Sewer camera inspections are a great way to find out what is happening inside your sewers and can save significant money and stress further down the line. Here we look at some of the signs you may need an inspection.
If you are a homeowner or business owner, you know that plumbing problems can be a headache. One of the most difficult and costly problems is sewer issues. Sewer problems can cause backups, leaks, and other issues that can damage your property and affect your health. Fortunately, a sewer camera inspection can help you detect problems early and prevent costly repairs. This article will discuss the signs that you may need a sewer snake camera inspection.
1. Slow draining
A slow-draining sink or shower can be a frustrating experience for anyone. However, it can also indicate that something more serious is happening with your plumbing system. In many cases, this symptom indicates that you need a sewer camera inspection to determine the root of the problem.
When you have slow drainage in your home, it could be caused by various factors. The most common cause is a clog in the pipes, which can be caused by anything from hair and soap buildup to grease and food debris. While you may be able to clear some of these blockages with a plunger or drain snake, larger and more persistent clogs may require professional attention.
Another potential cause of slow drainage is tree root infiltration. When trees grow near your sewer line, their roots can burrow into the pipes for water and nutrients. Over time, these roots can cause blockages or damage the pipes. If you suspect that your slow draining issue is due to tree root infiltration, a sewer camera inspection can help you determine the extent of the damage.
Slow drainage may sometimes indicate a more serious issue, like a collapsed pipe or other structural damage. These types of problems can be difficult to diagnose without the use of specialized equipment like a sewer camera. By inserting a camera into your pipes, a plumbing professional can get a clear view of the interior and identify any issues that may be contributing to slow drainage.
2. Foul odors
Foul odors emanating from your home or property are unpleasant and can indicate a significant problem with your plumbing system. A clogged sewer line, standing water in drainage systems, or other issues that require immediate attention could all be to blame for the smell.
A sewer camera inspection is a good way to determine where the problem originates. During a sewer camera inspection, a high-resolution camera on a cable is put into the sewer system to take pictures and look for problems.
A foul odor is usually one of the first indicators that there may be a clog or blockage in your plumbing system. When wastewater doesn’t flow as it should, it can cause an unpleasant smell to permeate your property. This smell can come from anywhere in your drainage system, including your sink, toilet, shower, or tub.
Most of the time, a sewer camera inspection can determine what’s wrong, whether it’s a blockage caused by debris or a broken or cracked pipe. The camera will record video of what’s happening inside the pipe, which will help plumbers find the problem quickly.
3. Backed up water
Backed-up water is a common sign that you need a sewer camera inspection. If wastewater backs up into your sinks, toilets, or showers, it indicates that your sewer line is clogged. Other signs of a clogged sewer line are sinks or toilets that take a long time to drain, gurgling noises from your drains, and bad smells from your plumbing.
Ignoring these signs can lead to serious problems down the road. Blocked sewer lines can cause raw sewage to back up into your home. This can cause significant damage to your property and pose health risks to you and your family. Sewer camera inspections are an affordable and effective way to prevent these problems from happening.
4. Mold growth
Mold growth is a common problem in many homes and buildings. It can be found in various areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. While mold can sometimes be harmless, it can also signal more significant issues with the infrastructure of the house. One of the main causes of mold growth is problems with sewers.
One of the most common reasons for mold growth due to sewer issues is sewage backup. If the sewer line becomes clogged or damaged, the wastewater and sewage can back up into homes and businesses. This can lead to a range of problems, including foul odors, water damage, and mold growth. Mold thrives in damp environments, so even a small amount of water from a sewage backup can create the perfect conditions for mold growth.
Another reason why mold growth can indicate sewer problems is if there are leaks or cracks in the sewer pipes. When wastewater seeps out of the pipes, it can create a moist environment perfect for mold growth. Mold spores can travel through air ducts and vents, spreading throughout the home or building. If the source of the mold is not addressed, it will continue to grow and spread until the underlying cause is fixed.
In some cases, mold growth can also be caused by improper ventilation in the sewer system. When wastewater is not adequately ventilated, it can create moisture buildup that leads to mold growth. Mold can then spread throughout the home or building, causing health problems for the occupants.
5. Insect infestations
Insect infestations can be a sign of sewer issues. The reason is that sewer lines provide a breeding ground and shelter for insects like cockroaches, ants, and flies. These insects are attracted to the odor that emanates from a sewer line. They thrive on the moisture and organic matter that they find in the sewer.
When there is a blockage or damage in the sewer line, it can lead to slow drainage or even backflow of sewage. This causes an accumulation of waste material in the pipes, creating a perfect habitat for pests. Insects can enter homes through cracks and holes in the sewer pipes, vent pipes, and other openings. Once inside the home, they can rapidly reproduce and create an infestation.
