A lot of things can go wrong with plumbing. Whether it’s a backed-up pipe, a clog in a drain, or worse, finding the best solution depends on diagnosing the problem. That’s where pipeline video inspection comes in.
More traditional forms of pipe inspection, like excavating around buried pipes to find the source of a problem, tend to be very invasive and can lead to property-damaging accidents. Pipeline video inspection is a relatively new technology that reduces the invasiveness, potential damage, and time needed to complete an inspection.
How Video Sewer and Pipe Inspection Works
A camera is mounted on a swivel-head with lights attached to the end of a cable. Using an opening in the pipe that needs to be inspected, the device is inserted and pushed forward using a remote-control rig.
The camera uses flexible fiber optic technology to be able to transmit high-quality video even if it’s twisting and turning in the pipe. This video is observed by the plumber in real time so that the source of the problem, like the point where a root has broken into the pipe, can be identified as fast as possible. A recording of the inspection should also then be available for the client to keep.
Why and When to Perform A Video Inspection
If you have a length of pipe or a sewer which is difficult to excavate around, or if there is a concern over being environmentally friendly, a video inspection would likely be the best call. The cameras come in a variety of sizes, so almost any pipe can be inspected.
If the problem facing the user is not easy to distinguish from the outside, getting an inside view with video inspection should do the trick. While this service may seem more expensive because of the higher technology required, the alternative of more invasive and time-consuming inspection often becomes more costly than the video option.
Using cameras can help find the exact cause of damage to sewers and pipes, including:
- Pipe cracking
- Offset joint pipes
- Corrosion, and other deterioration over time
- Poor installation or previous repair efforts
- Accidental puncturing
- Severe blockage by grease buildup, root intrusion, etc.
- Earthquake damage
A video inspection might also be in order when checking if pipes are up to code or when trying to find potential weak points for future problems.
This kind of procedure is best left to the professionals. If you live near the North Houston area and feel like a video sewer or pipe inspection would benefit you, call Rooter-Man at 281.351.4422, where 60 years of plumbing experience meets customer-friendly, 24/7 service.
