Wondering whether the problem with your plumbing is from your sewer lines? Or you’re not sure where the clog in your drain pipe is located? You can use a special waterproof camera attached to a long flexible cable to trace the issue. This is known as sewer camera inspection.
When you suspect there might be an issue with your drain pipe, such as leaks, clogs, or other plumbing issues, a sewer camera inspection can reveal to you what is going on inside the sewer line, enabling you to acquire timely and accurate solutions.
What Happens During a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Your sewer and drain specialist will insert the special sewer camera into the drain line and run the camera throughout the length of the drain pipe, including every bend or turn along the pipe. The drain specialist observes the inside of the pipe on a monitor mounted above the ground. With a trained eye, they can tell you whether you have a leak, clog, or broken drain pipe.
This way, they can better advise you on what must be done to fix the issue(s) with your plumbing. This is obviously a non-intrusive or invasive way to detect the cause of plumbing issues in your home. However, a sewer camera inspection cannot reveal every problem in your sewer line. Generally, with a sewer line inspection, you can tell if you have clogs and the location and exact depth of the clog in your sewer line.
It is also ideal for resolving other important sewer-related issues, such as tracing your sewer lines, determining the types of pipes used in the sewer line (especially important if you think the pipe’s integrity may have been compromised due to aging), and several other purposes. One thing a sewer camera inspection may not reveal to you is leaks. Leaks can be quite tricky and complicated to trace, so a camera inspection alone may not give you the best results. Ideally, you may need to carry out further investigations to ascertain whether you saw a clog or not.
The Benefits of Performing a Sewer Camera Inspection
It’s quick and accurate
One of the best things about carrying out a sewer camera inspection is that it gives you a precise result. This means that your plumber can use camera inspection as a quick way to diagnose the exact problems in the pipes accurately.
It is environmentally friendly
Sewer camera inspection does not involve any digging or excavation, unlike traditional methods of detecting, removing, and replacing faulty sewer pipes. These methods, at best, end up messing up your lawn and garden. However, a sewer line inspection to trace plumbing issues does not involve trenching.
It can help you prevent future problems
Doing a camera inspection of your plumbing can help you prevent future plumbing problems on your property. Beyond showing you stubborn clogs and compromises in your drain pipe, a sewer camera inspection can show you other issues like cracks or dips in the sewer line, root intrusion, pests, and other damages.
The cost of labor is cheaper
Traditionally, to get to your pipes, a plumber needs to dig to get at the sewer line. An impressive thing about sewer inspection cameras is that they are a perfect fit for sewer lines, and they can travel through large pipes or even very narrow drains.
When should I perform a sewer camera inspection?
Whenever you suspect internal issues with your drains, you should consider running a sewer inspection before deciding which solution is best. In fact, an experienced sewer and drain specialist knows exactly what to do after a sewer inspection.
A sewer camera inspection is ideal for both residential and commercial properties. If you notice problems in your property’s drain system, the first and most important thing the sewer and drain specialist should do when they come over is run a special sewer camera through your sewer line.
At N.W. Sewer and Drain, we use a sewer camera to detect the nature of the problem and determine the best approach to solve it. So, a sewer camera inspection is essential for resolving almost every sewer line-related issue. Keep in mind, however, that there’s a limit to what a sewer camera line can see. It cannot see all the problems in your drainage system.
To further help you understand when a camera inspection is necessary, here are some common pointers you can look out for:
- Your toilets start to make gurgling sounds: When you hear gurgling sounds from your toilet, it is a sign that something could have gone wrong in the drain pipes. It could be an unusual buildup of clogs or stubborn waste.
- Your sink drains slowly: Slow-moving drains mostly indicate obstructions or clogs in your drain pipes. With a sewer camera inspection, the drain and sewer specialist can detect this.
- Sewage backup: When you start noticing sewer backups and standing water, you need to act fast. It can either be an issue with your own system or a problem arising from multiple properties in the neighborhood.
