Not all plumbers are old-school. Ask if a plumbing camera can help make your pipes’ problem easier to fix.
Today’s plumbers have a lot more in their arsenal than a standard plumbing snake and a couple of wrenches. Utilizing high-tech tools like drain inspection cameras, these professionals can turn to cutting-edge technology when they’re working to get your pipes clear and free-flowing once again. So if you’re experiencing what seems to be a major problem with your home’s sewer drain, call in the pros with the latest tools to help get your pipes cleared out in the most effective, least disruptive way.
Video pipe inspection utilizes a special waterproof camera connected to a long spool of wire, not all that, unlike a plumbing snake. This small camera is specifically designed to be able to pass through drain pipes, withstanding the harsh conditions to provide a clear picture, even through standing water. To locate a problem, your plumber will thread the camera into your pipes, usually through a sewer cleanout, uncoiling the wire as the camera passes further down the pipe. As the camera moves through your plumbing, the technician will be able to see the interior of your pipes on a small video screen. In this way, a pipe inspection can precisely locate all types of problems, including:
* Blockages and buildup
* Root intrusion
* Pipe damage such as cracks and breaks
In the majority of cases, once your plumber has discovered where the problem lies, he or she will be able to resolve the issue without digging up your yard or tearing up your floor. In cases of root intrusion or blockages, often scouring out the pipes with a hydro jet (pressurized water) technique will eliminate the problem, all from the inside of the pipe.
Using a plumbing camera to locate the problem doesn’t always mean that the issue can be solved without excavation. For example, in the case of a sewer drain pipe that’s actually broken in two, the line will need to be replaced. However, by using a sewer line camera to pinpoint the damaged section of pipe, your plumber will be able to dig up this specific spot, rather than excavating the entire line in search of the issue. This helps streamline the whole process and minimizes the damage to your yard that will be required to get your plumbing working again.
So the next time you’re experiencing a plumbing backup or drain problem, ask your local plumber if a video pipe inspection might be right for your project. You may be surprised at how much faster, easier, and less invasive fixing your pipes’ problem maybe when you have a sewer line camera on the job!