If you’ve ever called a plumber for help because you noticed an unusual odor coming from your drain or your water isn’t draining as it should, chances are that they performed a sewer camera inspection.
A sewer camera inspection is a process by which a professional feeds a cable with a camera at the end through your pipes, enabling them to see any roots, bellies, or breaks in the line.
These inspections allow plumbers to locate damage or problems without more invasive means like digging underground. They also give the plumber a valuable look at the inside of the pipe, where the problems often occur.
When and Why Do You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection?
Usually, camera inspections are done to detect the source of a problem. There are several signs you may need a camera inspection:
- Sinks that don’t drain
- Inconsistent water pressure
- Toilets that don’t flush properly
- Visible leaks inside or outside the house
If you notice any of these signs, call a professional to check out the problem.
Normally, it’s not enough to know that there is a problem in the drain; a technician will also need to know where the problem is and what material may be causing a clog. This way, they can determine the best way to resolve the issue without using the trial and error method.
Additionally, a thorough inspection will uncover any cracks or other issues that may cause you problems down the road. You can learn more about camera inspections in this guide from The Spruce.
Sewer camera inspections are often performed in conjunction with a sewer and drain cleaning service. The cleaning service may be performed before an inspection as pipes that haven’t been cleaned in some time will have build-up, making it hard for the technician to see anything through the camera.
Technicians may also perform the cleaning service after a camera inspection if the inspection reveals that the source of the problem is simply a dirty pipe.
Drain and Sewer Cleaning Services
There are several types of cleaning services that your pipes may need before a camera inspection. If you are conducting a home inspection or performing routine maintenance, you can schedule a residential drain cleaning service.
This service will thoroughly clean the line, removing any blockages and enabling the technician to conduct the full camera inspection.
However, if you are experiencing a leak or severe blockage, you may need to seek the help of an emergency drain cleaning service right away.
Emergency Cleaning Services
Your home may require emergency drain cleaning in some situations. In the case of a plumbing emergency such as flooding, foul odors, cloudy water, pooling water, or water backups, you should immediately search for “emergency drain service near me” to find an available professional.
In the Charlotte area, you can skip the search and contact Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC directly. We have staff on call 24/7. If left untreated, the underlying cause of these issues will often get worse and more expensive to fix, so reach out to us today.
What to Expect During a Drain and Sewer Cleaning
A drain and sewer cleaning involves several distinct steps, including:
Preliminary Questions
Technicians will often ask about the history of your home and sewer system. They’ll want to know what, if any, maintenance you’ve had done and what types of problems you may have had in the past.
Diagnostics
The technician will run tests and inspect areas where there are suspected backups. This investigation helps ensure they are using the right equipment to solve the problem.
Running the Cleaning Machine
This is an automated process that clears and cleans the line.
Testing the Results
The technician will run a test to make sure everything is running as it should. Once the sewage has drained out of the sewer line, they will run several fixtures simultaneously to test flow.
The average drain cleaning service takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. To prepare for a scheduled cleaning, you should clear a path to your access point to make room for equipment and remove any items that might be in the way.
If there is already backed up water or sewage, you should remove it yourself or with the help of a remediation company before the technician arrives.
Should Sewer and Drain Cleaning Be Done Routinely?
The short answer is yes. A good rule of thumb is to have your sewer lines cleaned every 18 to 22 months. Depending on the history of the home and previous problems, your home may require cleanings more often.
Consult with your trusted technician to decide on the appropriate cleaning schedule. If you’d like to learn more about your home sewage system and best practices, visit this homeowner’s guide from the EPA.
Look no further if you are seeking a camera inspection or drain cleaning in Charlotte, NC. The professionals at Superior Plumbing and Drains, LLC lead the way in efficient and timely drain cleaning in Charlotte. Call us today at (704) 289-6858 or fill out our contact form online to get in touch about any of your plumbing needs.
