Clogged sewer lines are unfortunately common. Drain cleaning is the usual line of defense, but in many cases stubborn blockages require a visual pipe inspection to diagnose the issue. Here’s a little more about what you can expect if your plumber conducts this type of assessment.

What You Should Know About Pipe Inspections

What Is a Pipe Inspection?

These services rely on cameras to provide plumbing experts with a clear look of the sewer lines and associated pipes. Because the high-resolution cameras are so flexible, they can easily navigate complex twists in the system, allowing for enhanced visibility of potential blockages in deeper pipes. The resulting video is available right away, so your plumber can immediately determine the issue and resolve it on site. This kind of evaluation is effective for pipes of diameters 2 inches or larger. 

What Happens During an Appointment?

First, your plumber will assess the length of the problematic pipe. Deeper pipes carry the potential for more troublesome, stubborn blockages, so the process may take a little longer to complete. They’ll insert the camera into the sewer pipe from an accessible spot, then inspect its length. As the line travels through the pipes, a video is transmitted back that provides an in-depth look at any potential and existing issues. Once a problem has been identified, they’ll use a signal-based locating device to find the camera, mark the precise spot of the issue, and dig a trench around it so they can reach the pipe.  

How Do Inspections Help?

Many homeowners only contact sewer line professionals when something goes wrong, like a clogged drain or a sluggish toilet. But the information gleaned from a pipe inspection can be critical if you’re remodeling a bathroom or kitchen and want to be sure that the sewer line is in usable condition. Inspections may also be useful during a real estate inspection, or to find valuables accidentally lost down the drain. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the condition of your sewer lines, trust the experts at Service Plus Plumbing. Proudly serving homeowners and business owners throughout Canterbury, CT, for more than 30 years, the company carries an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau® and offers pipe inspections, drain cleaning services, and water jetting to ensure your system functions properly. Visit their website for details or call (860) 234-9346 to schedule an appointment.