It has been said that the real troubles in life are things that never cross your mind and tend to blindside you.  This is no truer than it is for pipeline damages.

When it comes to the plumbing system in your home, few issues are as problematic as a clogged or damaged sewer line. A backup in your toilets, sinks, or drains can quickly lead to messy and potentially hazardous situations. In these circumstances, homeowners often face the challenge of identifying the root cause of the problem and determining the most efficient way to resolve it.

The unfortunate part about fixing issues like these is that you never really know what’s wrong until you see it.  Seeing it usually means ripping out the plumbing, which results in a lot of costly repairs for you.  However, that is no longer the case, thanks to our pipeline video inspection services.

Fortunately, with the advent of high-resolution video pipeline inspections, you no longer have to rely on guesswork, invasive digging, or lengthy repairs. This advanced technology offers a streamlined, accurate, and non-intrusive approach to diagnosing and solving sewer line issues.

At BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors, we are committed to offering London Ontario and surrounding areas, top-of-the-line video pipeline inspection services to help businesses and homeowners save time, money, and stress when dealing with plumbing problems.

Here, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of video pipeline inspections and how they can revolutionize the way you approach sewer line diagnostics and repairs.

Eliminating Guesswork for Faster, More Accurate Diagnoses

In the past, diagnosing sewer issues was a labor-intensive and disruptive process. Technicians had to rely on their expertise and educated guesses, often digging up large sections of your yard or driveway to locate the source of a blockage or damage. This trial-and-error approach was not only time-consuming and expensive but could also cause unnecessary disruption to your property. Even once the problem was located, technicians couldn’t always assess the severity or nature of the damage, leading to delays and potentially higher repair costs.

Streamlining the Process with Video Pipeline Inspections

Video pipeline inspections have revolutionized this process by offering a more efficient and accurate method of diagnosis. Using a small, high-resolution camera attached to a flexible rod, technicians can now insert the camera directly into the pipeline. The camera sends real-time footage back to the technician, allowing them to visually inspect the interior of the sewer line. This enables them to identify the exact location and nature of the problem, all without the need for invasive digging.

Additionally, radio transmitters embedded in the camera provide precise information about the depth and location of the issue, helping to pinpoint the affected area with high accuracy. This ability to see inside the pipes removes much of the guesswork, leading to faster, more accurate diagnoses.

Less Intrusive and Less Disruptive

Traditional methods of diagnosing sewer issues often involved extensive digging and disruption to your landscaping or driveway. To identify the location of a blockage or damaged section of pipe, technicians would have to excavate large areas, which was both labor-intensive and costly. In addition to the financial cost, homeowners were often left with unsightly damage to their lawns or paved surfaces.

With video pipeline inspections, these concerns are significantly reduced. Because the camera is inserted directly into the pipe, there is little to no need for digging or disruptive excavation. The technician can quickly and easily inspect the pipe without disturbing your landscaping or driveway. Once the camera is retracted, the issue is diagnosed, and repairs can begin, often with minimal disruption to your property. This non-intrusive method of inspection not only saves you time and money but also protects your yard and home from unnecessary damage.

Preventative Benefits: Identify Potential Problems Early

One of the most significant advantages of video pipeline inspections is their ability to detect problems before they escalate into major issues. Often, sewer lines experience slow, gradual deterioration over time due to factors such as tree root intrusion, shifting soil, or the natural wear and tear of the pipes themselves. In many cases, these problems may not be immediately noticeable to homeowners, but they can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.

With a video inspection, technicians can identify small issues—such as cracks, debris buildup, or the early stages of root intrusion—before they cause major blockages or damage. By catching these problems early, homeowners can take proactive measures to address them before they turn into expensive emergencies. For instance, a technician might recommend cleaning the pipes to remove debris or applying a root inhibitor to prevent further growth. These preventative measures can save homeowners significant amounts of money in the long run and help avoid the disruption and expense of major repairs.

More Efficient Repairs: Targeted Solutions with Minimal Digging

One of the most frustrating aspects of sewer line repairs is the uncertainty about what’s wrong and where the problem is located. With traditional diagnostic methods, technicians often had to dig up large portions of the yard or driveway, only to find that the initial guess was incorrect. This trial-and-error approach not only led to delays but also increased labor costs and caused extensive damage to the property.

Video pipeline inspections allow for much more targeted repairs. Once the issue is identified, technicians can focus their efforts on the exact location of the problem, reducing the amount of digging required. This leads to faster, more efficient repairs, which ultimately saves homeowners money. Additionally, by pinpointing the specific area of damage, technicians can recommend the most appropriate repair method, whether it’s pipe cleaning, patching, or full replacement. The ability to make informed decisions based on real-time video footage ensures that the repair process is both efficient and effective.

