Topics like sewage and drainage are typically ignored because they are a tad unpleasant. We like not to think about our sewer lines until something goes wrong. Like when your toilet clogs or backs-up. Or you get a mysterious smell around the house. Or your backyard is starting to become swamp-like and reeks. Yikes!
But what if there was a fast, clean, and a modern way to detect sewer problems before they turn into a disaster that could burn a serious hole in your pocket? Meet your new plumbing best friend: sewer cameras! Sewer camera inspections are like little Go-Pros for your pipes, saving you time, money, and a ton of mess.
How does it work?
A tiny waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable gets pushed down your drain, navigating inside your sewer line. While it goes through your pipes it sends a live video feed to your plumber, showing exactly what’s going on the dark depths of your plumbing system. No more guesswork. No more digging up your yard just to see what’s broken. You can get real-time visuals and accurate diagnosis with sewer camera inspections, without getting a shovel out!
It’s so cool
Here’s the magic. Sewer cameras can find a ton of hidden problems, like:
- Tree roots in your sewer lines
- Cracked or collapsed pipes
- Blockages (think grease, wipes, hair)
- Corrosion or rust buildup
- Offset joints
- Mystery smells
Essentially, any problem lurking underneath your property, a sewer camera will find in a snap.
How sewer camera inspections save you time and money
Everyone’s busy. If you’re driving from Palo Alto, chasing kids around Berkeley, or trying to Zoom into multiple meetings from your house in San Mateo, the last thing you need is a plumbing emergency messing up your day. Besides, sewer repairs can cost thousands of dollars. But there’s a way to avoid all that spend.
Here’s how sewer cameras help you:
Faster inspections: Instead of spending hours randomly poking, prodding, and snaking sewer pipes, your plumber can see everything in minutes by using a sewer camera. No more guesswork.
Accurate repairs: Old plumbing may need you to dig up yards and yards of dirt, just to find the problem. With a sewer camera, your plumber can pinpoint the exact location and deliver accurate repair work. The best part is that this means no mystery charges or surprise add-ons that pad up your bill.
Less disruption: No digging = no mess! This translates into no disturbed landscaping, no noise pollution, and no downtime. While your plumber plays detective in the pipe, your day continues uninterrupted.
Preventative power: The earlier you catch a problem, the more avoid an emergency call later. Early detections and prompt repairs can save you a lot, as you realize that fast prompts = happy wallets.
Bay Area bonus
The Bay Area has some unique sewer-related challenges:
- Beautiful, tree-lined streets mean lots of root infiltration.
- Continuous shifting can crack and shift underground utilities.
- Many older Bay Area homes (looking at you Alameda Victorians!) have old, fragile plumbing that needs to be assessed.
This is especially where sewer cameras come in handy, giving you a good view of how your plumbing holds up when things get tough.
When do you need an inspection?
Here’s when you must schedule an inspection:
- You are buying or selling a home.
- You have had ongoing issues with drains.
- Mysterious foul smells.
- You have discolored water at times.
- You think you may have root intrusion.
- You live in an older home.
Even if there is no issue, it’s a good idea to perform a proactive sewer camera inspection every few years and stay ahead of things.
Call the professionals
Look for licensed, local plumbers who offer sewer camera inspections as a part of their diagnostic toolbox. Many present their findings as digital files or provide a copy of the video, so you have it stored away for renovations or sales.
Sewer camera inspections may not be glamorous, but they are mighty helpful. They save you time, they save you money, and they save you stress, all while aiding in keeping your house clean, safe and flowing.
In the end, it comes down to peace of mind. The next time your drains begin getting weird, don’t play the guessing game. Go high-tech. Go visual. Go sewer camera.
Your pipes (and your wallet) will thank you.
Need a reliable sewer camera inspection in the Bay Area or a sewer drain cleaning near you? Contact Albion Plumbing for a fast, friendly, and high-tech look inside your pipes. We promise no mess, no stress!