Drainage cameras are vital in finding out defects in pipes and drains so that costly repairs can be avoided. This enables a thorough inspection so that different problems can be detected.
Poor grading, foundation cracks, and downspouts are some common drainage problems that result in water damage. Often, a huge amount of money is required for repairing them.
Early detection lowers the effects of the issues. Also, you do not have to spend a huge sum on mitigating the problems. And this can be effectively done with drainage cameras.
Drainage Camera and Its Working Procedure
A drain camera (also called a sewer camera) refers to a waterproof camera system that visually inspects the interior portion of a pipe or a drain. This is mainly used to detect any problem, especially in those areas that are not clearly visible.
The main sewer camera accessories are the camera head, monitor, control unit, transmitter, and cable. A plumber inserts the camera head in a manhole or drain opening while feeding the push rod into the pipe. Based on the camera movement, blockages, cracks, and other problems are identified.
What Are Some of the Potential Issues that Are Identified by a Drainage Camera?
Drainage cameras are capable of identifying several problems within a drain. These include:
1. Cracks and Leaks
Pipes are subjected to cracks and leaks due to wear and tear. Such issues are difficult to figure out in the initial stage. Well, they can create several plumbing damages while accounting for expensive repairs.
2. Identification of Blockages
The presence of foreign objects (like dirt, grime, or food) in drains is responsible for blockages. The accumulation procedure of the objects occurs with time, thereby blocking the space.
3. Corrosion
Corrosion takes place when metal pipes chemically react with their environment. Hence, leakage is seen in a pipe. If not detected earlier, this might result in a costly repair.
4. Poor Pipe Installation
Often, novice plumbers fail to maintain the correct processes to install pipes. This hampers the entire drainage system. Expert plumbers use drainage cameras to see whether a pipe is improperly installed.
Necessity of Early Detection
To combat drainage issues and avoid costly repairs later on, early detection is highly significant. Let’s check out why issues should be detected early.
Avoiding Emergency Repairing
Drainage issues, if ignored for a long time, can become emergency repairs. This is expensive, and often a regulatory body fails to afford it. This shows the importance of early detection.
Combating Structural Damage
An entire drainage structure can be damaged if issues like cracks or blockages are not mitigated early. This might result in hampering a water supply. Different sewer camera accessories work together to find any plumbing issues.
Real-time Reporting
Early detection via a drainage camera helps to obtain results in real-time. The overall procedure can be recorded, and this can be used for future reference.
Lower Insurance Claims
Early detection leads to quicker fixes. Hence, insurance claims are not so high. This enables the homeowner to pay lower premiums.
What Are the Key Advantages of Using Drainage Cameras?
Drainage cameras are useful to identify various drainage problems. Here are some of the main benefits:
1. Quick Diagnosis of Drains
Drainage cameras can identify any issue in a drain or pipe quickly. This ensures a faster repair process, and plumbers can exactly identify a problem.
2. Accurate Diagnosis
Drainage issues like clogging or blockage are not always visible to the naked eye. Here, a drainage camera can work wonders. This accurately identifies any issue, and plumbers do not have to act based on any assumption.
3. No Need for Excavation
Plumbers do not need to dig unnecessarily to detect a problem. This non-invasive technique does not damage the above-ground structure.
Frequency of Drainage Inspection
Drainage inspection must be done frequently so as to eliminate the possibility of frequent repairs. However, the interval is not the same for every property.
- For Homeowners: Drainage system inspection using the camera must be done once in 2-3 years in residential properties. This is a fundamental preventive measure. Well, homeowners need to contact a plumber immediately if they see a blockage or leak in the drain.
- For Older Properties: Someone with an old property should get an inspection annually done by professional plumbers using drainage cameras. If the home’s plumbing system contains cast iron, inspection is needed every six months because such metal is susceptible to cracks and corrosion.
- For Properties With Trees Nearby: Is there a tree near the house? If yes, drainage inspection with cameras should be done once or twice a year, for roots may inflict damage on the plumbing system.
In Summary
Drainage cameras are capable of identifying issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Early detection prevents emergency repairs and structural collapse. Costly repairs can be avoided due to quick and accurate diagnosis. So, plumbers need not rely on assumptions anymore and can get an accurate diagnosis owing to the drainage cameras.
Preventing Drainage Problems at the Right Time
No matter the kind of problem the drainage system has, professional plumbers have the right tools and means to find out the root cause and address it. And with drainage camera systems, there is no corner that goes unnoticed! So, plumbers have to find a reliable tool supplier and purchase the right kind of drainage camera system!
