A sewer camera inspection can be one of the easiest and quickest ways to diagnose an issue within your sewer and plumbing system. A high-resolution camera allows a plumber to examine the insides of your lines and pipes to prevent preliminary digging or disruption. By inserting the camera into the sewer line, it allows a plumbing expert to see potential blockages, cracking, or corrosion within the pipe. Today on the blog, we want to talk a bit more about the process, why someone might need it, and how you can get one done.
Let’s talk about cameras in your poop pipes!
What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
It is as simple as it sounds! A sewer camera inspection is just a means of allowing a plumber to get inside your pipes without breaking down any walls or digging up the yard. Not unlike a different type of poop pipe inspection, a colonoscopy, a tiny (not as tiny) camera is fed through your (homes) pipes to send a live video back to the plumber to detect and diagnose potential issues your home or business is facing. Once inside the pipe, the plumber captures footage and feeds the camera throughout the system to make sure everything is ok, or to figure out why it isn’t.
Why Would You Get a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Not unlike a healthcare situation, the reason would probably either be preventative or reactionary. Either you have symptoms of something being wrong (slow drains, foul smells, backups) or you just want to make sure everything is ok to avoid trouble down the line. Because the issues are often felt so deep within the system, sewer issues often go completely unnoticed until it’s too late. This is why checking your sewers regularly is something you should consider as a homeowner. (or becoming one!)
If it’s your first time buying a house or you’re considering waiving a home inspection, a sewer inspection is something you might want to consider. Some real estate agents may push you into moving quickly without checking on things like the sewer line, but it’s important to know that your sewer is free from obstruction and in good condition, or you could be faced with a significant bill in the future.
What Can a Sewer Cam Find?
One of the most common findings rendered by a sewer camera inspection is a blockage. This is where you may have had a slow drain in the kitchen or bath that wouldn’t clear. Over time, and especially without preventative care, things like soap scum, hair, grease, and food can get stuck in the lines that force water to be stopped and possibly back up into your home.
Tree roots are another common issue that can be spotted by using a sewer camera. Tree roots can cause blockages, cracks, or full-on collapses in your pipes.
Corrosion is another thing that can be spotted on camera. Sometimes, especially in older Buffalo homes, old metal pipes can corrode over time, thus causing failure in the form of weakness or potential collapse. By getting eyes on the corrosion and spotting the potential locations of weakness, you can take action prior to a potentially serious (and expensive) failure. A crack in a pipe can lead to leaking, water damage, and big issues (sinkholes!) if left untreated.
What Can I Expect during a Home Sewer Inspection?
If you were to have a plumber come out and perform a home sewer inspection, the tech would arrive and find the best access point to insert the camera. This is usually a clean-out access pipe or a drain in your home. Typically, it’s just going to give the best view of the sewer lines. They will feed the camera into the pipe and move it around the various corners to see a real-time view of the inside of your pipes. They will assess for damage, clogs, tree roots, misalignment, corrosion, cracks, and other signs of issues.
Depending on the size of your plumbing system and the severity of the issue that you may be facing, the sewer inspection usually takes only around an hour or two. Just a few minutes to get the camera set up, and inspect all the proper sections. In the event that a problem is discovered, it may require a bit more time to fully examine the area and consider the best course to take. If it’s a mere routine inspection to look for any minor issues, it shouldn’t take too long at all. You should receive a nice report from the tech once the inspection is complete, and proof of the footage and potential issues so you’re fully aware and educated on the process.
If you suspect potential issues with your sewer line in Kenmore, Amherst, Tonawanda, Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, or a surrounding WNY area, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are experts in drain cleaning and sewer repair. We can come take a look and we will figure out what you need to do for the right price.
