Chances are, you don’t like to think about what goes on inside your sewer too much — and we don’t blame you! But with that said, it’s sometimes important for a plumbing professional to take a closer look when you’re dealing with clogs, backups, and other hazardous sewer line problems.
The fastest way to find hidden sewer problems is a sewer camera inspection. This specialized tool uses a camera to inspect the sewer line and determine the exact cause of your problem. Keep reading to learn what a sewer camera inspection is, how it works, and how the local pros at Chen Plumbing can use this tool to address your plumbing problems.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer line camera inspection is a professional technique used to visually spot problems deep in a sewer line, taking the guesswork out of the sewer line repair process. A video sewer inspection is the best way to diagnose common sewer issues like drain clogs, sewage backups, foul odors, or ruptured pipes, allowing your plumber to repair the problem sooner. Schedule your camera inspection with the team at Chen Plumbing as soon as you suspect an issue.
How a Sewer Camera Inspection Works
During a camera inspection of a sewer line, plumbers use a special camera attached to a long, flexible, and waterproof apparatus, feeding it down the line to get a live view of what’s going on inside. From here, your plumber will determine what’s causing your issue, whether it’s a small leak, a collapsed or ruptured pipe, a tree root, or a clog caused by a foreign object or other debris. Our Atlanta team is available year-round for reliable sewer line inspections, usually taking less than an hour to complete.
What Problems Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Detect?
Sewer line cameras are an invaluable tool used during the sewer line inspection process, allowing your Atlanta plumber to identify and repair a range of issues, such as:
- Tree root intrusion: A common issue in Atlanta homes near fast-growing, water-hungry trees, such as oaks and pines.
- Blockages and clogs: Identifying trouble areas caused by debris buildup, excess sediment, or foreign objects getting flushed down drains.
- Cracks: Spotting leaks and ruptures in sewer lines, a common issue because of the heavy red clay present in much of Atlanta’s soil.
- Collapsed pipes: Identifying areas of pipe that will need replacement due to it buckling or collapsing.
- Corrosion and scaling: Spotting deteriorating sections of pipe before they fail entirely, especially in cast iron or galvanized steel pipes found in older neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, and Kirkwood.
- Grease buildup: Finding developing or solidified clogs of fats, oils, and grease that have been disposed of down drains.
If you have any reason to suspect one of these issues in your system, contact the pros at Chen Plumbing straight away.
Signs You May Need a Sewer Camera Inspection
How do you know when it’s time to get a drain camera inspection on your sewer line? Here are a few signs to look out for:
- Frequent drain clogs
- Foul drain odors
- Sewage backups in toilets or other fixtures
- Slow drains
- Multiple drain issues throughout the home
- Gurgling sounds from drains or toilets
- Wet, foul-smelling, or particularly green patches in your yard
When Homeowners Should Schedule a Sewer Inspection
If you’re noticing any of the above issues, you should contact the pros at Chen Plumbing for sewer inspection services straight away. We also recommend getting in touch if:
- You’re buying a new home and want to confirm the condition of the sewer.
- It’s been more than a year since your last sewer line inspection.
- You have fast-growing, water-hungry trees on your property.
- Your home was built decades ago and still uses outdated pipe materials.
What Happens After the Inspection?
You found a team to do sewer camera inspection near you — now what? Once the inspection is complete, your plumber will tell you what they discovered and give their recommendations for the next step, which varies depending on the situation. If your sewer is clogged by a severe buildup of fat, sediment, minerals, or something else, they may suggest hydro jetting to blast away the blockage without damaging pipes. For collapsed or ruptured pipes, sewer line repair or replacement may be the best option.
When you get a plumbing camera inspection from the team at Chen Plumbing, we’ll always give you options for the next step, only offering repairs or replacements that you really need to protect your health, safety, and property.
Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspections
Sewer camera inspections are a great way for your plumber to clearly see problems in your lines without the need to dig them up. This dramatically reduces the time and money needed to diagnose and repair any issues, meaning your Atlanta plumbing pro can get started on a solution sooner.
How Sewer Camera Inspections Help Prevent Major Repairs
We always recommend being as proactive as possible with sewer inspections, as it’s always easier (and less expensive) to prevent issues than it is to repair them after they’ve already happened. A camera inspection might uncover a minor leak before it becomes a huge rupture, preventing gallons of wastewater from saturating your yard. It might also spot small clogs, giving your plumber a chance to clean them out before they can clog your drains or send foul sewage back into your home. Our team is always available for proactive sewer inspections in the Atlanta area.
Professional Sewer Camera Inspections in Atlanta
Whether you want a proactive sewer camera inspection for your peace of mind or need immediate answers about a current sewage problem, the team at Chen Plumbing is here to help. We’re available year-round, arriving quickly after your call to inspect the system and definitively diagnose any issues. From here, our plumbers have all the tools and materials needed to repair your system and ensure the safe flow of sewage and wastewater, keeping your home hygienic, clean, and comfortable.
Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection with Chen Plumbing Today
At Chen Plumbing, we’re proud to employ a team of highly skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced plumbers who call Atlanta home. Our workers are fully licensed and insured, courteous and professional, and are always ready to go the extra distance to ensure you’re safe and satisfied with our work. Whether you have reason to suspect an issue with your plumbing system, want to check the condition of your sewer line on a newly purchased home, or simply want to get proactive about ongoing care for your plumbing systems, Chen Plumbing is just a call or message away.
Don’t hesitate to request a quote or call today at (404) 905-1429 for a camera sewer inspection today!
