A Simple Guide to Sewer Video Inspection

Sewer Camera Inspection Explained

Sewer lines are crucial components of a home’s plumbing system, yet they often remain out of sight and out of mind until problems arise. Understanding the need for and process of a sewer camera inspection can save homeowners from costly and invasive repair methods. Here’s a deeper look into the reasons for conducting a sewer video inspection and the benefits of this non-invasive method.

Signs Sewer Video Inspection Is Needed

wet grass By utilizing advanced technology, sewer inspections with a camera enable professionals to accurately diagnose and address issues without the need for digging up yards, providing a smarter and less intrusive solution.

There are several warning signs suggesting a sewer video inspection may be necessary. Early detection of these problems can prevent severe damage and costly repairs:

  • Slow Drains: Drains that empty water more slowly than usual may indicate a blockage within the sewer line, which requires removal to allow normal water flow.
  • Backups: Frequent sewage backups can lead to unsanitary living conditions, indicating that the sewer line may be obstructed or damaged.
  • Gurgling Sounds from Drains: Unusual noises may indicate air trapped within the pipes due to a blockage, which a camera inspection can quickly locate.
  • Unexplained Growth and Lush Grass: Patches of unexpectedly green grass may suggest underground leaks that are fertilizing the lawn.
  • Unexplained Puddles in the Yard: If pooled water is visible without a known source, it may indicate a leaking sewer line that requires immediate attention.
  • Foul Odors: Persistent sewage smells emanating from drains or around the property could indicate compromised pipes that need thorough inspection.
  • Recurring Clogs: Repeated clogs, despite attempts to clear them, can highlight more significant issues within the sewer lines that need professional investigation.

Assessing the need for camera inspection through these warning signs ensures early problem resolution and prevention of further damage.

Issues Sewer Camera Inspection Can Catch

pipes Sewer camera inspections involve threading a small, high-resolution camera through the sewer lines to capture real-time video footage. This allows technicians to visually inspect the interior condition of pipes, identifying any blockages or damage that require attention. 

A sewer camera inspection can reveal various problems within the sewer line, offering homeowners a clear picture of issues affecting their plumbing system. Key issues that a camera inspection may uncover include:

  • Sewer Line Clogs: These can range from minor debris to more severe obstructions, such as grease buildups or items that shouldn’t be flushed, blocking the flow of wastewater.
  • Cracks and Leaks: Even small cracks or leaks can worsen over time, leading to severe water damage or sewage infiltration in the surrounding soil.
  • Corrosion: Corrosion weakens pipes over time, potentially leading to breaks or leaks that require timely intervention to avoid major repairs.
  • Tree Root Intrusion: Roots seeking moisture can infiltrate and damage sewer lines, causing significant blockages or structural damage that requires immediate attention.
  • Pipe Collapse: Severe damage or age can cause sections of the pipe to collapse, obstructing the sewer line and necessitating prompt repair or replacement.

By identifying these issues early, a sewer camera inspection allows homeowners to address problems before they escalate into more serious damage.

Benefits of Sewer Line Video Inspection

To protect your home’s plumbing and avoid disruptive and costly repairs, consider scheduling a sewer video inspection. The benefits of sewer camera inspection extend beyond just pinpointing issues, making it a valuable tool for homeowners:

  • Noninvasive and Prevents Unnecessary Excavation: Unlike traditional methods requiring invasive digging to locate problems, sewer camera inspections allow for minimal disruption, protecting landscaping and driveways from unnecessary damage.
  • Accurate Diagnosis of the Problem: Real-time video footage provides a clear and precise diagnosis, enabling targeted repairs, saving time, and reducing repair costs.
  • Verification After Repairs: Conducting a follow-up inspection post-repair ensures the issues have been effectively resolved and the plumbing system is functioning properly.

These benefits highlight why more homeowners opt for sewer camera inspections to maintain their plumbing system’s integrity.

About DRIP Plumbing

DRIP Plumbing is an experienced plumbing company committed to providing the best customer service experience. They have fully licensed plumbers who undergo a thorough screening process. Call them for sewer video inspection services in Denton, TX.

Need to Fix Garbage Disposal Issues? Try These Simple Tips

How to Prevent Garbage Disposal Problems

Homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their workload between work, activities, and running kids to various places. One major convenience they use in the kitchen is the garbage disposal. 

This appliance can be a big help—until it stops working. A garbage disposal malfunction can quickly lead to foul odors and backups.

In this post, plumbers in Denton, TX, explain how households can avoid garbage disposal problems. These include watching what types of food are put down the drain, running cold water while using the system, and limiting how much food is placed in the unit at once. 

Foods You Should Never Put Down the Garbage Disposal

sinkOne of the most common reasons garbage disposals malfunction is because the wrong types of foods are put into the unit. This can wreck the blades and lead to clogs and other problems.

While various types of foods can cause issues, some of the worst types of foods to put down the disposal are fruit pits, bones, fibrous vegetables, and stringy foods. Soft food like coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, cooked pasta, fruit cores, grease, and oils should be avoided. These can cause coatings in the unit and lead to blockages.

Why You Should Run Cold Water Down the Garbage Disposal

sinkA simple way for homeowners to keep their garbage disposals functioning is to run cold water while the unit runs. 

While this is easy, it’s also essential. Running cold water while grinding food can prevent blockages from forming in the garbage disposal and the drain, resulting in a clean garbage disposal. It will also prevent the unit from overheating. If the system gets too hot while running, food scraps can bake onto the blades, damaging the system and leading to foul odors in the house.

Another simple task is to put ice cubes down the garbage disposal. This will dislodge any lingering food particles and help sharpen the blades. 

How to Limit the Amount of Food Down a Garbage Disposal

When homeowners are in a hurry, they can scrape the food leftovers and dispose of them in the garbage bin. This helps them clean the plates faster but can also cause too much food to go down the drain at once, leading to clogs.

To avoid this, homeowners must simultaneously limit how much food goes down the garbage disposal. They can cut larger pieces of food into smaller pieces to avoid blockages.

Homeowners should also look for signs that the garbage disposal is malfunctioning and needs to be repaired or replaced. Some key symptoms to watch for are slow drainage, loud garbage disposal humming noises, and a garbage disposal reset button that doesn’t work. When these occur, property owners need to call in the professionals!

About DRIP Plumbing

The team of experts at DRIP Plumbing provides quality plumbing and drain services to the Northern Denton County area. A family-owned and operated company, they offer same-day services and only hire trusted licensed plumbers. Call them today for garbage disposal services in Denton, TX, including repairs and replacements.

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