Cockroaches, for example, are attracted to the warmth and humidity of the sewer system. They can squeeze through tiny spaces and travel through pipes, eventually making their way into homes. Once they enter a home, they can contaminate food and spread diseases. Ants also commonly infest homes near sewer lines. They use the sewer pipes as a method of transportation and can quickly colonize a home.
Flies are another common insect associated with sewer issues. They are attracted to the odor of sewage and can lay their eggs in the waste material found in the pipes. When the larvae hatch, they can cause a significant infestation if not addressed promptly.
If you notice an increase in insect activity in your home, it may be a good idea to have your sewer lines checked for blockages or damage. In addition to being unsanitary, an infestation of insects can be a sign of more significant problems with your plumbing system. Sewer issues can also cause damage to your home’s foundation or compromise its structural integrity.
6. Cracked or broken pipes
Cracked and broken pipes are one of the most common signs of problems with sewers. They can cause significant damage to your property and pose a health hazard to you and your family. Sewer pipes transport waste water from your home to the main sewer line or septic tank, and when they are damaged, it can lead to leaks and backups that can be costly to repair.
The most common causes of cracked and broken pipes in sewers are age, ground shifting or settling, and root intrusion. Over time, sewer pipes can become brittle and start to deteriorate, causing them to crack and break. Ground shifts and settling can cause the pipes to become misaligned, leading to breaks and cracks. Roots from trees and shrubs can also invade sewer pipes through small cracks and cause further damage over time.
When pipes are cracked or broken, they cannot function effectively. Waste water can escape through the cracks and seep into the soil, causing damage to your garden or lawn. It can also attract pests and rodents, creating a health hazard for you and your family. In addition, the escaping waste water can contaminate nearby sources of water, such as lakes and rivers, affecting wildlife and the environment.
7. High water bills
High water bills are often the first sign of sewer issues. Issues such as leaks or clogs in the sewer system result in an increase in water usage. If your water bill is significantly higher than usual despite not changing your water usage habits, there may be a problem with the sewer system. It’s important to take these hints seriously and investigate before the situation escalates.
One common cause of high water bills is a faulty meter. If you suspect that the meter reading is incorrect, you should contact a professional plumber to check it out. However, if you notice other signs such as slow-draining sinks or toilets, bad odors, or a soggy lawn, then it’s likely that there is a larger issue at play. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repairs will become.
8. Tree root intrusions
Tree root intrusions are a common problem for homeowners with mature trees on their property. As trees grow, their root systems can spread far and wide in search of water and nutrients. If these roots come into contact with underground pipelines, such as sewer lines, they can cause significant damage and create issues with the functioning of the pipes.
Tree root intrusions are often a sign of sewer issues, as roots can easily work their way into small cracks or holes in pipes, causing them to become blocked or damaged. When tree roots infiltrate sewer lines, they can cause backups, slow draining, and even complete blockages. Tree roots can also grow around pipes, causing them to shift and crack, leading to leaks or bursts in the pipe.
If left unchecked, tree root intrusion can cause significant damage to sewer lines and even lead to costly repairs or replacements. In addition to the physical damage caused by tree roots, the growth of roots can also create pressure on the sewer line, which can cause further damage and exacerbate any existing issues.
In conclusion, having sewer lines inspected with a camera is an essential practice for maintaining a healthy and safe home environment. The process allows homeowners and property managers to identify potential issues early on, including blockages, leaks, and cracks in the pipes, and address them before they escalate into costly and damaging problems. Moreover, it helps to prevent health hazards such as bacteria, mold, or unpleasant odors that can spread through the drains and affect the air quality of the property.
By using advanced technology such as CCTV inspection cameras and remote sensors, professionals can quickly and accurately diagnose the condition of the sewer system without disrupting the landscape or causing damage to the pipes. They can also provide a detailed inspection report that includes high-quality images and videos of the inside of the sewer line, making it easier for property owners to understand the problem and make informed decisions about the necessary repairs.
While some property owners may see the cost of having their sewer lines inspected with a pipe camera as an unnecessary expense, it is important to recognize that the long-term benefits far outweigh the short-term costs. Regular inspections can help homeowners save money by identifying issues before they turn into more significant problems that require costly repairs. Additionally, they can help to maintain property value and ensure that the property is up to code and free from any health hazards or environmental concerns.
Therefore, it’s recommended that property owners and managers have their sewer lines inspected with a camera at least once a year or as soon as they notice any warning signs of an issue such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, or foul odors coming from the drains. By doing so, they can ensure that their property remains safe, healthy, and well-maintained for years to come.
Any questions you may have on which sewer camera is right for you can be answered by our trained professionals. Give us a call at 931-362-3304 or simply email us at Sales@USABorescopes.com
