Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Safe and Accurate Drain Inspection
A proper drainage system is necessary for the optimal functioning of a residential place. And this naturally calls for drain inspection from time to time so that the drainage system does not collapse.
But what is a drain inspection? It is basically the process of a detailed checkup of a drainage system. A proper drain inspection ensures that everything is in good functioning condition inside the drain and that proper water flow is maintained.
Drain inspection must be done frequently to prevent any blockage. This is also important to ensure health safety and to refrain from costly repairs.
However, the inspection procedure must be carried out only by professional plumbers and not by any layman. This is because the procedure requires expertise and accuracy, which can be brought only by professional plumbers.
This blog outlines a proper approach to inspecting drains.
What Are the Common Problems in Drains?
Blockage is the most common issue in drains. This is primarily caused by foreign objects, grease buildup, tree root intrusion, etc.
Some of the other problems are pipe damage, leakage, and bellied pipes. These are subject to creating health challenges. Hence, a proper drain inspection process is to be followed. And for that, professional plumbers are required.
Safe and Accurate Drain Inspection: Step-by-Step Guidelines
The sewer and drain cleaning services market in the USA is predicted to witness a CAGR of 6.5% till 2031. This basically underlines the importance of professional inspection, which in turn shows that more and more people are rising to the occasion of getting professional drain inspections from time to time.
And also, professional plumbers need to adopt a secure approach and practice safety for drain inspection to combat the possibilities of health hazards.
So, as a plumber, how do you inspect drain field pipes? Here are some of the major steps that are to be followed!
Step 1: Preparation and Safety Gear
According to the WHO, 44% of household wastewater is discharged without any safe treatment. Before proceeding with a drain inspection, checking biohazards is important to protect human health as well as the environment. This prevents the chance of being exposed to pathogens.
So, for protection, the first step is to acquire the PPE kits. The main considerations are gloves, safety masks, protective clothes, and goggles. A professional plumber needs to wear all of these while carrying out a drain line inspection. They need to check whether the cable is not damaged and the camera is properly functioning.
Step 2: Initial Evaluation
To bring accuracy in drain line inspection, a proper initial assessment is needed. The plumber checks external signs, like whether there is any foul smell or any damp spot, or if the drainage procedure is slow. These are the signs that they consider.
But when to suspect more severe problems? If they see issues like consistent noise, foul odor, visible mold, etc., they understand that there is definitely a great extent of damage in the main sewer line. This indicates the need for an accurate procedure undertaken without any further delay.Step 3: Selecting the Proper Inspection Tool
When considering how to inspect a septic drain field or any other plumbing area, for that matter, the plumber needs to understand the usage of key tools. Choosing the right tools is important for accuracy and safety. From performing visual inspection to camera inspection of drains, there is a range of tools and processes that you can choose from. Let’s check out.
|
Tools/Processes |
Applied to |
Accuracy level |
Safety level |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Visual check |
Surface-level issues (visible cracks, water backup, etc.) |
Low |
High |
Inexpensive and time-saving |
Limited to visible issues only |
|
CCTV camera |
Sewer problems (cracks, collapsed pipes, etc.) |
High |
High |
Early issue detection and minimal disruption |
Costly and ineffective in inspecting tight bends |
|
Borescope |
Residential drain problems (blockage, corrosion, etc.) |
Moderate |
High |
Non-invasive inspection and video evidence |
Expensive and temperature limitations |
|
Pipe locator |
Detecting underground pipes |
Moderate |
High |
Precise repairing and cost-saving |
Ineffective for non-metallic pipes and signal interference |
|
Smoke testing |
Leak identification |
High |
Moderate |
Accurate leak identification and less labor-intensive |
Wind interference and restricted accessibility |
Table: Comparing Different Drain Inspection Tools and Processes
Step 4: Executing the Inspection
To carry out a safe and accurate drain line inspection, professional experts follow a few steps. Initially, the camera needs to be set. This is followed by inserting it in the pipe in a way that the camera follows the pipe’s natural flow.
To ensure precise navigation of the camera, the live feed must be observed through a monitor. Here, the main consideration is identifying any structural damage or blockage inside the pipe. Plumbers take note of the identified problems. The inspection process ends with the safe removal of the drain line inspection camera.
And professional plumbers remain cautious at the time of video drain camera inspection so that there is no exertion of excessive force and further damage.
Step 5: Recording and Interpreting Results
Findings from the inspection are stored via written notes, photos, and videos. This helps in the exact understanding of the problems.
While analyzing the result, professionals identify the location and severity of the problem. Also, corrosion or blockage signs are easily identified. To obtain an accurate interpretation, software (WinCan or mina Survey) can be a good option.
Step 6: Post-Inspection Considerations
Owing to a thorough drain line inspection, plumbers now have the knowledge about the existing issues. Here are some of the probable measures that they take in the post-inspection phase:
- Cleaning: They clean the drain so that every particle is removed and the water flow is not obstructed anymore. While professional plumbers do offer this service, homeowners can do this task on their own as well. Regular drainage cleaning is important for health safety, as harmful pollutants will not be released further.
- Repairing: The inspection result might indicate repairing the tap or the vent. Plumbers take care of this matter.
- Full Replacement: Suppose the inspection results have shown that the drain pipe has been fully damaged. In such cases, plumbers suggest total replacement with a new pipe.
Key Risks and Probable Safety Considerations to be Followed During Drainage Inspection?
Along with accuracy, safety is also a priority in a drainage inspection. There are several risks that can take place when plumbers are carrying out the procedure of a drain line inspection. Here, choosing effective measures is vital.
- Shielding Against the Presence of Toxic Gases: Toxic gases like carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulphide are actively present in a drainage system. This can create respiratory problems if inhaled. Wearing safety masks and goggles can be a probable measure.
- Taking Effective Measures When Handling Corroded Pipes: Handling a corroded pipe is risky. This is because it can collapse easily, which results in damaging a property. Plumbers are highly trained and use the right tools to combat this situation.
Scheduling a Drainage Inspection
This is for homeowners to understand. They need to know when to schedule drain inspections. You need to contact a professional when the problems (sewer line collapse, structural pipe damage, etc.) are not within your area of expertise anymore. Let’s see several scenarios where drain line inspection should be done.
- After Rainfall or Storm: Heavy rainfall might result in cracking or clogging the drainage system. Storm accounts for the falling of trees, which can block the water flow in the pipe. Therefore, you must rely on drainage inspection after a storm or heavy rain.
- Selling a Home: Are you selling your home? Consider a drainage inspection before that. This will ensure a healthy drainage system, which can be one of the main selling points. Planning regular drain inspections: Well, you don’t always need any reason for a drainage inspection. An annual inspection of drains is a route to a happier home. This will also keep your family healthy.
Wrapping Up
Regular inspection of drains ensures the health and safety of the common people. And since drains must be inspected once a year, it is imperative to call professional plumbers to get the job done. And by following the above-mentioned steps, plumbers can carry out the inspection procedure most efficiently.
Scheduling a Drain Inspection
Are you planning for a drain inspection? Hire a plumbing professional! And if you are a plumbing professional, make sure to get the plumbing tools from a reliable wholesale supplier!