Cost Savings: Reduce Labor and Material Costs

As mentioned earlier, traditional sewer line repairs often involved lengthy and disruptive excavation, which could result in high labor costs and material expenses. The more digging that was required, the more expensive the repair became. In contrast, video pipeline inspections can dramatically reduce the amount of labor and materials needed. By accurately locating the problem, technicians can focus on the specific area that requires attention, which minimizes the need for extensive digging or unnecessary materials.

Furthermore, because video inspections are more efficient, they often result in quicker repairs, which can reduce the overall cost of the project. Homeowners benefit from lower labor costs, reduced disruption to their property, and more effective repairs—all of which contribute to significant cost savings.

Identify Hidden Issues: Uncover Problems You Didn’t Know Existed

Even if your sewer system seems to be functioning properly, there may be underlying issues that are not immediately obvious. Over time, pipes can develop small cracks, leaks, or other issues that may not cause noticeable symptoms until they reach a more advanced stage. These hidden problems can quickly escalate into larger, more expensive issues if left unchecked.

A video pipeline inspection provides an opportunity to detect these hidden problems early on. For example, the camera can reveal cracks in the pipes, tree root intrusion, or areas where the pipe has collapsed or separated. By identifying these issues before they become major problems, you can avoid costly repairs and prevent more serious damage to your plumbing system. Video inspections also provide a detailed record of the condition of your pipes, which can be helpful for future maintenance and planning.

How Pipeline Video Inspections Work

During a video pipeline inspection, a technician from BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors will insert a flexible rod with a high-resolution camera into the affected pipe or sewer line. The camera transmits real-time video footage to the technician, who can then assess the condition of the pipe and identify any issues. The camera is also equipped with radio transmitters that track the depth of the pipe, enabling the technician to accurately identify the location of any issues.

While video inspections may involve a slightly higher upfront cost, the benefits far outweigh the expense. This method eliminates the need for extensive digging and minimizes the time spent diagnosing the issue, ultimately saving you time and money in the long run. By accurately locating the problem and assessing its severity, technicians can offer more targeted and efficient solutions, reducing the overall disruption and cost of repairs.

This process is quick, efficient, and non-intrusive, making it an ideal method for diagnosing and addressing sewer line issues. Once the inspection is complete, the technician will provide you with a detailed report of their findings, along with recommendations for the necessary repairs.

When Should You Schedule a Video Pipeline Inspection?

Several signs indicate a sewer line problem that requires a video pipeline inspection. Contact a professional if you notice:

Slow Draining or Backed-Up Drains: Toilets, sinks, or showers draining slowly or backing up may signal a blockage or pipe damage. Blockages can occur from root intrusions, debris, grease build-up, or damaged pipes.

Foul Sewage Odours: Unpleasant smells around drains or unused plumbing fixtures could indicate a leak or break in your sewer line. Improperly joined or damaged pipes can cause outdoor air pressure to push sewer odors into your home.

Overgrown Grass Patches: Unnaturally healthy patches of grass may suggest a leaking sewer pipe, allowing nutrients to seep into the soil.

Gurgling Noises: Gurgling sounds from drains may indicate a blockage or partial obstruction in your pipes.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors for a video pipeline inspection to diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution.

What a Video Pipeline Inspection Can Uncover

A video pipeline inspection can reveal problems traditional methods might miss. BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors can detect:

• Cracked sewer laterals
• Bellied drain lines
• Separated lateral joints
• Debris blockages
• Root intrusions
• Leaking pipe joints
• Deteriorated piping materials

Conclusion

Video pipeline inspections offer property owners valuable benefits when facing sewer line issues. After diagnosing your sewer problems, our plumbing specialists can recommend various solutions. These inspections eliminate guesswork, reduce invasive digging, and allow early detection of problems. They save time, money, and hassle for homeowners and businesses. Whether dealing with a backup, slow drain, or wanting to ensure plumbing health, video inspections provide peace of mind and help prevent costly repairs.

If a pipe is blocked, our contractors may suggest a sewer maintenance package with rotating brush cleaning or root cutting. They may apply chemical foam to prevent future root growth. In cases of significant damage, excavation and repair might be necessary.

If you’re experiencing plumbing issues or want to schedule a routine inspection, contact BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors today 519-438-6565. Our London, Ontario drainage expert technicians are ready to assist you with all your video pipeline inspection needs and provide fast, efficient solutions to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.