Modern technology has taken the guesswork out of drain and sewer line inspections. Instead of excavating your backyard in search of clogged sections of your sewer line, you can use video cameras to locate and fix blocked pipes. Video camera inspections are fast and non-intrusive. Besides locating clogs along your sewer line, video cameras can also identify other faults that may affect wastewater drainage in the future. Below are three crucial things to assess during a video pipe inspection.
Nature of the Sewer Clog
Video inspections don't just reveal clogs in the sewer line—they can also identify the nature of the clogs. Common causes of drain clogs include grease, hardened bathroom tissue, inorganic substances, and tree roots. These substances may require different drain unclogging techniques.
For example, you can unclog hardened bathroom tissue using drain jetters. However, if tree roots have broken the pipe, you need to remove them and patch up the damaged pipe. Therefore, assess the video footage to determine the type of clog and the best technique to fix it.
Condition of the Piping Material
The common materials used to make sewer lines are PVC, concrete, steel, clay, and copper. Old sewer lines may suffer deterioration due to corrosion, cracks, and age-related wear. If you have an older home, it's crucial to assess the condition of the piping material during the inspection. Cracked or corroded sewer lines may block often, forcing you to undertake frequent cleanings.
If your piping isn't in excellent condition, repairing it can improve wastewater flow and reduce the occurrence of clogs. Luckily, with modern drain repair techniques such as pipe relining, you don't have to worry about extensive excavation work during the repair process.
Signs of Poor Installations
The footage from the inspection can reveal signs of poor-quality work. Mistakes during installation or repairs can increase the risk of clogs and pipe wear. Below are some common sewer line installation mistakes:
These mistakes can cause frequent clogs in your sewer line. For example, if the piping is installed below a high-traffic area or above poorly compacted soil, it can sag, leading to poor drainage. Similarly, joints along the sewer line can trap debris and cause clogs. Therefore, you may need to repair or re-route your sewer line to prevent future blockage.
Video camera inspections not only identify sewer clogs but also reveal underlying problems that may cause future blockage. Assess the condition of your sewer line and undertake repairs to improve wastewater drainage.