Sewer line camera inspections can prevent structural damage and help you keep your property safe. But what is a sewer line inspection, and when might you need one? Our friendly team answers these questions and more below.
What Is a Sewer Line Inspection?
A sewer video inspection is a plumbing technique that lets us see every part of a drain line. The plumber moves a camera along the length of your sewer pipes to detect any cracks, leaks, or defects.
Sewer camera inspections are never convenient. But they’re often the quickest way to identify and resolve sewer line problems!
It’s always worth having your sewer lines inspected every few years. That way, you can identify minor problems before they escalate. But for now, let’s consider the five major warning signs that your home or business needs a sewer line inspection.
1. Water Damage
Have you noticed damp patches around the walls of your property? Particularly around the floors? Water damage could indicate sewer line problems. Such issues should be inspected urgently before they cause further damage.
2. Slow Draining Water
Slow drainage from a sink is a common complaint. It’s often caused by something innocuous, such as clogged hair or debris. But if you can’t clear the blockage easily yourself, it could indicate a deeper problem. For example, tree roots may be pressing on your sewer line, or it could be cracked.
3. Stinky Drains
Stinky, foul-smelling drains indicate standing water. Standing water means there is a clog deep within your sewer line somewhere. These clogs may not clear on their own and they could eventually damage your pipes, so they must be investigated.
4. Inconsistent Water Pressure
Is your sink or shower pressure lower than normal? Or is it inconsistent? Sometimes, this indicates a leaking or malfunctioning sewer pipe. The only way to know is to hire a professional to have a sewer video inspection.
5. Mold Growth
Although mold grows in homes for many reasons, it often indicates a blocked or cracked sewer line. The damp conditions created by leaking or blocked pipes are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Mold is not only inconvenient, it’s a health hazard. It can cause breathing difficulties, allergic reactions, and more.
How Long Does a Sewer Inspection Take?
Inspection processes vary in duration. It all depends on the length and complexity of the sewer lines. Typically, home inspections take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or two. Commercial sewer scope inspections can take considerably longer.
In all cases, the Fox Valley professional plumbers will endeavor to complete the job quickly and efficiently.
How Much Does a Video Sewer Inspection Cost?
It all depends on the scope of the work involved. Factors that could affect the cost of your video inspection include:
- The length of the sewer line
- Ease of access to the sewer line
For example, if we need to remove the toilet or other plumbing to access the line, this may increase the cost. Your plumber will explain exactly how much the inspection will cost after you contact us.
- The cost quoted is usually just for the inspection and video footage
- Repair costs will be quoted separately
While you may be reluctant to have a sewer line inspection, they’re cost-effective in the long run. The quicker you identify the source of the problem, the cheaper it may be to fix.
And speaking of cost, don’t forget to check your water bills. You could save up to 10% on water bills by fixing leaks around your home!
Book a Sewer Line Inspection Now
Are you worried about your sewer system? Trust the professional plumbers at Fox Valley Plumbing to help. Using our high-tech camera equipment, we can quickly identify sewer line problems. And once we know what the problem is, we can provide a competitive estimate to fix it.
Don’t wait for a clogged drain or sewer pipe to become an even bigger problem. Protect your home’s plumbing system – call us or reach us online to book a service. And for emergencies, call whenever you need us. Our friendly plumbing team offers a 24/7 response service.