Sewer Line Camera Inspections
Sewer line inspections can be tricky without sophisticated technology. Our team at Perma-Seal offers professional sewer line camera inspection services for residential and commercial properties in Chicago and the surrounding area, performed by certified home inspectors. Our company is trusted and experienced in providing these services. Unlike some plumbing companies, Perma-Seal specializes in both residential and commercial sewer line camera inspection.
What is a Sewer Line Camera?
The experts at Perma-Seal can use a sewer line camera to determine the best solution for your sewer problems. A sewer line camera, also known as a sewer inspection camera or drain camera, is a specialized tool that plumbers and certified inspectors use to inspect the interior of sewer pipes and drains visually. It consists of a small camera attached to a flexible cable or rod, inserted into the sewer line to capture real-time video footage of the pipe’s condition.
Sewer inspection cameras are designed to navigate the pipes, providing a detailed interior view. They are equipped with bright LED lights to illuminate the surroundings and capture clear images, potentially showing sewer line clogs or other damages. The camera is built to withstand the harsh conditions of sewer lines. The camera also helps plumbers assess various pipe materials for potential issues, ensuring that the right approach is taken for each type of pipe.
The footage captured by the sewer camera is displayed on a monitor or screen, allowing the technician to assess the sewer line’s condition and identify any issues or sewer clogs. The camera can reveal problems like blockages, cracks, leaks, root intrusions, or other structural defects that may be causing sewer backups or drainage issues.
After the inspection, clients receive a detailed report outlining the findings. Comprehensive reporting includes video footage, professional assessments, and actionable recommendations to give you a complete understanding of your sewer line’s condition.
Why Sewer Inspections Are Important
Professionals can use a sewer line camera during a sewer scope inspection to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem within the main sewer lateral. Regular line inspection helps prevent sewer line failure and costly repairs. Sewer scope inspections are especially important for an older home, a newer home, or when buying a new home. This helps determine the most appropriate course of action. The use of sewer line cameras enhances the efficiency and accuracy of sewer scope inspections, minimizes disruption, and saves time and costs on sewer repairs by identifying and addressing specific sewer line issues, including hidden issues, without the need for extensive exploratory work. It enables targeted repairs or maintenance to fix problems, ensuring the plumbing system is restored to proper working condition.
If you think there may be a problem with your sewer lines, one of the fastest and easiest ways to investigate and evaluate them is by rodding the line with one of our camera systems. This will allow us to properly inspect the line for any blockages or issues and help prevent backups. The sewer line is carefully inspected for sewer line issues such as blockages, cracks, or root intrusion.
Important! DIY drain unclogging solutions & drain snakes are not permanent solutions to sewer problems. Often, they do not work as well and can even cause damage to your main sewer line when used improperly, which could increase the repair costs significantly.
Common Issues Detected by Inspections
Sewer line inspections are an essential step in the home buying process, as they can uncover numerous issues that often go unnoticed during a standard home inspection. While a typical home inspector may check visible plumbing fixtures, only a dedicated sewer inspection can reveal hidden problems deep within the sewer system.
Some of the most common issues detected by sewer line inspections include:
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots from large trees can invade sewer lines, causing blockages, slow drains, and even pipe damage.
- Broken or Collapsed Pipes: Older pipes, especially those made from cast iron or clay, are prone to cracking, breaking, or collapsing due to age, ground movement, or improper installation.
- Blockages from Foreign Objects: Items such as wipes, grease, or construction debris can create stubborn clogs that restrict flow and lead to backups.
- Pipe Corrosion and Deterioration: Over time, sewer pipes can corrode or deteriorate, especially in older homes, leading to leaks and potential structural issues.
- Poor Installation or Repairs: Improperly installed or repaired sewer lines can result in misaligned pipes, low spots (bellies), or other defects that affect the system’s performance.
- Hidden Leaks: Small leaks may not be visible on the surface but can cause significant damage if left unaddressed, including soil erosion and foundation problems.
- Obstructions from Construction Debris: During pipeline construction or renovations, debris can be left inside the pipes, leading to future clogs and flow issues.
By identifying these issues early in the process, buyers and homeowners can avoid unexpected repair costs, negotiate price reductions, or ensure necessary repairs are completed before closing the deal. Sewer line inspections provide peace of mind and help protect your investment by ensuring the sewer system is in good working order.
How Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Work?
A sewer line camera works by capturing real-time video footage of the interior of sewer pipes and drains. Here’s a general overview of how a sewer line camera works:
- Camera and Cable: The sewer line camera consists of a small, waterproof camera attached to the end of a flexible rod. The camera is mounted on a swiveling head, allowing for 360-degree rotation and providing a comprehensive view of the pipe’s interior.
- Insertion into the Sewer Line: The camera is inserted into the sewer line through an access point. The flexible rod lets the camera navigate the pipe’s twists, turns and bends.
- Illumination: The camera is equipped with bright LED lights around its lens. These lights illuminate the interior of the sewer pipe, ensuring clear visibility and capturing detailed images even in dark or dimly lit environments.
- Video Display: The camera is connected to a monitor or screen, which displays the live video feed from the camera. This allows the plumber or technician to observe and assess the sewer line’s condition in real-time.
- Inspection and Analysis: As the camera moves through the sewer line, it captures high-quality video footage of the pipe’s interior. The technician can observe the video feed to identify issues or abnormalities like blockages, cracks, leaks, root intrusions, or other structural defects.
Using a sewer line camera, our professionals can conduct thorough inspections of sewer lines without requiring extensive digging or exploratory work. The camera provides a visual representation of the pipe’s condition, enabling targeted repairs, maintenance, or further investigation based on the identified issues.
What are the Benefits of Using a Sewer Line Camera for Inspections?
Using a sewer line camera offers several benefits in plumbing and sewer maintenance. Here are some key advantages of using a sewer inspection camera for sewer lateral inspections:
- Accurate Diagnosis
- Minimizes Guesswork
- Time and Cost Savings
- Preventive Maintenance
- Non-Invasive Method
- Enhanced Customer Communication
Contact Us For Sewer Camera Inspections In Chicago and NW Indiana
If you have any type of sewer problems, including sewer backups, clogs, or soggy ground around your home, don’t hesitate to contact us and set up a meeting with one of our experts. Our team at Perma-Seal offers professional sewer inspection services for your home or business. Contact our experts today by calling 800-421-7325 or click the button below to fill out our online contact form.
