Top 5 Challenges in Sewer Inspections—and How to Solve Them

Figure: Sewer Inspection Challenges

Challenge #1: Limited Pipe Accessibility

Many sewer lines can be observed, which are very difficult to access because of location, depth, or blockages in the entry point of the pipe. Sometimes, it requires doing a camera inspection of the sewer line as a camera needs to be inserted from the entry point. However, due to the limited accessibility of the sewer pipe, the inspection camera cannot take proper pictures inside the sewer pipe. 

Solution for the Problem

Using a flexible and compact push camera with a long cable length can help plumbers and professional sewer cleaners access the small entrances of the sewer line. This type of sewer scope inspection camera is heavily flexible because the camera head and the push rods are designed to pass through difficult bends and narrower sections of sewer pipe. 

Recommended Tool

Plumbers and sewer inspectors can use a flexible 8mm Blue Push Cable alongside a 28mm pan and tilt sewer inspection camera. This camera, attached to the push cable, can easily enter through difficult angles and can smoothly navigate through right turns. The waterproof camera head also protects the camera from getting damaged.

Challenge #2: Poor Visibility Inside Pipes

Inside the sewer pipe lines, the visibility becomes very low. The general reasons behind poor visibility inside the sewer pipeline are the thick sludge and suspended particles that are present in the wastewater, leading to clogging. In addition to that, sewer pipe inspection cameras, which have low-powered LED lights, cannot be used to inspect inside the dark sewer pipe lines. 

Solution for the Problem

The best solution for this is to upgrade the camera to an HD sewer camera that enables strong LED lighting and adaptable brightness. 

Here is a camera visibility comparison table that reflects different types of cameras that can be used for effective sewer pipe inspection.

Table 1: Comparison Between a Basic Camera Model and an HD inspection Camera

Recommended Tool

Plumbers can use Recon 23mm Sewer Inspection Camera 2844, a powerful, quality camera that comes with a 130° wide vision angle. The camera also has 15 white LEDs and has a diameter of 23 mm. The LED brightness can be adjusted using a single button, so that plumbers or expert sewer cleaners can see during the sewer pipeline inspection.

Challenge #3: Blockage and Dirt Build-Up 

One of the major issues that can be found through a sewer line video inspection is the blockage issues in the pipelines. Debris can enter through the slightest of cracks present in the pipes. And once they enter, they can create a big mass of debris that can restrict the natural flow of water in the pipeline.

Other types of blockages can also happen from excessive grease buildup in the kitchen drainage and odd objects that are flushed down the toilets. On top of it, mineral deposits can be gathered over time in the pipe joints. 

Solution for the Problem

Plumbers use plungers and drain snakes that are attached to flexible metal cables to break the clog. Manual drain snakes are more effective in eliminating smaller clogs. For a more powerful clog in the main sewer line, a motorized drain snake is used, which can remove the stubborn clogs from the sewer line. Many experienced plumbers often use enzyme cleaners that remove the clogs overall. 

Recommended Tools

Scout 14mm is a very high-quality all-in-one sewer line video inspection camera that comes with different lengths of fiberglass cable. The camera head is made of stainless steel, with an IP68-certified water-resistant level.

Furthermore, plumbers can also use Sewer Tremor as a sewer cleaning tool. With a 120-foot upright section, it can go through deeper blockages and clogs inside the sewer.

Challenge #4: Recording and Sharing Inspection Results

While inspecting the sewer pipe lines, professional sewer cleaners and plumbers need to record and save the captured footage recorded by the sewer line inspection camera. However, low-end pipe inspection cameras may not properly record and store the inspection footage. 

In many cases, the homeowners might be interested in seeing the outcome of the sewer inspection. In these instances, experts need proper cameras with digital storage, wi-fi transfer, or app-based sharing. 

Solution for the Problem

A major solution for this problem is to invest in high-end inspection cameras with micro-SD card support or a USB stick slot to store the pictures and videos. 

Recommended Tool

Eagle Eye Pan-n-Tilt Video Inspection Camera from Drain Ranger Tools can be an ideal addition to the arsenal of professionals. This sewer system inspection camera is effective in real-time streaming and high-capacity storage thanks to SD card support and a USB stick. 

This camera is also a useful tool because of its pan and tilt functions. It can pan 360°, and it has a tilt of 180°. This way, the camera can even fit into the most difficult edges and record the footage if there are clogs or a need for repair.

Challenge #5: Corrosion of Pipes

Corrosion is one of the most observed problems in the sewer pipelines. It can mostly be found in the aged metallic pipes, as these are made from iron or steel. The environment inside the sewer is highly corrosive, wet, and rusty. This type of environment can lead to rusty pipes and accumulate dirt quickly. Therefore, the equipment used for sewer pipe inspection should be durable and long-lasting, which can endure this type of corrosion. 

Solution for the Problem

The best solution for this is to use stronger equipment with proper housing and a reinforced material. Tools that are water-resistant and corrosion-proof can be used for high-quality site inspection.

Here are the common equipment durability factors that are essential to consider:

Table 2: Equipment Durability Factors to Consider

Bonus Tips for Sewer Inspection Success

Here are some bonus tips that can ensure sewer inspection success. These bonus tips will help plumbers and sewer cleaners ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of the tools and equipment that make them functional for a long time. 

• Make sure the tools are properly maintained frequently. Clean the camera heads, cables, and augers after every inspection task.
• After every sewer pipe inspection, take extra precautions for the casings and housings of the cameras and tools. 
• Carry backup batteries and accessories while doing the inspection. 
• Train your inspection crew and plumbers to know effective tool handling.

Wrapping Up

Sewer inspection tasks do not always have to be difficult if you have the right apparatus with you. Plus, no expert inspector likes to use their malfunctioning equipment while they are doing their work. Therefore, to manage every type of challenge that can come during the sewer pipeline inspection, it is smart to invest in professional-standard tools and inspection cameras. This way, you will be able to do your work quickly, with proper diagnosis, and your clients will be happy.

Consider Professional-grade Tools to Handle Complicated Sewer Cleaning Tasks!

Want to upgrade your sewer inspection toolkits? Consider using professional-grade cameras and plumbing systems to handle complicated inspection tasks. 

Frequently Asked Questions