How A Sewer Video Inspection Finds What’s Wrong Underground
Are you struggling with repeated sewer backups or slow drains? It can be frustrating, especially if it’s the same issue over and over again. In fact, you may have tried to DIY your drain cleaning or even had a plumber out to clear the line before, only to find yourself in the same situation a few months later. Usually, when something like this happens, your plumber will recommend a sewer video inspection to identify the cause of the issue. However, if you’ve never had a sewer camera inspection before, you may be wondering what it involves and whether it’s worth the extra cost.
For homeowners in Parkland, Florida, a sewer video inspection can help you remove the guesswork when it comes to identifying problems hidden underground. Instead of assuming where the problem stems from or unnecessarily digging up part of your yard to investigate, a camera will provide a clear view inside the sewer line.
So, What Exactly Is A Sewer Video Inspection?
In a sewer video inspection a small waterproof camera that’s attached to a flexible cable, is inserted directly into the sewer line. As the camera moves along the pipeline, it sends a live video feed to the plumbing technician. This allows them to see the interior of the pipes and look for signs of damage, blockages, and other concerns.
A plumbing technician is not only licensed and insured but is also trained to interpret what they see during the inspection and can determine whether something inside the line, or even if it’s the line itself, is contributing to your drainage problems. This is not something you should ever attempt to DIY, on the off chance you make it worse.
An inspection of your sewer line can help identify not only what is causing the problem, but also exactly where it’s located. This can be helpful if you’ve been dealing with repeated draining problems or sewer backups and previous attempts to fix it have only provided temporary relief.
Keep in mind that a drain may seem to work normally when you remove the initial blockage. However, the underlying cause of the problem remains. A sewer video inspection can help identify what is causing the issue before it leads to another backup.
What Can A Sewer Camera Find?
The main benefit of a video inspection is that it will show you the issues inside the underground pipeline, without you having to excavate the property. Depending on the condition of your sewer line, the camera can discover several different concerns.
Root Intrusion
Tree roots will always seek out moisture in the earth and grow towards it. If a sewer pipe has a small crack, opening, or loose connection, roots can find their way inside. Once inside the pipe, they will continue to grow and trap toilet paper, waste, and other debris. This will cause recurring blockages.
The video inspection will show if roots have entered the pipe and how extensive the root intrusion has become. It’s important, as removing the roots can provide temporary relief, but if the damage to the pipe remains, roots will grow back towards it.
Blockages and Buildup
Not all sewer problems stem from damage to the pipe. Grease, debris, foreign objects, and other materials can build up inside the line and restrict the flow of wastewater. A video inspection will help distinguish between a blockage that needs to be cleared and a more serious concern affecting the pipes. This will help determine if additional repairs are needed instead of constantly clearing the blockage. It can also help you learn what you should avoid sending through your sewer lines.
Pro-tip: Never actually flush “flushable” wipes. They don’t disintegrate as well as they should and can contribute to additional blockages or material buildup in your sewer line.
Cracked, damaged, or collapsed pipes
All sewer lines can deteriorate or become damaged over time. Age, shifting soil, corrosion, and more can contribute to cracks and other structural concerns. In more serious cases, part of the pipe may have become crushed or collapsed, which prevents wastewater from flowing through the line. These types of problems are not always obvious from inside the home, especially if the visible signs are limited to slow drainage or occasional backups.
Bellies in the sewer line
A sewer line needs a slope to allow wastewater and waste to flow through the pipe. A belly happens when part of the line sinks, creating a low section where water and debris can collect and pool. As time goes on, material can build up in this “belly,” leading to slow drains and blockages.
Why Guessing Will Lead To Digging In The Wrong Place
The biggest challenge with underground sewer issues is that the initial signs aren’t always indicative of where the problem actually is. For example, wastewater could back up into a bathroom inside the home. You may think, problem solved: “I know where the issue is, right?” Wrong; the actual cause could be further down the line out in your yard and caused by a belly you didn’t know existed.
Guessing will lead to unnecessary digging, disruption to your life, and repairs being carried out in the wrong location. This is not only a waste of time for you, but also a financial drain you could have avoided with a sewer video inspection. It helps determine where the problem is and ensures that your plumbing technician can advise you of the most appropriate next steps.
Is A Sewer Video Inspection Worth It?
While not necessary for every single slow drain or clog in your home, it can be worthwhile if you’re repeatedly dealing with the same issue.
You’ll want to consider a sewer video inspection if you’re experiencing:
- Repeated sewer backups.
- Multiple slow drains throughout your home.
- Constantly clogged drains, even after they’re cleared.
- Strange gurgling sounds from your drains.
If a problem keeps coming back, repeatedly clearing the line without understanding the cause can become both frustrating and expensive. A video inspection can help determine if you’re dealing with a simple blockage or something more significant.
What Happens Next?
After the inspection is completed, the findings will help determine what the next steps need to be. In some cases, it’s a simple matter of clearing a blockage. In others, it could discover one of the previously mentioned issues, such as a belly, root intrusion, or more, which requires more extensive work. The benefit of making use of a sewer video inspection is that recommendations for your sewer drain repairs will be based off on actual findings, rather than guesswork.
Is A Drain Video Inspection Worth Doing Before Buying A House?
If you’re considering buying a home, whether it’s a new build or an older home, a sewer video inspection is worth considering before closing. If the underground sewer line is impacted, it’s not something that is visible during a standard walkthrough of the property. Even if plumbing appears to be working normally at the time, there could be unseen issues present.
Finding a sewer problem before closing can give you a better understanding of the property’s condition and the potential repairs that may be needed. Remember, the cost of an inspection can be relatively small compared to discovering a significant underground problem after purchasing the home.
Sewer Video Inspections With Magical Plumbing
Your home is one of the biggest assets you will ever have. Ensuring regular upkeep and preventative maintenance will help you protect your asset for future generations; a sewer video inspection can help you locate the exact cause and area of an issue before it becomes a major problem that impacts the value of your home.
Whether you’re dealing with recurring drainage issues or considering a sewer video inspection before buying a home, understanding the condition of the line with the help of Magical Plumbing will ensure you can make an informed decision about your next steps.
See the problem, know the solution. To find out more information or to schedule a service, contact us today at 954-688-9214.