Plumbing companies provide repair, installation, and maintenance services to keep plumbing systems in good shape. Plumbers use video camera inspections to explore pipes, drain lines, and sewer tanks for signs of cracks, clogs, and other problems. Here is more about what a video camera inspection can do for your plumbing system:

What Happens During a Video Camera Inspection?

The tool plumbers use for video inspections is made of a small video camera attached to the end of an auger line with a signal transmitter. The plumber has another device on the surface that shows the camera view and a locator device that reads the signal transmitter. To start an inspection, a plumber finds the best spot to insert the camera line; near the suspected problem area is the preferable starting point. Slowly, the plumber inches the auger deep into the pipeline, looking for any signs of trouble. Once the clog, crack, or leak is found, the location is marked to easily find the problem area later on. The camera line is retracted and the plumbing company can make repairs or install replacement parts.

What Can Plumbing Companies Do with a Video Camera Inspection?

Video camera inspections are useful when the exact location or source of a plumbing issue is unknown. Here are a few ways a video camera can help during an inspection:

Locate Clogs

Pipes can become clogged from grime buildup, foreign objects, and soap scum. Liquids poured down drains will drain slowly or back up. This creates an unpleasant odor and can lead to more problems later on if left untreated. Some clogs happen deep within pipelines. In these cases, plumbers use video camera inspections to locate the clogs. The inspections show what is causing the clog so plumbers can choose the right method to clear the pipes. 

Locate Cracks, Breaks, and Tree Roots

Signs of cracks and breaks include hearing running water, an increased water bill, and pooling water in the yard or carpet. You may also smell an unpleasant odor, find mold, or have worse water pressure. Drain lines and waterlines run throughout the home and in the yard, so plumbers use video camera inspections to locate the cracks causing the leaks. 

Properties with trees are at risk of roots infiltrating piping, commonly leading to major leaks. Without a video inspection, plumbers have to guess the location of the tree root breach. They may need to dig up your yard or open walls. By using a camera, plumbers can accurately determine the location of the tree roots and decide the best course of treatment, saving time and money. 

Explore Sewer Tanks

Properties that use sewer tanks require occasional upkeep to keep working properly. Sewer tanks can become clogged, overfull, or cracked. These sewer problems can worsen quickly if not taken care of immediatly. Problems can include flooding in the space above the tank, leaking bad smells, and releasing sewer gas. Plumbing companies use video camera inspections to detect problems within the sewer system. Plumbers also inspect sewer tanks to check for fill level as a preventative measure. Including video camera inspections when doing maintenance tasks, saves property owners from having to deal with sewer repairs and their associated costs. 

Determine Piping Locations

Property owners who want to do renovations on or under the lawn, such as adding an in-ground sprinkler system or adding onto a building, need to know where the existing pipes lay. Construction crews may need to adjust the piping to accommodate new plumbing in a house addition, and should know which areas to avoid when digging and how far they can dig down. Plumbing companies use video camera inspections to locate the exact positioning of the underground pipework. This allows contractors to safely work on the property without fear of damaging any pipelines. 

Schedule a Video Camera Inspection

Plumbing systems are comprised of intricate pipelines, fixtures, and fittings that work together to provide buildings and homes with clean, healthy water and strong, even pressure. When problems occur, plumbing companies utilize video camera inspections to make accurate diagnoses of clogs and leaks. They are also useful for the exploration of sewer tanks and pipework underground. For property owners who want to know more about their pipes, schedule a video camera inspection with a qualified plumber.