Sewer line repair is something that no homeowner ever wants to face. Since your sewer line is the main outtake pipe responsible for removing all of the waste and grey water from your home, it needs to be in good, functional condition. When it’s not, sewage and waste water can start backing up into your home, creating a disgusting and expensive plumbing nightmare.
Sewer pipes are typically buried several feet below the ground, making diagnosing the problem without major excavation a challenge. Fortunately for homeowners, there is a solution that lets technicians determine the cause of the problem without digging up your sewer line – video sewer inspection.
Video Sewer Inspection Cameras Provide Pictures that Are Worth a Thousand Words
Since they first emerged on the market, waterproof plumbing cameras have been making a splash in the world of sewer inspections. These devices can be maneuvered through many types of pipes to find the source of the problem, whether that’s a broken pipe, a clog or tree roots growing through the line.
Plumbers have access to cameras that fit into pipes of various sizes and have the ability to zoom, rotate and pan to provide a clear view of the inside of your sewer line. These camera capture high-resolution images and video from multiple angles and transmit them in real time, allowing your plumber to quickly and accurately diagnose the problem. Radio transmitters built in to the camera record the depth and exact location of problem areas, which eliminates any guesswork.
In addition to diagnosing sewer problems, plumbing cameras can be used to locate problems in other parts of your plumbing system. For example, a waterproof plumbing camera can be used to detect hidden leaks behind walls, clogs in the main pipe system or mineral buildup that decreases your water pressure.
Repairing Sewer Problems
In many instances, the images provided during a video sewer inspection make it possible to fix the problem without digging up the line. Removing clogs, for example, is generally pretty straightforward and can be done without the mess and expense of excavation.
Breaks or tree roots in the sewer line call for more extensive repairs. Sometimes, trenchless sewer repair is a viable and minimally-invasive option, but in other situations, there simply is no choice other than to dig. By opting for a camera sewer inspection prior to having your sewer line dug up, though, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you aren’t unnecessarily excavating your yard.
Have Your Sewer Line Professionally Inspected
There are a number of things that could indicate a problem with your sewer line. The most obvious, of course, is sewage backup, but there are also a number of more subtle signs, including:
- Foul odors coming from drains
- Persistent clogged drains or toilets
- Gurgling noises from toilet bowls
- Concentrations of dense grass on your lawn
If you are experiencing any of these problems, consider hiring a plumber for professional video sewer inspection to diagnose and correct the problem before it turns into a major headache.
