Sewer problems can turn into backups and costly repairs if you don’t address them quickly. Finding the root cause of any blockage is crucial to fixing the problem with a lasting solution. That’s why sewer camera inspections are so important. They can pinpoint cracks, clogs and root intrusions, saving you time and money in many ways.
How Sewer Camera Inspections Work
A sewer camera inspection involves placing a small, waterproof camera into the sewer line via a cable. The flexibility of the cable allows the camera to bend around corners and navigate through tight spaces. As the camera moves through the pipe, it sends back a live video for the plumber to watch.
The pro can see exactly what’s going on inside the pipe, like corrosion, cracks or root growth. The camera can even spot collapsed sections of the sewer line. The whole process is fast, clean and doesn’t require any digging.
Pinpointing the Exact Location of Clogs and Cracks
One of the worst parts of sewer line problems is the amount of time it takes to locate cracks, clogs or collapsed sections. The longer it takes to find the problem, the worse the damage from the backup will be. The issue becomes even harder to solve when the plumber has to use trial-and-error methods.
With a camera inspection, you get a clear, immediate view of the blockage or damage so that the plumber can quickly identify the exact location. This means there’s no time spent snaking random sections of the pipe. Instead, the plumber can go straight to the problem area and use a targeted solution to fix the issue.
Identifying Tree Root Intrusions Early
Tree roots love finding their way into sewer lines via small cracks. Root intrusion is especially common in older clay or concrete pipes. It can lead to major problems, like loose joints, leaks and severe blockages. When the intrusion gets bad enough, it’ll even cause whole sections of the pipe to collapse.
A sewer camera will look deep into the sewer line to spot the exact location of any tree root intrusions. The plumber can treat the roots or replace the damaged section of piping, avoiding costly backups.
Confirming the Condition of Pipes Without Digging
In the past, the only way to see what was going on with underground pipes was to dig into the yard. Today, with a sewer camera, we can look inside the pipes with no digging at all. As you can imagine, this saves a lot of time and money by avoiding messy excavation. You’ll be able to know the condition of your sewer line without the hassle of tearing up your landscaping.
Avoiding Repeated Service Calls
Sewer line services, including inspections, repairs and replacements, can get expensive really fast. If a plumber doesn’t know what they’re doing or doesn’t use a sewer camera, they might have to make repeat visits.
You may find yourself paying double or triple what it would cost with the right diagnosis upfront. Sewer cameras help you avoid repeat visits by identifying the root cause and choosing the right fix the first time around. This means you won’t have to worry about paying for the same repair twice.
Mapping Out the Sewer Line for Renovation Projects
When renovating or adding onto your house, you may need to update the plumbing. This is common for renovations like kitchen remodels or bathroom additions that require new drains or water lines. All of the modifications the plumber has to make will go much smoother if they know exactly where the sewer lines are.
A sewer camera inspection can map out the entire line to reveal the exact layout and depth. This is paramount to avoid hitting pipes when digging. The map will also prove useful when planning new connections or rerouting pipes. All in all, accurate mapping saves time during construction and works wonders for avoiding expensive mistakes.
Verifying Repairs Were Done Correctly
When a plumber performs a sewer line service of any kind, it would be nice to know they did the job correctly, right? With a sewer camera, this becomes possible. The inspection will catch missed damage or poor workmanship so you can request repairs before bigger issues develop. If the work was performed effectively the first time around, you’ll have proof, which can be useful for warranties or selling the home.
Preventing Damage to Landscaping and Driveways
A sewer camera inspection lets plumbers identify problems without any digging. However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be any digging to repair the damage or clog. The camera inspection locates the issue so that the plumber digs only where needed.
This translates into less damage to your yard, landscaping and driveway. It also means a faster project timeline because the plumber won’t waste time searching for the problem area. You’ll spend less time fixing your yard and more time enjoying it.
Spotting Early Signs of Pipe Corrosion
As time goes by, sewer lines can develop rust and corrosion. This is particularly problematic for pipes made of metal or cast iron. If you don’t get the rust and corrosion repaired fast, it can turn into leaks, backups and pipe failure.
Sewer cameras spot the early signs of corrosion so that a plumber can take action before the damage worsens. They’ll know exactly where the rust is to treat it with descaling tools or chemical solutions. If they notice significant corrosion on certain sections, they can replace the affected parts.
Improving Accuracy in Budgeting Repair Costs
It used to be hard to determine how much a sewer repair was going to cost. A plumber would have to guess at how bad the damage was and how long it would take to fix. Sewer camera inspections take the guesswork out of pricing and developing a project scope.
A plumber will have a clear picture of what’s wrong and how to fix it. They’ll be able to provide you a detailed estimate of the work so that you can budget accordingly. Having a clear view of the project’s timeline makes it much easier to plan ahead and avoid missing work. You won’t have to deal with unexpected disruptions or last-minute changes to your routine.
Should You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection Every Year?
Here at Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we highly recommend yearly sewer camera inspections. Even if nothing is wrong with your plumbing, there might be early warning signs of damage that could potentially cause problems. For example, if there is a small crack in the pipe, this could lead to a major leak or collapse.
A camera inspection will let us find any and all hidden issues so we know whether to repair or monitor them. If we spot any damage, we’ll address it right away so the problem doesn’t keep getting worse.
Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is a go-to provider of sewer camera inspections in Lexington, KY. We also offer water heater services, bathroom and kitchen plumbing, drain cleaning and more. Call Bryant Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric now to access the most reliable sewer and plumbing services in Lexington.
