Sewer pipe camera inspection is a service often advertised by plumbers. It allows a technician to diagnose a plumbing problem quickly and has revolutionized how they do their job. Combined with trenchless pipe and sewer line repair, it helps avoid extensive digging and demolition. You might already know its benefits, but do you know how a technician in Troy, MI uses a camera for plumbing problems?
How a Sewer Line Camera Works
The camera is small and waterproof. It must be compact enough to fit through narrow pipe diameters. Attached to a cable, it is inserted into a fixture or access point similar to a drain snake. There may be small motors in the cable that feed it through the sewer line, or the plumber continuously feeds the cable into the line from a manual or automated drum/reel.
Meanwhile, bright lights on the camera light up the inside of the pipe. The camera sends a feed via the fiberglass cable or wirelessly to a small video screen, as it’s fed through every twist and turn. As it does, the plumber watches the footage in real time, and you might be able to as well. They can determine what is blocking the pipe, whether it is damaged, and identify the exact location of the issue as the camera constantly tracks its location.
What Does a Camera for Plumbing Problems Find?
The video feed can show anything that is blocking the pipe. This can be a solid object accidentally flushed down the toilet or clumps of paper or grease. Your plumber can immediately see if tree roots have gotten into the pipe and have grown inside it. It’s also possible to find evidence of ground shifting, cracks, or pipe collapse.
If a recent utility project contributed to the damage, a sewer inspection camera can find subtle evidence of that. The footage can be used to work with your utility company in completing repairs. But it’s not always that professionals use a camera for plumbing problems. Camera technology is often used for plumbing inspections, especially when someone is buying a new house and wants to evaluate the condition of the property.
A sewer camera inspection can also be used to locate sewer lines (when you’re not sure where they are), what they’re made of, and how they’re connected.
What Types of Sewer Cameras Are There?
There are numerous brands, makes, and models on the market. Usually, modern sewer line cameras are remote-controlled and can be rotated. They have powerful LED lights and are attached to handheld color LCD monitors. There are even smaller versions that are affordable for homeowners on a moderate budget. Depending on the model, it may have a 65-foot, 100-foot, or longer cable. Some budget-friendly cameras are just a few hundred dollars, but we recommend allowing a professional plumber to do a more thorough, careful evaluation (their cables are usually much longer than consumer units).
Call Hoover to Schedule a Camera Drain Inspection
We use advanced sewer line cameras for plumbing problems that can navigate pipes from two to 36 inches in diameter. Residential sewer lines are often located under inches of concrete and feet of dirt. Sewer camera inspections can therefore save a great deal of time and effort. Fortunately, Hoover in Troy, MI provides a wide range of repair solutions and can fix leaks, cracks, collapsed pipes, frozen pipes, and much more as well as provide backflow prevention, sump pump, water heater, and drain services. Call 586-371-7722 to schedule your appointment or request a free estimate.
