Advantages of a Sewer Line Camera Inspection

sewer line cameraA sewer line camera is now a powerful tool in the plumbing industry. We understand the value it offers our customers.

That is why we have invested in a sewer line camera to better meet our customer’s needs. Most homeowner’s do not understand that the sewer line buried underground on their property is their responsibility should it crack, break or no longer provide the service it’s intended to provide. As your home gets older, so does this sewer line. Your “sewer line” refers a pipe carrying water with human waste at atmospheric pressure.

Leaks and breaks are commonly caused by aging, corrosion, extreme temperatures, or settling or shifting of the ground. If this line fails, repair or replacement could cost thousands of dollars and most homeowners insurance policies or home warranty companies do not cover repairs. So, in these cases, we use our sewer line camera to inspect your sewer line. Here are some advantages:

Sewer Line Camera Inspection

It all starts with a sewer line inspection. An inspection allows our technicians to identify current or potential problems in your sewer line. Real time video image transmission allows our technicians to determine the condition of the inside of the pipe and understand any existing or potential problems. The images can also be saved for a permanent record. For example, you might not have a problem right now; but if and when you do, we  have a record that enables us to quickly identify the problem the next time.

Value of a Sewer Line Camera Inspection

Here’s the value to you. Let’s say we identify a potential problem in your sewer line. For example, the ground has shifted and perhaps we have signs of aging. Yet, you may not have a break or major problem for another five years. This gives you ample time to perhaps find an inexpensive insurance solution to your problem. On the other hand, if your line is corroded or obstructed with sludge, dirt or other debris, we might be able to clean it with our sewer line jetter.

sewer line digHere’s another major advantage of a sewer line camera inspection. We can often avoid or minimize the “dig.”  The dig is an expensive and labor intensive process. Obviously, its much less expensive to the homeowner is we can clean the sewer line with out jetter.

Or perhaps we don’t have to completely replace the entire sewer line. With our inspection, we might be able to determine if the problem is localized. In that case, we can minimize damage to your property and simply replace a section of your sewer line.

In summary, we have added a sewer line camera to our plumbing services. With our camera we can better serve our customer’s needs. The sewer system is something most homeowners don’t think about until there’s a problem. With a sewer line camera inspection we can help our customers avoid much higher costs. While this article focused on residual homeowners, this service is also available to our commercial and municipal customers.

Call our office for more information or

to schedule your sewer line camera inspection:

240-222-3205

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Sewer Line Cleaning: What You Need to Know

Let’s face it, most of us know nothing about sewer line cleaning. If you are included in this group, don’t fret, your questions will be answered today in this follow up article to sewer line jetting. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding sewer lines. Here they are:

 

What exactly is a sewer line? What does it do?

sewer line maintenanceSewer lines are the system of plumbing pipes in each home. They move waste water from the home to the sewer mains. Each homeowner is responsible for sewer line pipe that connects the pipes in their home to the main sewer line, which is usually in a street. Because the pipes that connect their home are buried and out of sight, homeowners usually don’t have any clue to potential problems until it’s too late. And, when it’s too late it creates a very expensive job.

When should I clean my sewer line?

Generally, sewer lines should be cleaned as needed. But, it is important to note that neglected sewer lines can lead to a clogged system. A clog will eventually cause a backup of the line and raw sewage to spill into your home. A backup can cause a lot of damage and you will have to repair the sewer line or replace it. To prevent any issues, it’s important to have your sewer lines inspected by a professional about once a year.

When should my sewer line be inspected?

Your sewer line should be inspected if it’s over forty years old. But, this may need to be done sooner if any of the following factors apply to you:

  • You suspect tree roots may have penetrated your underground sewer lines
  • Your plumbing lines are draining slowly

According to Pain in the Drain:

Mature trees add beauty and shade to landscapes, but their roots can cause extensive damage to sewer pipes. Roots grow into the pipes because they like it there! Sewer pipes contain water, nutrients and oxygen-the essential elements for trees to grow. 

 

How can I tell if my sewer line is clogged?

Before a clogged sewer lines back up, it provides clues that alert the homeowner that something is wrong. In this way, it is possible to get help before disaster occurs. Some of these clues include:

  • A raw sewage smell coming from your drains
  • Your toilets and drains start to make gurgling/percolating sounds
  • Water pooling around or backing out of toilets or drains.

 

I’ve heard so much about high-pressure cleanings. What is it and how does it work?

One of the best ways to clean your sewer line is with with high-press water jetters. This method is more effective than a drain auger, also known as a snake or cable, because it cleans the lines instead of just removing blockages. In fact, when a high pressure cleaning is performed by an extensively trained plumbing professional, it will remove food, hair, mineral, deposits, grease, and other blockages.

 

How can I keep my lines clear and avoid plumbing problems?

You can keep your lines clear without using harsh chemical-based drain cleaners. Simply, fill your sinks with water once or twice a month and drain them. The water pressure will remove any waste that’s in the line and will make sure that water can flow through your pipes properly.

 

Important Considerations

If you decide to get your sewers cleaned professionally, call two companies, at the very least, to help you find the best deal for your needs. Also, do a little bit of research to make sure that the plumber that you hire is insured, has a good reputation, and has the proper license to work in your area. And, if you have any questions, we are here to help. Just give us a call.

 

Other Sources:

  1. http://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-often-should-i-clean-my-sewer-drain.htm
  2. http://www.angieslist.com/articles/warning-signs-main-sewer-line-clog.htm

 

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