Help, My Plumber Recommended a Sewer Camera Inspection!
A sewer camera inspection is often called a video pipe inspection, but they are the same thing. You see, when there is a main sewer line clogged somewhere down the line, a sewer backup, or sewer pipe damage, a sewer inspection can diagnose the problem without causing any further damage. And if your plumber has recommended the service, it is a good idea to have it done.
And if your friendly plumber at Flow Pros suggests a sewer camera inspection, he is right on point. So, let’s learn a bit about a sewer camera inspection and how it can help diagnose the plumbing issue you are having.
What is the Purpose of a Sewer Camera Inspection?
For plumbing, a sewer camera is a specific waterproof video camera on the end of a plumber’s snake pushed through a sewer pipeline to inspect various hard-to-reach pipes. Pipes that are underground, in concrete, and the home’s walls or foundation need to be examined without tearing the area up. That is a significant benefit to camera inspection.
This way, your plumber does not need to hunt and peck for the clog in your yard, walls, or driveway. That sounds like a great idea, right? Keep reading to learn even more about sewer camera inspection.
How Sewer Cameras Work
The flexible rod, called a snake, is fitted with a camera on end, which is waterproof and suitable for the job. It is pushed into the pipeline. The video stream is sent back to the monitor, where the plumber is watching for intrusion, breakage, and clogs.
These cameras also have led lights that will shine in the pipes to show any potential problems along the way. Then the location and depth of the issue are sent to the monitor to help the plumber find the precise location of the problem.
Problems a Sewer Camera Can Identify
Your sewer inspection can reveal any problems within your home’s pipes. You see, many things can go wrong deep in the ground, in your walls, and even in the foundation of your home. That is why it is essential to allow your plumber to do what is necessary to get the job done right.
Here are a few of the more common issues plumbers see with sewer camera inspections.
- Tree Root Intrusion: When tree roots cut their way into your pipes, they can cause blockage, breakage, and leaky joints.
- Aging pipes: Now, this is a problem best diagnosed with a camera. After all, you cannot tell if those pipes are aging well unless you can see them.
- Broken, cracked, or collapsed pipes Pipe damage leads to significant backup. If a truck runs over the pipe underground, shifting soil damages the pipe, or the gardener puts a shovel through the line, you have a real risk of a problem.
- Sagging sewer lines: Sagging created a bellied effect that will clog in no time. The camera can find that sage so it can be fixed before there is a more significant issue.
- Misaligned pipe sections: when the ground beneath your home shifts, the pipes can get misaligned and cause leaks and joint separations.
- Grease buildup: Do you pour grease in the sink or garbage disposal? If so, you will eventually cause a grease buildup that will form a clog.
- Obstructions: Natural obstructions can occur, but so can intentional. There is bound to be an issue when a child flushes a toy or anything but human waste and toilet paper.
- And so much more.
Signs of Pipe Damage Seen Without a Sewer Camera Inspection
There are plenty of signs you may need broken or burst pipe repair, identifiable without needing a camera inspection. Faulty piping can occur from water heater malfunction, aging pipes, and roots interfering with plumbing lines. And some pipes are more robust than others depending on the age and the materials of the pipes.
If you notice any of the below issues, please do yourself a favor and call your local plumber right away. That way, you can catch the problem before more damage is done.
- Any leak, no matter the size, is worth investigating.
- Pooling water on your lawn.
- Water stains appear on the walls, ceilings, or floors.
- Discolored, foul-smelling, or strange tasting water.
- Clogs in the pipes.
- Fluctuating water pressure in one or all of the faucets.
- Puddles under sinks.
- Increasing water bills.
- Hissing or running water sounds in the walls.
- Clanking pipes.
If you notice these red flags, you may have a broken or burst pipe. That is when your plumber may recommend a sewer camera inspection, that is, if the line that has the damage is not evident. Nevertheless, call for repair right away.
Broken or Burst Pipe Repair with Flow Pros
Within minutes, a leak can fill your home with water, and the damage begins. Call on Flow Pros Plumbing for any plumbing service, including broken or burst pipe repair. Serving the Tampa Bay area and Pinellas County is our pleasure. It is our goal to achieve total customer satisfaction and gain client trust and loyalty. No matter the plumbing issue, you can expect:
- Excellent response times
- Reasonable rates
- Easy scheduling
- Friendly customer service
- Knowledgeable and courteous technicians
Contact Flow Pros Plumbing to schedule your service today. And don’t forget to sign up for our complete Maintenance Service Plan.
Flow Pros Clears Sewer Drains So You Don’t Have To
With excellent 24/7 service, the plumbers at Flow Pros Plumbing will clean out those pipes to drain like new. And at Flow Pros, we have a couple of tricks of the trade at our disposal. Using the proper inspection tools, like those sewer cameras, can be the answer to not spending a fortune on a repair.
Contact Flow Pros Plumbing today.
Flow Pros offers professional residential and commercial plumbing services for Tampa, Brandon, Seffner, Valrico, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Palm Harbor, and customers all over Tampa Bay. We are a licensed and bonded team of professional plumbers for residential and commercial plumbing.