Old methods to diagnose plumbing problems used a process of elimination. If it was just a sink, toilet, or shower, the problem was usually at the closest P-trap for clogged drains. The problem was in the main sewer line if all the drains were backing up. Other issues, such as sewer gas infiltrating the structure, were worked out similarly. The problem with this method comes in the cost of repairs. Seeing where the actual problem is can save many hours in labor costs. Plumbing inspection cameras can diagnose plumbing problems in minutes, eliminating the guesswork.
Plumbing Cameras Can Eliminate Excavation Costs
Leaking underground plumbing is used only to be repaired by bringing in a backhoe and digging up the pipes for replacement. Water, sewer, and gas lines can be repaired using a Cured-in-Place-Piping (CIPP) method. A camera inspection of the plumbing reveals the extent of damage and the pipe’s suitability for repair. Without a visual inspection of the overall condition of a pipe, the only option is to dig it up and replace it.
Plumbing Inspection Cameras Used in Finding Obstructions
Slow and blocked drains can be caused by any number of things, from tree roots to a complete pipe collapse in terracotta sewer lines. Before clearing the obstruction is used, it is essential to have a visual inspection of the sewer line completed. The camera reveals not only the blockage but also the overall condition of the pipe. This information is then used to determine the best method of clearing an obstruction.
Rotating power snakes for sewer lines use special debris removal tips to deal with different obstructions. One is made for cutting away infiltrating roots. Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to blast away debris and roots. The sewer line must withstand the forces of hydrojetting, and only a visual inspection done by a camera can ascertain that. Enzymes may be used to remove debris in some sewer pipes.
Inspecting Plumbing With Cameras to Save Repair Costs
Any home with terracotta sewer lines should have an inspection using a plumbing camera. Catching faults in the ceramic pipe and joints before a problem gets out of hand can save considerable repair expenses. Spot repair of a terracotta sewer line may delay replacement of the line by many years even if it is leaking or has intrusion of root systems from nearby trees. Compromised terracotta sewer lines usually start with slow drains and progress to a complete blockage at some point. The collapsed pipe must be replaced. Spot repairs can fix trouble areas before a major repair is necessary.
Some of the most significant costs in home repair are roof replacement and the replacement of sewer, water, or gas lines. The jobs are labor intensive, which results in higher costs. Roofs have an average lifespan that cannot be dramatically altered. However, plumbing that is regularly inspected for trouble spots can essentially last indefinitely without being replaced. Camera inspections of plumbing allow our highly trained plumbers at Alvarez Plumbing to immediately see where a problem is developing. Cameras also permit us to do preventative maintenance to sustain plumbing integrity, help prevent severe faults from occurring, and quickly locate such faults if they have occurred.
Alvarez Plumbing – Salinas, Ca.
Alvarez Plumbing is the leading source for all plumbing projects in Salinas, California. Our technicians tackle projects in residential and business locations. Call today: (831) 757-5465