Doing research on sewer line issues will quickly render results involving “sewer cameras”. They are commonly used by professionals to diagnose sewer line problems due to their ease and simplicity. Read on to find out more on sewer cameras and their uses! 

Why Sewer Line Cameras?

Sewer line cameras are meant to identify the cause of blockages and backups within the sewer pipe without the damage and hassle of digging up a yard. Being able to remotely diagnose sewer line problems prevents homeowners from having to spend more on repairs and be certain that it has been handled properly. Many professional plumbers employ this method, and you’ll want the person working on your pipes to use it in order to protect your property. 

How They Work

Sewer cameras are attached to a flexible cable that is fed through the sewer pipe until it reaches the clogged or damaged area. There is a transmitter attached to the camera that records the location of the line and its depth, so the plumber can easily know where to find it and what needs to be done to fix it.

What Kinds of Problems Can it Identify?

A sewer camera inspection is able to identify almost any problem you’re having, but the most common we see are: 

• Tree root blockages: This is typical especially of old pipes made of clay or other porous materials. Tree roots will seek out water, and a crack in a pipe is ideal for them to thrive and grow into. 
• Broken, cracked, and collapsed pipes: The camera can easily identify these issues and allow the plumber to know exactly where the work needs to happen and if it requires a repair or full replacement. 
• Large blockages: It may be that the pipes are still in perfect condition, but paper, grease, hair and other buildup has resulted in a blockage that needs to be cleared. 

Traditional Sewer Repair & Replacement

If the sewer camera inspection finds that your sewer line is collapsed, bellied or sagging, a traditional repair is your only choice. A professional will need to dig a trench on the property to expose the affected area and repair or replace the pipe where needed. While this can cause damage to walkways, driveways, landscape and more, it is necessary sometimes in order to avoid further plumbing issues. 

Trenchless Repair & Replacement

This method is much less damaging and invasive than the traditional method mentioned above. This is done by creating small access points along the pipe. A cable will then be inserted and pulled along the path of the existing line in order to pull the replacement line into place. 

Give Us a Call

If you’re noticing signs of a damaged water line or clogged pipes, give Texas Drain Specialist a call today. One of our professionals will come out and do a sewer camera inspection to determine what the issue is and how to best solve it. Our goal is to handle the problem with as little damage to the area around it as possible!