Drain Camera Inspection - How does it work?
Drain camera inspection, also known as sewer camera inspection or pipe inspection, is an innovative technique used by plumbing professionals to examine and diagnose the interior of drainage systems, sewer lines, and pipes. This non-invasive method has revolutionized the plumbing industry by providing accurate information about the condition of pipes, enabling plumbers to identify and fix problems efficiently and effectively.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of drain camera inspection, the technology behind it, and how it works in detail.
Benefits of Drain Camera Inspection
Drain camera inspection offers numerous benefits to the home, business owners, and plumbing professionals, including:
Precise diagnosis – Visual inspections of the interior of pipes and identify the exact cause of the problem, whether it’s a blockage, corrosion, root intrusion, or structural damage. This precise diagnosis eliminates guesswork and ensures that the correct solution is applied.
No need to dig up the pipes – Traditional methods of diagnosing pipe problems often involve digging up the pipe to inspect it visually. With drain camera inspection, there’s no need for excavation, which saves time, money, and minimizes disruption to the property.
Maintenance – Regular pipe camera inspections can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems, allowing plumbers and property owners to address them cautiously and prevent costly repairs. These maintenance inspections will add value to the resell value of the property.
Insurance company proof and documentation – A sewer camera inspection can provide video footage and images of the pipe’s interior, making it easier to explain the problem to insurance companies or potential home buyers.
Save money – Identifying and addressing pipe issues early on can save property owners from expensive repairs and replacements in the long run.
Pipe Camera Inspection Technology
Pipe camera inspection relies on advanced technology to provide high-quality images and video footage of the pipe’s interior. The primary components of a pipe camera inspection system include…
Camera – Pipe inspections cameras are high-resolution, waterproof devices designed to withstand harsh conditions within pipes. It is attached to the tip of a flexible cable, also known as a push rod, and typically includes built-in LED lights to illuminate the pipe’s interior.
Push Rod – The push rod is a flexible yet durable cable that enables the camera to navigate through bends and turns within the pipe. It can be extended to varying lengths, depending on the size and complexity of the pipe system.
Monitor – A portable screen that displays real-time video footage from the camera, allowing the plumbing professional to assess the pipe’s condition and identify issues.
Recording Device – pipe camera inspection systems often include a recording device that captures images and video footage for later review, documentation, or sharing with clients.
Locator – Some pipe camera inspection systems feature a locator that can detect the camera’s position within the pipe, providing valuable information about the problem’s location.
Advantages of drain camera inspection technology
Non-invasive – The technology eliminates the need for digging or excavation, which can be costly, time-consuming, and disruptive to the environment and property.
Accurate diagnosis – a high-resolution video feed provides a clear view of the interior of the pipe, allowing professionals to accurately identify and assess issues.
Cost-effective – By identifying issues early and precisely, drain camera inspections can help prevent expensive repairs and damage in the future.
Reporting – Recorded video footage can be used for reporting, documentation, and future reference, ensuring that any necessary repairs are accurately carried out.
Safety – Since the technology is non-invasive, it reduces the risks associated with traditional pipe inspection methods, such as cave-ins, accidents, and exposure to harmful substances.
How To Inspect Drains Using Cameras
Drain camera inspection helps to identify blockages, leaks, and other issues without the need for excavation. Here’s how the process works:
Access – A qualified plumber identifies an appropriate access point, for example, accessing the pipe through a manhole, or inserting the camera into the pipe or drain at an entry point. The access point should allow the camera to reach the area that needs inspection.
Camera inspection – The camera is mounted on a flexible rod, also known as a “Push rod”, which allows it to navigate through bends and turns in the pipe. These high-resolution cameras are often equipped with LED lights to illuminate the interior of the pipe and enable clear visibility.
Video feed – As the camera is pushed through the pipe, it sends real-time video footage back to a monitor that the technician is observing. The footage provides a detailed view of the pipe’s interior, revealing any damage, blockages, or other issues.
Recording and analysis – The video footage is recorded for further analysis and to create a visual record of the pipe’s condition.
Find the cause of the blockage – If a problem is detected, the technician may use a locator device to pinpoint the exact location of the issue. This device can detect the signal emitted by the camera head, providing accurate coordinates for the problem area.
Report and recommendations – Once the inspection is complete, the technician compiles a detailed report outlining the findings and provides recommendations for any necessary repairs or maintenance. This information can help professional plumbers to make informed decisions about how to address and fix any issues identified during the inspection.
Drain camera inspections are non-invasive, cost-effective, and efficient methods for evaluating the condition of underground pipes and drainage systems. They help property owners and professional plumbers to identify and resolve problems early, preventing costly damage and potential health hazards.
Call us today if you want a professional drain camera inspection done.
Also see our previous blog post here.