How Imaging Equipment Prevents Costly Sewer Failures

Sewer inspection often involves trenching, which makes it time-consuming. But in today’s time, plumbers can instead use innovative imaging equipment to take a more proactive approach in managing sewer systems.

25% of the US houses have minimal access to a centralized sewer system. Sewer failures could result from various factors such as pipe corrosion, clogs from debris, or ground movement. Such problems can be detected from a mile away, as they give out foul smell, and there are backed-up drains and wet patches. Plumbers coming for inspection have better detection solutions up their sleeves; they may resort to using visual inspection camera systems for sewer system inspections.

Our blog covers ways in which you can prevent costly sewage failures with imaging equipment.

The Consequences of Sewer Failure

Without proper identification of sewage problems at home, homeowners could be subjected to severe inconveniences. Here is a list of the problems that they could face:

1. Pipe Damage

Your sewage system is dependent on the pipelines, and major problems can damage the entire pipe system. As time passes, the piping material becomes more prone to breakage under weight or pressure. With leaks, corrosion, or complete collapse, the water supply will be at stake. 

2. Blockage

If the sewer systems break down because of tree roots or any grease, homeowners will have to deal with blocked wastewater flow. Backed-up drains and slow draining are signs of these blockages. Plumbers ought to come for inspection upon the onset of such signs

3. Foundational Damage

Leaks saturating soil and pressuring the foundation result from sewer pipe failures. The cracks and leaks can shake up the overall structural integrity of a house or a commercial building. Without professional inspection systems, a sewer failure puts the building structure at risk.

4. Long-term Expenses

Upon the detection of the reasons behind sewer issues, there might be hidden costs involved. Long-term costs include the cost of specialized equipment, getting durable materials, and checking for soil conditions after the sewer damage. 

5. Emergency Repairs

In the case of pipe bursts or clogged drains, it is important to stay calm and call emergency sewer services. In these emergency situations, the entire building structure could be severely affected. Professional plumbers with a pipe inspection system can help you avoid such a hurry in emergencies.

Here’s a table with a range of costs that you may have to incur:

Table 1: Average Cost of Sewer Problems

What Is Sewer Imaging Equipment?

Sewer imaging equipment is cameras with waterproof features attached with a cable and are used for inspecting sewers and drain pipes. It is a small, durable camera along with a mechanism that can be driven through the pipe to record video or take images. 

Ways Imaging Equipment Prevents Costly Failures

Imaging equipment has a critical role in addressing sewer issues before they get out of control. Here’s how these tools can be used to prevent costly failures:

1. Early Detection

Imaging equipment has the ability to detect the root cause behind sewer problems, way before it damages the system. Early detection with this tool offers timely intervention, helping to avoid extensive damage. 

Moreover, the automatic inspection system’s detection method involves using 40,000 images and achieves 94.96% accuracy, which makes early detection more reliable. 

Problems like zipper cracks in iron pipes can be easily detected by plumbers with images from an automatic pipe inspection system. 

2. Right Identification of Blockages

Imaging equipment eliminates the need for trenching across the entire pipeline. These sewer cameras detect and diagnose the blocks. The non-invasive approach offers a more detailed knowledge of the pipe conditions. 

An accurate blockage detection system can reduce delays with unnecessary digging. Plumbers find out the right reason behind the blockage and get going with the repair or replacement procedure. 

3. Accurate Mapping

Imaging tools, when attached to sewer equipment, enable real-time data collection. Precise sewer mapping can help in identifying the exact location of the blockage or damage. An inertial navigation mechanism of the camera helps plumbers get the right information.

Leaks are common in every sewer system. Locating these can be difficult despite modern tools of trenching. Inspection of septic systems with the imaging equipment can eliminate all concerns about the wrong location being dug up.

For instance, Commander XL cameras have the feature of smart brakes that help them to map the blockages.

4. Lower Risk of Foundational Problems

Leaks can lead to overall structural damage in sewer systems. Imaging equipment reduces structural issues through accurate assessment and early detection. The images help to find mapping in cracks, water leak sources, and soil erosion. 

CCTV cameras are often used in the pipe inspection system. Sewage leaks cause foundational problems, which might cost around $2000 to $10,000 (depending on severity) in the US. The visual inspection can help plumbers to understand how bad the damage is, allowing them to fix it without disturbing the overall surroundings.

5. Fewer Chances of Emergency Repairs

Emergency repairs include expensive services. But regular inspections with the help of imaging tools can minimize the risk of pipe bursts or the need for high-cost interventions. Sewer cameras identify the possible issues before they become severe. 

Emergency plumbing might cost homeowners around $1000 to $500 per hour. These prices can vary based on the nature of the emergency and the location. Immediate professional help is needed if there is a pipe burst or sewage backup situation. Homeowners may avoid these costs by keeping the emergency situations at bay with imaging equipment.

Whether it’s early detection or eliminating structural risks, imaging tools can save your sewage systems from costly repairs.

Table 2: Cost-Benefits of Imaging Tools in Sewage Systems

Mainly, you can save on the damage repair costs and excavation costs with the imaging equipment inspection in the sewage systems.

Types of Imaging Equipment

There are different types of sewer imaging tools that plumbers choose according to the pipe size, the type to be detected, and other details. Here are some of the imaging equipment plumbers most commonly use:

• Push Cameras: Flexible cameras with a long rod manually pushed via a pipe.
• Pan-and-Tilt Cameras: Pan-and-tilt functionality helps the head to rotate and tilt to offer a complete view of pipe walls.
• Crawler Cameras: Motorized cameras with wheels or tracks to travel longer distances within bigger sewer lines.
• Trailer-Mounted Systems: Cameras combined with crawlers and monitoring tools for city-wide inspections.

In Summation

Sewer imaging equipment has different functions, and plumbers use them extensively depending on inspection needs and the size of pipes. These help in early detection of problems, right blockage identification, accurate mapping, and proactive maintenance. Needless to say, timely intervention keeps costly sewer failures at bay.

Want to Find the Best Imaging Tools for your Home?

Find the range of imaging equipment on our website and take a proactive approach by selecting the tool perfect for your sewage problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does It Take to Inspect a Sewage System With Imaging Tools?

Most of the residential inspections take no longer than 1 to 2 hours, based on the condition and length of the pipes.

Can Sewer Cameras Take Videos for Future Reference?

Many systems allow video recording for plumbers and homeowners to review and compare the changes.

Is It Safe to Use Sewer Cameras for Older Pipelines?

Imaging tools are non-invasive and safe for the older pipelines; there is no digging or trenching involved.

Which Pipe Sizes Can Imaging Tools Inspect?

Different cameras are built for different pipe sizes. While push cameras handle smaller pipes, crawler systems can inspect larger lines.