Why a video camera inspection is the first step in fixing your plumbing problems

Video camera inspection is an integral tool for plumbers. Every plumbing problem deserves a solid troubleshooting effort. However, if you’ve got a slow draining toilet, a floor drain that just won’t take any more water or a sink that’s backed up and now completely off limits, you can’t afford any guesswork – you need to get to the bottom of the problem immediately. This is where video pipe inspection comes to the rescue.

What’s causing the blockage?

Obviously, the causes can be many. In most cases, it’s debris that has been flushed down the toilet or found its way into the sink drain, and it can build up over time, leading to a complete obstruction. It could be grease, a build up of soap scum, hair, hand towels or garbage that is accidentally flushed down the toilet or put into sinks – you name it and it can get stuck in your sewer lines.

Or, it might not be your fault at all. Old sewer lines will eventually crack and disconnect. Tree roots will also grow into a sewer line, causing a backup. The problem is, until you get a plumber on site, you won’t know exactly where the problem is or what is causing it.

Find out fast with video camera inspection

Plumbers with the latest technology are better able to diagnose and treat your plumbing problem. Fortunately, custom-built video cameras are being used to go deep into the plumbing system to find out exactly where and what the problem is.

The camera equipped with lights is snaked through the lines while the plumber sees everything through a monitor. Some pipes can be rather small and narrow, but the camera is built small so it will fit in all the sewer pipes and navigate around tight corners.

Using the plumbing camera, the plumber is able to quickly locate the clog and figure out what caused it. This allows the plumbers the ability to get in there and remedy the problem so you can get back to work.

It’s a money saver

The cause of the blocked sewer line can really weigh on a property owner, but so can the unknowns about how much it’s going to cost to fix. Because the video camera inspection get’s to the root of the issue fast, you’re not paying plumbers extra in labor to remove flooring or dig a trench to locate the problem. Instead of waiting days, and perhaps weeks if it’s a really deep and hard to find problem, plumbers can often solve the problem on the same day with a video camera inspection.

You’re also going to save money because your plumber will get it right the first time. Instead of making guesses about what application will work best for the potential cause of a blockage, they’ll know exactly what tools to use to make the fix.

Prevent future problems

As the camera goes through the lines, the plumber can spot other potential issues and take care of them now instead of waiting for them to become a full-fledged problem that will qualify as an emergency situation later on. Furthermore, when they can determine the exact cause of the problem, you’ll know what to avoid next time.

If your property is older, a video camera inspection is an excellent tool for diagnosing current plumbing problems and getting a good look at areas that will need to be replaced soon. This could include corroded pipes and joints, cracks, leaks and buildup on the sides of the pipes that could lead to blockage later. With this knowledge, you can establish a long-term maintenance plan.

Placing value on a structure

The plumbing system on a structure can either add to or take away from the value of the structure. Obviously, you’re not going to go around the entire structure and dig up the pipes to get a look at them. When a plumber uses a sewer camera to inspect your system, you’ll know if there are potential issues that can impact the value of your property.

Some structures are built with substandard materials, and this might be due to the age of the home or because of shoddy construction practices. If it’s old cast iron or clay that has cracked or completely broken, a video camera can be used to diagnose any issues.

At Valley Fire Protection Systems, we utilize the latest and greatest technology to assist our clients with their plumbing needs. Our service trucks are outfitted with video camera systems so that we can quickly find the source of your plumbing issue, regardless of how deep it might be in your system. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can be your one-stop-shop for every possible plumbing issue in your property.

By: Tom Hartel
I acquired my expertise by directing day-to-day operations of the business for over 20 years. Continuous hard work helped me become a nationally recognized speaker and expert on fire protection, fire sprinklers, special hazards, and plumbing systems. In this blog, I share my knowledge that will hopefully help you make better decisions for your projects.

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