Sewer and drainage system issues can be difficult to diagnose without a direct view inside pipes. Plumbing pipe camera inspections are a non-invasive way to identify problems within sewer and drain lines, allowing for accurate and cost-effective repairs. Explore how drain pipe camera inspections help diagnose plumbing problems, the common issues they uncover, and how Ricky Heath’s plumbing team in Macon, Georgia, can help.
What is a Camera Inspection of Pipes?
A plumbing camera inspection is a diagnostic tool to assess your system’s pipes. These cameras allow plumbers to detect problems within drain and sewer lines that are otherwise difficult or impossible to see without invasive measures, such as significant demolition or excavation.
To inspect your home’s plumbing, your plumber inserts a cable with a high-resolution camera on the end into an access point, such as a cleanout or drain opening. The flexible cable allows the camera to travel through the lines and provide a live feed of the interior of your pipes to a monitor. By using a camera to check pipes, plumbers can assess their condition and identify any obstructions, damages, or other potential concerns.
Common Problems Found During Camera Inspections of Pipes
Camera inspections of plumbing systems can reveal various issues that may compromise integrity and functionality. Identifying plumbing problems early helps homeowners prevent costly repairs and maintain a dependable system.
1. Tree root intrusion
Tree roots naturally seek moisture, making underground pipes an appealing target. Roots can penetrate small cracks or openings in sewer lines, grow inside the pipes, and cause blockages and further structural damage to sewer lines. With camera sewer line inspections, plumbers can locate the exact point of root intrusion to streamline the repair and identify other spots vulnerable to tree roots.
2. Pipe corrosion and deterioration
Pipes may develop corrosion over time, especially those made of cast iron, galvanized steel, or copper. This deterioration weakens the pipe walls, increasing the risk of leaks, blockages, and potential collapses. Camera inspections search for signs of corrosion, such as flaking or scaling inside the pipe, rust-colored water or stains around pipe joints, and restricted water flow where corrosion has narrowed the pipes.
3. Cracks, breaks, and collapsed pipes
Severe temperatures or weather changes, shifting or eroding soil, age, and other factors contribute to pipe damage. Freeze-thaw cycles, for instance, expand and contract pipes and make them more prone to breaks, while aging pipes may become brittle and develop cracks. Left unaddressed, cracks and breaks can lead to leaks, low water pressure, water contamination, and even collapsed pipes.
Plumbers use camera inspections to visually confirm cracks or other openings. They also look for signs associated with cracks, such as debris or soil intrusion in the pipes.
4. Clogs and blockages
Various materials sometimes accumulate in pipes, leading to slow drains, unpleasant odors, and backups. Poor disposal practices can increase the risk of blockages or clogs — dumping cooking oils down the sink, for example, allows grease to build up on the interior walls of your pipes, narrowing the line and restricting water flow.
While some clogs are isolated to a single fixture and are easy to locate, problems affecting multiple fixtures typically indicate a clog in the main drain line. Since these lines are more challenging to access and assess, camera inspections help plumbers identify the exact area where debris has accumulated.
5. Misaligned or bellied pipes
Gradual soil movement may cause pipes to shift or sag, leading to misaligned sections with compromised sealing. It can also create bellied areas, where the pipe curves downward and allows water and debris to pool at a low point, disrupting normal water flow. These issues lead to foul odors, bacterial growth, and blockages.
6. Poor installation or defective materials
Faulty installation or subpar materials may lead to premature plumbing failures. Camera inspections locate improper sealing, incorrect slope angles, and other issues before they compromise the rest of your system.
How Camera Inspections Help in Diagnosing Plumbing Problems
Plumbing issues are sometimes tricky to diagnose, but camera inspections provide a modern and efficient solution. Real-time videos can assist with diagnosing a wide range of problems, such as:
- Leaks in tough-to-access areas
- Locating blockages and obstructions
- Detecting partially collapsed pipes
- Identifying mineral buildup
- High water bills
Plumbers can locate minor cracks, corrosion, root intrusion, and other concerns almost anywhere in your plumbing system before they escalate into more widespread problems. In plumbing emergencies, such as sewage backups or persistent clogs, camera inspections enable fast diagnosis and repairs that prevent further inconvenience or damage.
Camera inspections also help understand the exact nature of the problem. For example, the camera can provide a clear view of the materials that make up a blockage, such as grease buildup, tree roots, or foreign objects, to help plumbers determine the appropriate repair method.
Benefits of Camera Inspections for Sewer and Drain Lines
Locating the exact problems in your plumbing system with advanced camera inspection technology offers further benefits for homeowners.
Non-invasive diagnosis
Leak detection tools and other strategies aren’t always enough to identify plumbing system problems. Camera inspections allow plumbers to inspect pipes that are underground or behind several structures without tearing up floors, walls, or landscaping.
Preventative maintenance
Camera inspections aren’t just for active plumbing problems — they’re also an advantage for preventative maintenance services. With routine maintenance aided by cameras, plumbers identify potential problems, reduce the risk of backups and clogs, and optimize system performance. Inspections also provide a clear assessment of the overall condition of your plumbing system, helping you to proactively plan for future repairs or replacements.
Saving time and money
With streamlined camera inspections and pinpointed problems, plumbing repairs are less labor-intensive and more precise. With visual evidence and accurate diagnostics, homeowners can make informed decisions about maintenance and repair. In turn, camera inspections often translate to lower repair costs and a reduced risk of recurring problems.
Schedule a Sewer Line Camera Inspection With Ricky Heath
Camera inspections provide a clear and efficient way to identify plumbing issues with minimal disruption to your home. Whether you’re dealing with blockages, corrosion, root intrusion, or other problems, a camera inspection ensures accurate diagnosis and targeted solutions. Need a professional camera inspection? Contact us or schedule a service with Ricky Heath Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a camera inspection of pipes take?
Plumbing camera inspection timelines vary, but they generally don’t take longer than a few hours. The total time for an inspection depends on the size of your plumbing system, accessibility, and the specific problem.
How do I know if I need a camera inspection?
Unpleasant smells, clogs, slow drains, and other symptoms suggest underlying problems that may require camera inspections. Regular inspections may also provide better insight into the overall condition of your plumbing system if it’s composed of outdated plumbing materials, such as clay or cast iron, or if it’s more than 20 years old.
