Clogged pipes can create a huge mess and a major inconvenience. Pipes and sewer systems get clogged for a variety of reasons, and the sooner you detect a plumbing problem, the easier it is to fix.
One way to discover what’s causing drain blockage is to have a sewer camera inspection, which uses technology to make easy work of checking the condition of your sewer system.
How Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Work?
Whether your pipes are already clogged or you just sense a problem with your sewer system, having a sewer camera inspection is the best way to find out what’s going on below the drains. During a sewer inspection, our professionals at Zest Plumbing and Drain will use a special camera designed specifically for taking pictures and video of your pipes. A sewer line camera is on the end of a snake-like cord that can be pushed through your entire plumbing system. The camera’s bright light provides a good view of everything down the drain and throughout the pipes.
Our professional eyes are trained to spot problems that can occur in your sewer system. We know how to find what’s causing a blockage so we can solve the issue and get your pipes working as they should. We have the equipment and experience to resolve sewer drain issues quickly.
What Are the Types of Sewer Systems?
There are three main types of sewer system, and it’s important to know which you’re dealing with. Here are the details about each one:
- Sanitary sewer system
This type of sewer system is the most common in residential and commercial buildings. The sewer lines take wastewater from a building to a central wastewater treatment facility, then the water is treated at the facility before it’s released back into the environment. - Storm sewer system
With a storm sewer system, rainwater and snow runoff go down storm drains located on city streets and sidewalks. This water is routed to rivers and lakes where it drains away without being treated. - Combined sewer system
Not commonly used, this type of sewer system is a combination of the sanitary sewer and storm sewer systems. Water from storms and wastewater from homes and businesses are collected into the same system and might be treated before being released back into the environment.
What Are the Signs Your Sewer System Needs an Inspection?
There are some signs that will let you know your sewer system needs a camera inspection.
Sewage Backup
If your toilet clogs regularly or you have sewage backing up into your toilet, bathtub, or shower, you should call our team at Zest Plumbing and Drain for a sewer camera inspection. Toilets that clog often may have an object stuck in the line, as things sometimes get flushed without your knowledge. Trash that gets flushed can also clog the sewer system, and a camera inspection can quickly determine if something is blocking your pipes and causing the backup.
Draining Issues
Drains that only let water out slowly could get worse if you don’t resolve the issue. A slow drain indicates there could be grease, oil, fat, or even minerals building up on the walls of your pipes. If not addressed, the buildup might become a bigger problem and lead to a fully clogged drain. A sewer camera can get down into the pipes and look around for blockage.
Bad Smells
Bad smells coming from your drains mean bacteria are growing, which is most likely caused by food, soap, and other particles blocking the flow of water. Food and soap residue can begin to decay and break down in your drains and pipes, resulting in odors when you run the water. Odors can be an early indicator that something isn’t right with your sewer system.
Water Pressure Changes
Changes in water pressure are another early indicator you have a problem with your sewer system. A broken or damaged pipe allows water to leak out and dirt and debris to get in. When you lose water pressure, it could mean you have a hole or break somewhere in the line. You might also notice an increase in pressure if water is forced through a smaller opening due to a blockage in the pipes.
Water Pooling in the Yard
A pool of water in the yard is never a good sign, especially if you haven’t been watering or using a swimming pool. Pipes that break underground can result in water being forced up out of the ground near the damaged area. With a sewer camera inspection, plumbing professionals can get to underground pipes without having to dig, helping them pinpoint the trouble spot to make repairing it simple.
What Are the Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspections?
Having a sewer camera inspection comes with multiple benefits.
Noninvasive Method
Because all we have to do is put the camera in the pipes, a sewer camera inspection is noninvasive. We won’t have to destroy your yard, your walls, or your flooring to get to damaged water lines. We can determine where the sewer system is having trouble quickly and easily.
Accurate Information
Our trained professionals use a sewer line camera to provide you with accurate information about what’s wrong with your sewer system. A camera can give us eyes inside your pipes, and our knowledge and experience help us use the information to discover where your problem is so we can fix it.
Fast Process
Using a sewer line camera to inspect your pipes is a much faster process than trying to do a physical inspection. The camera shows exactly where the problem is and what’s causing the sewer blockage. This allows us to find the problem without making any guesses that delay repairs.
Get a Sewer Camera Inspection Today
Having a sewer camera inspection performed by our professionals means your sewer line repair will be completed by experts who know exactly what to do to fix your sewer issue. Contact our team at Zest Plumbing and Drain in Scottsdale if you’re ready to have your sewer line inspected using our high-tech camera equipment. We’re here to help you with all your plumbing repair needs.