What is a Drain Camera Inspection?
Drain camera inspection is a plumbing tool for inspecting, locating and diagnosing problems within a drain system without the need for traditional digging and excavation. An important, yet often overlooked, part of home maintenance, a drain camera inspection can help a homeowner identify seemingly mysterious leaks and diagnose blocked drains, helping to prevent costly repairs or damage.
Benefits of a Drain Camera Inspection
Having a drain camera inspection performed gives homeowners several benefits. Firstly, it is a non-invasive method of determining the cause of a mysterious leak or drainage issue. By inspecting the drainage systems with a live video feed, plumbers can accurately identify the problem and provide a viable solution.
Secondly, the process of drain camera inspection is non-destructive. High-resolution footage gathered in the inspection can detect any deficiencies that are found within the plumbing and sewer lines, allowing technicians to make the necessary repairs without having to dig up the affected area using heavy machinery.
Thirdly, a drain camera inspection is significantly less expensive than blindly investigating a mysterious leak. Homeowners no longer have to worry about being completely unaware of what the problem is and spend a large sum of money to dig in order to find out the cause of the leak.
Signs That You Need A Drain Camera Inspection
There are a number of signs that indicate homeowners may need to get a drain camera inspection. One of the most common indicators is if there is an unexplained leak in or around the home’s drainage system. In addition, strange noises coming from pipes or drains can also be a sign of a blockage and could benefit from being checked with a drain camera.
Other signs that may necessitate a drain camera inspection include sewage backups, slow draining sinks and toilets, strange odors emanating from drainage systems and an increased water bill. In any case, it is best to call a professional plumber to properly diagnose the issue.
What Happens During A Drain Camera Inspection?
The process for a drain camera inspection is surprisingly simple. A drainage camera is lowered down any pipes or drains that need to be inspected, and captures the footage with the help of a camera attached to the end of a cable. This allows the technician to examine the insides of the drainage system in real-time, making it easier to identify the source of a mysterious leak or drainage issue.
Once the source of the issue has been identified, the technician can advise the homeowner on the best course of action to take. This may involve non-intrusive methods or repair, or replacement of a section of pipe that has been damaged or blocked.
Maintaining Your Drains
Once the cause of a mysterious leak has been identified and the necessary repair works have been completed, homeowners should take a few steps to ensure that the drains and pipes remain in good condition. For example, avoid pouring grease, oil, coffee grounds or other solids down the sink, and avoid flushing non-biodegradable products down the toilet. Instead, homeowners should make sure to use strainer over the sink and shower drains and cover the toilet bowl flusher with a guard to catch potential clogs.
It is also important to be aware of any changes in plumbing or drainage systems, such as an increase in water bills or slow draining pipes. If these signs are detected, homeowners should not hesitate to contact a licensed plumber or arrange for service.
Conclusion
Drain camera inspections are an essential part of home maintenance and can be used to identify and diagnose mysterious leaks and drainage problems. Homeowners who are experiencing symptoms of an issue should not hesitate to call a professional plumber near you to arrange an inspection. Furthermore, homeowners should also be aware of necessary steps they can take to ensure that their drains and pipes remain in top condition.