How Does a Sewer Line Inspection Work with Cameras: Complete Overview
What Is a Sewer Line inspection with Cameras?
Sewer cameras or video pipe inspections is a technique a plumber will use to diagnose why you’re having sewer pipe damage or a backup. Which is why you as a homeowner should be familiar with how these inspections work.
How Do Sewer Line Cameras Work?
The main goal of a sewer camera to see what is causing a backup or blockage without digging up your yard. Pipe replacements and sewer repairs can be costly. These cameras can help you avoid an expensive repair.
Sewer line cameras are tiny flexible cameras that are attached to a snake-like cable. Your CCTV technician then feeds this cable through the sewer pipe until the cause of the clog of the break in the line is reached.
The camera has a radio transmitter. This shows the technician exactly where the blockage is.
Types of Sewer Problems a Sewer Line Camera Might Find
A sewer line camera can find pretty much any possible plumbing problem in your sewer line. Here are some common ones:
Tree Root Infiltrations
These are the most common with old pipes that are made out cast iron, clay or other material that is porous materials. Tree roots often seek water sources as they grow, so if they find a crack in your sewer pipe, they will grow into it so they can get the water inside.
Cracked, Broken, or Collapsed Pipes
Because the camera feeds along your pipe, the technician can see if the pipe has collapsed, become damaged or shifted.
Major Blockages
Other times your pipes could be in perfect condition, but years of flushing things down these pipes causes a buildup of gunk, grease, and paper.
Sagging or Bellied Sewer Lines
When part of your sewer pipe sags, then waste will get caught into these bellied sections which lead to blockages.
Types of Sewer Pipe Repair and Replacement
If your technician finds the cause of your sewer line back-up then you may have some different ways you can address this issue.
Traditional Sewer Repair & Replacement
If it’s discovered that your sewer line is bellied, collapsed or sagging, then you will only be able to do a traditional repair. In this situation, a plumbing company will dig a trench in your property, uncover your sewer line and replace or repair the section of your pipe that is causing the problem.
This method can cause damage to other parts of your property such as driveways, landscaping or concrete walkways.
Trenchless Sewer Repair
For all other issues, you’ll have the option of a trenchless sewer repair which is much less invasive as it does not need any trench digging to fix the problem. Instead, small access points are made in the damaged pipe and the problem is fixed that way.
Fix Your Sewer Today
Now that you know what sewer line inspection is, get this done today. If you’re having plumbing issues a sewer line inspection with cameras can save you a ton of money, so don’t wait. For more information on pipeline inspections, contact us today!
