Reviews
Proudly American
Imagine if you went to the doctor with a broken bone, but instead of taking an X-ray, they just started operating to see what was wrong. That sounds crazy, right?
Yet, for a long time, that is exactly how plumbing worked. If a homeowner had a sewer problem, the plumber had to guess where the blockage was. Often, this meant digging up large sections of the yard just to locate the issue. It was messy, expensive, and inefficient.
Fortunately, those days are over. Today, we have video camera inspections.
This technology has completely changed the plumbing industry. It allows us to see deep inside your pipes without digging a single hole. In this guide, we will explain how this technology works and why it is the first step in solving major plumbing headaches.
What is a Plumbing Camera Inspection?
A plumbing camera is a high-tech diagnostic tool designed specifically for pipes. It consists of a high-resolution, waterproof camera mounted on the tip of a flexible rod.
This rod is stiff enough to be pushed through long distances of pipe but flexible enough to turn corners and navigate bends. The camera is connected to a monitor that sits next to the plumber.
As we push the camera down your drain, it sends a live video feed to the monitor. We can see exactly what is inside your pipes in real-time. We can even record the footage to show you the problem so you can see it with your own eyes.
How the Process Works?
It is a simple and clean process that usually takes less than an hour.
- Access: We find an access point, usually a "cleanout" in your yard or a drain on your roof.
- Insertion: We insert the camera head into the pipe. The camera has bright LED lights that illuminate the dark interior of the sewer line.
- Navigation: We slowly feed the rod into the line. A radio transmitter on the camera sends a signal to us above ground. This means if we find a break, we can mark the exact spot on the grass above it.
- Diagnosis: We watch the monitor to identify cracks, roots, or clogs.
What Can We Find?
You might be surprised by what is hiding in your sewer lines. Here are the most common issues we discover during an inspection.
Tree Root Intrusion
This is the number one enemy of sewer lines. Tree roots seek out moisture. If there is a tiny crack in your pipe, roots will grow into it. Over time, they form a thick net that catches toilet paper and waste, causing a massive backup. The camera lets us see exactly how bad the intrusion is.
Broken or Collapsed Pipes
Pipes can shift as the ground settles. We often see pipes that are cracked, crushed, or disjointed (where two sections of pipe have pulled apart).
Grease and Sludge Buildup
If you pour cooking grease down the sink, it solidifies in your pipes. Over years, this grease narrows the pipe until water can no longer pass through. On camera, this looks like a thick, white substance coating the walls.
The "Belly"
Sometimes, a section of the pipe sinks due to soil erosion. This creates a valley or "belly" where water and waste pool instead of flowing away. This standing water eventually causes blockages.
Lost Items
We have found jewelry, toys, and even cell phones inside drains. If you dropped something valuable down the toilet, a camera inspection is the best way to locate and retrieve it.
When Should You Request an Inspection?
You do not always need a camera for a simple clogged toilet. However, there are specific times when this service is essential.
Before Buying a New Home
Home inspectors check the roof and the electrical outlets, but they rarely check the sewer line. We highly recommend a video inspection before you buy a house. It could save you from buying a property that needs $10,000 in sewer repairs.
If You Have Frequent Clogs
If you have snaked your drain three times this year and it keeps clogging, you have a deeper problem. A camera will reveal why the issue keeps coming back.
Before Major Remodeling
If you are planning to add a bathroom or renovate your kitchen, you need to make sure your existing plumbing can handle the extra load. A plumbing inspection confirms your system is healthy enough for the upgrade.
The Benefits of "Seeing" the Problem
Why is this better than the old way?
- Accuracy: We stop guessing. We know exactly what the problem is and exactly where it is.
- Cost Savings: Because we know the exact location, we only have to dig up the specific area that needs repair. We do not have to trench your entire yard.
- Proof: You do not have to take our word for it. We show you the video so you can feel confident approving the repair.
Conclusion
Plumbing problems are stressful enough without the added worry of unnecessary digging or incorrect diagnosis.
Video camera inspections take the mystery out of plumbing. They provide a clear, visual answer to your drainage problems.
If you are dealing with a slow drain that just won't clear, or if you are about to purchase a new home, give us a call. We will deploy our cameras to give you a clear picture of what is going on underground.