavation should you be faced with diagnosing sewer line misfortunes.
What Is A Sewer Camera?
A sewer camera is a specially designed waterproof video camera attached to a long, flexible cable. The camera has strong LED lights to illuminate the interiors of plumbing pipes and sewer lines as the cable is inserted and pushed down long stretches of plumbing pipes. The majority of pipes inspected using a camera are hidden from view either behind walls and ceilings or beneath the ground.
What Is The Purpose Of A Sewer Camera Inspection
Although used in all types of plumbing pipes, in this article, we will be focusing on sewer lines. The purpose of a sewer camera inspection is to avoid costly excavation work, end the guessing game of where a problem might originate, and give an accurate assessment of the condition of the sewer line.
How A Sewer Camera Works
The trained and experienced technician threads the cable into the sewer line and sends real-time data back to a receiver that pinpoints the location of a problem, such as a crack, collapse, or misalignment of the sewer pipes due to shifting soil. This data is then examined, and a solution is devised to correct the problem. This eliminates any guesswork and ensures the technician has a thorough understanding of what was once invisible to the eye.
Common Signs Of A Failing Sewer Line
The sewer line is where every fixture and appliance drain carrying wastewater ends. It is the last stop before waste is sent either to the public sewer system to be treated or to the on-site septic tank. Here are 10 common signs you are experiencing a sewer issue, and none require more than awareness.
Backups
When a sewer line collapses, becomes blocked, or is somehow compromised, the wastewater it was meant to expel stops flowing. If enough time passes, the wastewater will eventually reverse direction and begin flowing out of drains within your living spaces. This is a sure sign of sewer line failure.
Slow Drains
As stated, all drains lead to the sewer line, and before a backup occurs all of the drains in your home will be slow to empty.
Smelly Drains
As debris accumulates in your drain pipes the clogging material can begin to smell as it starts to deteriorate. Bad smells can also come from gases emanating from your faulty sewer line.
Clogged Drains
Drain pipes can become clogged due to improper disposal of waste materials. A common culprit of which many are unaware are items marketed as ‘flushable.’This false advertising is used as a ploy to sell more products, but it is ruining sewer lines as profits soar.
Increased Water Bills
Clogged sewer lines place undue pressure on pipe joints, causing them to loosen. Loose joints promote leaking, to which the increase in water bills can be attributed.
Pooling And Sinkholes
When a sewer line is compromised, the wastewater leaks out of the line, soaking the nearby soil. As the leak continues, the water eventually rises to the surface, causing sewage pools to form. If enough wastewater escapes, soil erosion can lead to sinkhole formation.
Pest/Rodent Infestation
Leaking sewage is a smorgasbord to rodents and pests seeking hydration and nourishment. If you suddenly notice you are being overrun by pests, assume you have a sewer line break.
Lush Lawn And Landscaping
Escaping sewage not only feeds rodents it feeds the landscaping materials nearby. If you see lush lawn areas or some trees far outperforming others, you may have sewer issues.
Ways A Sewer Line Can Be Affected
As you have seen, there are many indicators of sewer line failure, from clogged drains to pooling sewage in your yard. Here are some other ways a sewer line can be affected.
Broken, Collapsed Or Misaligned Lines
Driving heavy equipment over a sewer line can cause it to be crushed, and sudden movements in the surrounding soil from earthquake activity or nearby construction can push sewer pipes apart. An opening in a sewer line can let in rodents, tree roots, or dirt and debris, all causing their own special type of misery.
Aging plumbing pipes can deteriorate as they come in constant contact with wastewater and toxic gases and can cause sewer lines to completely collapse.
Bellied Lines
As soil erodes from leaking pipes, the support they once offered is eliminated, leaving portions of a sewer line to sag. A sagging section of pipe is known as a bellied pipe, and it, too, collects dirt, debris, and solid waste leading to sewer issues that can be detected with a camera sewer inspection.
A sewer camera inspection can accurately diagnose all of these conditions.
Benefits Of A Sewer Camera Inspection
Fast And Accurate Diagnosis
Hiring us to complete a camera sewer inspection will ensure your issue will be identified and repaired quickly, and time is of the essence when dealing with sewer line problems.
Evaluates Entire System
Not only will our trained technicians be able to uncover the root of your sewer line issue, they will also be able to evaluate the condition of your entire plumbing system leading to early repairs of problems just beginning to develop.
Less Costly
A sewer camera inspection saves money since messy excavations and future reinstallation of patios, driveways, and landscaping can be avoided, and future problems can be minimized.
Increases Property Values
Producing a document from a licensed professional stating your sewer line is in good working order will help facilitate the sale of your property and give credibility to you as one who maintained their property should you decide to list your home.
Limits Future Service Calls
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which also applies to your sewer line. Regularly scheduled inspections will reduce the number of future service calls you will need to make, saving you money!
Looking For A Sewer Camera Inspection?
Sewer camera inspections are the right method to address the many problems to which sewer lines are prone. They are also great ways to proactively take care of your sewer system, giving you the comfort and peace of mind every homeowner deserves.
Call us today to schedule a sewer camera inspection and join our long list of valued and satisfied customers.