- Foul odors coming from your plumbing system: One usual telltale sign of a sewer drainage problem is a foul odor. You can tell that the drains are not flowing out as they should because the odor of the accumulated waste makes its way from the pipes into your living space.
- Septic waste pooling in your yard: Soggy spots appearing in your yard can be an indication of broken or leaking sewage pipes. Obviously, you can tell that this is a broken pipe or damaged pipe problem. It can also result from sewer backup, but a sewer camera inspection can help you identify the exact issue.
Reliable Sewer Camera Inspection from N.W. Sewer & Drain
At N.W. Sewer & Drain, we have a reliable team of experienced sewer and drain technicians that can help you fix all your drainage issues and free clogged pipes in your home or business facilities. An essential aspect of our services is a preliminary camera inspection. This helps us advise our clients on the most appropriate solution for their sewer problems.
We currently service residential and commercial properties in Seattle, including Everett, Marysville, Arlington, Oak Harbor, Burlinton, Bellingham, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Lake Forest Park, Mountlake Terrace, Auburn and other surrounding areas. For about 20 years, we have maintained top-notch drain cleaning services. Whether hydro-jetting, or trenchless sewer pipe repair, we follow the best practices in the industry.
FAQ: Sewer Camera Inspection Explained
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What is sewer camera inspection, and how does it work?
- Sewer camera inspection is a process where a waterproof camera attached to a long flexible cable is inserted into drain pipes to diagnose plumbing issues. A specialist guides the camera through the pipes, observing the interior on a monitor to identify leaks, clogs, or damages accurately.
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What happens during a sewer camera inspection?
- During a sewer camera inspection, a specialist inserts a camera into the drain line and navigates it through the pipe, observing the interior on a monitor. This process helps identify issues such as leaks, clogs, root intrusion, and pipe damages without invasive measures.
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What are the benefits of performing a sewer camera inspection?
- Sewer camera inspection offers benefits such as quick and accurate diagnosis of plumbing issues, environmental friendliness by avoiding excavation, prevention of future problems by identifying hidden damages, and cost-effectiveness due to targeted solutions.
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When should I consider a sewer camera inspection?
- You should consider a sewer camera inspection when you suspect internal issues with your drains, such as gurgling sounds from toilets, slow sink drains, sewage backup, foul odors, or septic waste pooling in your yard. These signs indicate potential plumbing problems that require immediate attention.
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Why is sewer camera inspection considered environmentally friendly?
- Unlike traditional methods involving excavation, sewer camera inspection does not require digging, minimizing disruption to your property and reducing environmental impact. It allows for accurate diagnosis and targeted solutions without disturbing the surrounding area.
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Can a sewer camera inspection detect all plumbing issues?
- While sewer camera inspection is effective for identifying most plumbing issues such as clogs, leaks, and damages, it may not detect every problem, especially leaks. Some leaks may require further investigation or specialized equipment for detection.
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How does sewer camera inspection help prevent future plumbing problems?
- By revealing hidden issues such as cracks, root intrusion, and pipe damages, sewer camera inspection enables proactive maintenance to prevent future plumbing problems. Addressing these issues early can save you time and money on repairs.
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Is sewer camera inspection suitable for both residential and commercial properties?
- Yes, sewer camera inspection is ideal for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, a sewer camera inspection can accurately diagnose plumbing issues and provide tailored solutions for your property.
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What are some common signs that indicate the need for a sewer camera inspection?
- Common signs include gurgling sounds from toilets, slow sink drains, sewage backup, foul odors, and septic waste pooling in the yard. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to schedule a sewer camera inspection promptly.
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Where can I find reliable sewer camera inspection services?
- At N.W. Sewer & Drain, we offer reliable sewer camera inspection services for residential and commercial properties in Seattle and surrounding areas. With our experienced technicians and advanced equipment, we can accurately diagnose and resolve your plumbing issues efficiently.