Due to the “out of sight, out of mind” concept, homeowners ignore one of the most common things is their sewer system; that is until they notice something is wrong. In some situations, the damages can be extensive and expensive because of long-term neglect. One of the most effective ways to learn about potential problems with sewer or pipeline systems is with a sewer camera inspection. When the drains in your home get clogged, there is a lot that can go wrong, and unfortunately, when these problems are ignored, they can end up costing you much more in the long run. A sewer camera inspection allows you to see a real-time feed as it’s fed underground, enabling you to see first-hand what is causing the problem and its exact location. Here are just a few of the common issues that a sewer camera inspection can help prevent.
Tree Root Intrusion
A sewer camera inspection can help identify tree root intrusion in sewer lines before the roots cause severe damage to the sewer lines. Sewage lines are typically covered in condensation and other leaking nutrients that roots crave, allowing the roots to begin growing towards the condensation and then around the pipes. This is often noticed by the presence of cracks or rising of sidewalks, driveways, and roadways. If the lines have any openings, such as small hairline cracks, the roots will eventually penetrate the sewer pipes, which causes the roots to destroy the pipelines. If you are experiencing frequent clogs or drainage backups, it may be due to tree roots.
Old or Damaged Pipes
A common cause of water contamination is hazardous waste materials from septic or sewage systems. When sewage pipes get damaged, human waste products will seep out, which ends up in the groundwater. Unfortunately, in some situations, your old and damaged pipes may not only contaminate just your water supply but the water supply of your neighbors, business, and many other areas. The groundwater around pipes often contains a range of harmful contaminants that can enter the cracks on pipes, especially when the pressure suddenly drops in the system. The contaminated water then travels through the plumbing system and into your drinking water. A sewer camera inspection can help identify potential problems, including contamination, before the issues worsen. Once the problem is identified, your plumber can repair or replace the pipes.
Clogged Drains
Typically, your first instinct when you have a clogged drain, is to grab a plunger or over-the-counter drain cleaner to flush the drain and remove the clog. In some situations, these solutions may work; however, if the clog is continually happening, it may be due to a clog in the main sewer line. If this is the problem, you may end up with extensive plumbing problems throughout your home as well as potential flooding. To prevent the risk of severe damage, you must identify a clogged sewer line and clear the clog. The drains in your home carry wastewater from the toilets, tubs, and sinks, and all of these drains lead to the main sewer line. When the sewer line gets clogged, all the drains in your home don’t work, which can lead to leaky pipes, flooding, and water backing up. You need a professional plumber to unclog a sewer line but having a sewer line inspection can help the plumber pinpoint the clog, preventing unnecessary digging and drilling.
A camera sewer inspection can be beneficial in various ways, including routine maintenance to ensure there isn’t a serious accident waiting to happen. Camera sewer inspections can help you find valuables that you’ve lost in the drain/sewer, assist in the decision-making when in the process of buying a new home, and ensure there is adequate plumbing to support water flow when you are in the process of remodeling a kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
