Having a sewer problem in a home can be messy and expensive. It will also make your living experience worse. Just imagine waking up to a flooded yard and a backing up basement, and the only option now is to go for heavy repairs.
But if you see the problem before it becomes that serious, it can help you to avoid such inconvenient situations.
What is a Sewer Line Camera Inspection
A sewer line camera inspection is the visual check of your sewer line by using waterproof, high-resolution cameras attached to a flexible cable. This camera is inserted into your home’s drain and then moves through the underground sewer line. A real-time video can be seen on the monitor from which an inspector and the homeowner can analyze what’s going on inside the pipes.
Why Sewer Problems are Hard to Find
The sewer system is buried underground. Because it is out of sight, it is not easy to visualize its condition and perform the essential maintenance to keep it in good condition. Problems in the sewer system are detected when it’s too late, and wastewater starts to back up in the home.
Signs of Sewer Line Problems
There are some signs that indicate that there is a problem with the sewer system:
- Slow drains
- Gurgling sounds when water drains
- Unpleasant sewer odors
- Standing water or soggy patches in the yard
- Mold or water stains on floors
All these signs are like a red flag about the sewer system. If you notice any of these signs at your home, get a sewer video inspection as soon as possible.
5 Problems that Can be Detected by Sewer Line Camera Inspection
The following are the problems with a sewer system that can be detected by using a sewer line camera inspection:
- Tree Root Intrusion
Tree root intrusion is the most common problem affecting sewer pipes. If there are old trees near your home or neighbouring yards, their roots can grow towards your sewer line because the sewer line contains moisture and nutrients that roots crave.
If there is a root intrusion, you can notice slow drains, sewer odors in the yard and basements, and backups in toilets. The sewer line camera can visualize whether the sewer pipes are damaged by the roots.
- Sagging Pipes
There can be a sag or dip in your sewer line. It might be caused by poor installation, shifting soil, or erosion over time. This creates a low point in the pipe, where water and waste collect instead of flowing ahead to the main sewer.
The signs that show bellied or sagging pipes are recurring clogs in the same drain, water pooling in the yard without any cause, and a gurgling sound during heavy water use. The only way to identify a belly is by visualizing the pipe. You can see water pooling or stuck in the dip.
- Cracked or Collapsed Pipes
The pipes in the older homes can be corroded and weakened with time. The material used can be cracked. Over time, cracks or corrosion can lead to the collapse of a portion or the entire pipe. It cuts the flow, and water backs up in the home. There is a possibility of sunken or soft areas in the yard above the sewer line.
A collapsed pipe can be a big problem; the sewer line camera inspection can visualize the cracks and the condition of the pipe if some part of it has collapsed or there is any chance of it.
- Misaligned Joints
The sewer pipes have joints to join the sections. Over time, ground movement, temperature shifts, and water pressure can cause these joints to slip out of alignment or pull apart entirely. This opens the door for leaks, soil erosion, and rodent entry, which can damage the home’s foundation.
If you witness wet patches, foundation settling, more pests, or sudden foul odors inside and outside the home, there may be a gap in the sewer line causing problems. The professionals can visualize the whole sewer line and check the condition of joints by using a sewer line camera.
- Clogged Pipes
Grease, female hygiene products, paper towels, small toys, and construction debris can cause sewer line blockages. These materials can cause partial or full blockages that lead to slow drains, foul smells, and wastewater backups.
If you witness a gurgling sound while using multiple fixtures, there may be clogged pipes underground. The only way to identify this sewer problem is by getting a sewer line inspection, in which the professionals visualize the condition of the sewer line.
Conclusion
The sewer problems are usually hidden underground. It is not easy to find out what’s going on there. Getting a sewer line inspection is the only way to identify the problems. A sewer line camera helps to visualize the actual condition of the sewer line. By identifying the problem, a certified inspector can suggest the essential steps to resolve the problem or repair the sewer system.
If you have noticed any signs related to the sewer line issues, get an inspection at your earliest to identify the issue before it turns into a bigger problem and an expensive repair.
