Plumber Conducting Pipe Inspection

5 Common Issues You’ll Spot Faster with Modern Inspection Systems

It’s not about getting a plumbing task done, but about doing it correctly on the first attempt. This is where the modern inspection systems come to play.

Modern inspection systems are effective in offering speed and consistency in plumbing operations. For instance, having a quality camera as a part of the pipe inspection system helps to detect leaks. The newer systems automate repetitive tasks, thereby reducing rework.

New-age tools help to find defects in a better manner. This leads to an improved service from the end of plumbing professionals, along with complying with related regulations. Using the latest systems accounts for happier customers. Otherwise, even the most obvious problems may remain undetected. 

This blog discusses 5 common problems that modern inspection systems can detect quickly. 

5 Problems Identified Quickly with Modern Inspection Systems

Different plumbing issues can hamper the overall sewage system. Hence, proper systems are needed to detect the issues before they create a huge problem. Here are the top issues that are identified quickly by modern inspection systems.

Top Problems That Modern Inspection Systems Detect Fast
Figure: Top Problems That Modern Inspection Systems Detect Fast

1. Pipe Blockage 

Pipe blockage refers to an obstruction in the drainpipe, partially or fully. This results in the stopping of the flow of water. This has several impacts, like standing water, slower drainage, and foul smell.

But what actually blocks a pipe? Well, debris, food waste, grease, soap scum, etc., cause blockage in a pipe. Often, households witness wastewater coming back via drains. This is a sign of pipe blockage.
Pipe blockage is detected by sewer system inspection. If you rely on traditional snaking, you can identify blockages but not the deeper ones. Here, modern inspection systems are needed.

Modern HD cameras are important in the identification of this plumbing issue. Such a visual inspection camera system contains adjustable LED lighting and zoom capabilities that are useful for detecting even deeper blockages in the sewage system.

Let’s find out different types of blockages and the recommended tool.

Blockage type

Camera/Tool type

Key features

Grease build-up 

HD drain camera 

High-resolution, LED lighting, and real-time video transmission

Debris 

Push cameras and crawler cameras

LED lights, a waterproof camera head, and real-time video transmission

Foreign objects 

Video and locator system 

Long cable with length markers, high-resolution, and LED lights

Table: Blockage Types and Recommended Camera Systems

2. Root Intrusion

Root intrusion is where roots acquire air, water, and nutrients by infiltrating the underground sewer system. This is a common plumbing issue that is identified during the inspection of the septic system. A key problem is that the existing leaks or cracks in the pipe are exploited by roots while exerting constant pressure. 

How to understand this plumbing issue? Signs like slow drainage, structural damage, gurgling sounds, etc., indicate root intrusion. If this plumbing issue is ignored, it can result in costly repairs.

Sewer inspection cameras are quick to detect root intrusion. They capture HD videos of the pipe interiors in real-time during a sewer system inspection. The videos are interpreted by professional plumbers to find out the right approaches to solve the existing issues. A quick detection leads to removing the roots quickly.

3. Pipe Wearing

Pipe wearing is the loss of materials and degradation of the surface of the pipe. For instance, a cast-iron pipe degrades quickly. This is mainly caused by friction or chemical reactions from the substances that are transferred through it.

What are the common signs of pipe corrosion? Lowered water pressure, leaks, bad taste of water, unusual sounds, etc, indicate wear in your drain pipe. Proper maintenance can be acknowledged if corrosion is detected earlier. Here, appropriate inspection systems are needed.

Plumbers need to rely on video pipe inspection to identify corrosion in the sewage system. In certain instances, robots are considered to inspect a drain, and these are operated by remote control. With the help of this, HD videos are acquired. These are interpreted by the technicians to identify the right measure that is to be adopted.

4. Cracked and Collapsed Pipes

Cracked or collapsed pipes might be seen during a sewage inspection. Shifting soil, corrosion, age-related deterioration, etc., cause pipes to collapse. This hampers the overall drainage system of a house.

Are you experiencing issues like a foul smell or slow drains? You need to call an expert because these can be the signs of a pipe collapse. Foundation cracks, mould development, etc., are also some common signs.

There might be a need for an automatic inspection system to identify this plumbing issue. Cracks are common in older sewer lines. Here, an early diagnosis is needed, and high-resolution push cameras can be applied. Such cameras provide top-quality images that are considered by professionals during a sewer system inspection to identify any cracks.

5. Poor Pipe Installation

Wrong installation of drain pipes is a common issue that plumbers handle. But why does such an issue take place? Well, pipe installation can be ineffective if the size of the pipe or the joint connection is improper. Issues like poor pipe support and inadequate testing are also responsible for a poor pipe installation.

Any sudden change in the water pressure can be a cause of a poor pipe installation. Additionally, water discoloration, leaks, unusual noises, etc., can also indicate a wrong pipe installation.

Proper inspection systems are to be prioritized so that the poor installation issue can be identified. Here, lateral launch cameras and CCTV drain cameras can be of help. These are waterproof cameras that capture HD images and videos so that any pipe misalignment can be identified.

Need for Upgrading Inspection Gear

An annual residential water wastage of 1 trillion gallons is seen in the USA. Hence, modern inspection systems are to be prioritized so that any plumbing problem can be eradicated before it becomes a bigger one. 

Plumbers must upgrade their inspection gear so that better customer service can be provided. This also ensures efficiency and accuracy, thereby mitigating plumbing issues. Possessing quality tools results in quicker diagnosis and faster resolutions.

Regular upgrades of inspection gear result in a quicker diagnosis of plumbing issues. This satisfies customers while increasing professional opportunities for a plumber. This is also important in the health improvement of people, as poor sewage leads to various diseases (cholera, typhoid, dysentery, etc.).

Mistakes Plumbers Need to Remain Aware of

Quick detection of plumbing issues might not happen if a plumber is not knowledgeable about every aspect. Here is the list of some common mistakes that must be avoided:

  • Improper Planning: Always make a foolproof plan before using any tool. Poor planning results in identifying a problem late, which usually spirals out of control.
  • Insufficient Training: Plumbers need to obtain adequate training before using any tool. Insufficient training accounts for failing to understand the exact reason behind any poor signs in the drainage system.
  • Incorrect Equipment: There is a wide range of equipment that is used in sewer system inspection. Choosing the wrong one leads to undesirable outcomes.

To Conclude

Plumbing tasks are done effectively when the plumbers use top-quality tools. Issues, like pipe collapse, poor installation, wear, etc., are identified quickly by modern inspection systems. Plumbers must possess quality tools so that issues can be identified with higher precision. 

Upgrading Your Tools

Having the right tool increases performance, along with boosting the confidence of a plumber. We offer a wide range of plumbing tools and sewer inspection cameras. Visit our site to fulfil your needs. This keeps you equipped while staying ahead of others. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Much Time Does It Take for a Plumber With a Modern Tool Kit to Inspect a Sewage System?

Normally, an inspection lasts for 30 minutes to several hours. It depends on what the existing signs are in a sewage system.

2. What is an Ideal Frequency of Drain Inspection?

You need an annual inspection for high-risk areas. For residential areas, you can schedule an inspection once every two years.

3. What Signs Are Detected by the Naked Eye?

You can identify signs like slow drainage, foul odor, unusual noise, etc., with the naked eye. You need to call professional plumbers to diagnose the exact issue.

4. How Can I Maintain Drain Inspection Cameras?

Use a soft cloth to clean a camera. You can apply isopropyl alcohol for cleaning the lens.
Back to blog