Sewer line problems can go undetected until they're so severe that they cause terrible damage. This can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.

It's best to catch sewer line problems early on to avoid major damage, repairs and replacements. However, since many problems are difficult to detect from the outside, it can be difficult to determine when a problem is actually occurring until it is too late. That is why it is beneficial to invest in a sewer line camera inspection.

What is a Sewer Line Camera?

A sewer line camera is a special camera that is designed to navigate through sewer pipes and relay video and pictures back to the operator. The small camera is attached to the end of a long cord. The cord is fed through the pipes, illuminates the surroundings and feeds live video to the monitor on the other end of the cord. The video can then be saved and pictures can be taken to provide proof of the problem or to help a professional thoroughly diagnose the problem.

What is a Sewer Line Camera Used for?

Sewer line cameras are used to diagnose various problems in sewer lines. Some of the most common problems that are diagnosed with sewer line cameras are obstructions in the pipes and recovery of lost items that have accidentally fallen down the drain such as jewelry.

What are the Benefits of Using Sewer Line Cameras?

The camera is used as a much easier alternative to digging up the pipes and looking for the problem from the outside. It saves both the plumber and the homeowner time and money by diagnosing problems from the inside instead of the outside.

Digging up pipes to find sewer line issues takes a lot of time, money and labor. In addition, you can't be certain that all of that effort will actually reveal the underlying cause. Cracks, breaks and leaks can be spotted from the outside, but obstructions, lost items and other internal issues can't. Using the camera takes only a short while, and it allows you to detect practically any issue without tearing up your yard or wasting money and effort.

What Causes Sewer Line Problems?

There are various causes of sewer line issues. For example:

Sewer Line Obstructions

Sewer line obstructions can be caused by overuse of toilet paper or pouring items down the drain that shouldn't be in your system such as grease or food.

Sewer Line Cracks and Breaks

Sewer line cracks and breaks in the pipes can be caused by poor design, faulty pipe material, extreme weather conditions, animals, tree roots and more.

Sewer Backups

Sewer backups can be caused by obstructions within the pipes, inadequate leech fields or a poorly maintained septic tank.

Home Inspections

Whenever you are interested in purchasing a new home, you should consider getting the sewer pipes inspected before purchasing it. Getting a complete home inspection is also a good idea, but getting your sewer pipes inspected is especially important to give you a good idea of the design of the sewer system for the home, the current condition of the drainage system, and it can allow you to be made aware of any problems or issues that you may face with the system if you buy the house.

Hire a certified home inspector to get a professional analysis on the sewer pipes in the home. A professional knows exactly where to look, what to look for and what can eventually cause problems.

Taking Care of Problems When They Arise

Detecting problems in your sewer lines is the first step to fixing sewer issues. The next step is figuring out how to rectify the situation. A professional plumber or sewer contractor should always handle problems involving your sewer lines. A sewer system is a complex and sensitive system within your home. Even the smallest problems can become large if you don't fix a problem correctly. Professional plumbers and sewer contractors have the skills, experience and knowledge to fix even severe problems without causing any more trouble.

If you believe that there might be a problem in your sewer line, it's always best to contact a professional to diagnose and correct the problem for you. They can provide you with quick answers and quality repairs at very reasonable prices.