How a video sewer inspection can save your sanity - Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing

How a video sewer inspection can save your sanity

Peace of Mind - Sewer Inspection

Peace of Mind - Sewer InspectionIf you’ve ever had sewer line blockage before, you know how expensive, disruptive, and downright nasty it can be. The truth is, most homeowners never give their sewer lines a second thought until there’s a problem. Out of sight, out of mind.

But all kinds of things may be going on underground that you can’t see: grease buildup, clogging from paper products, root intrusion, cracking or shifting due to oversaturated soil, and deterioration from age. If your water is draining more slowly than usual, you hear gurgling noises coming from your toilet, or a sinkhole appears in your yard, you may have a sewer backup.

Addressing the issue with the least disruption

Until recently, sewer line repair may have entailed digging up large amounts of lawn just to find the area of blockage. In other words, it was anyone’s best guess. Today we can perform a video inspection that will pinpoint the exact location of the problem.

Here’s how it works. A small, waterproof high-resolution video camera is sent into your sewer lines via a long, flexible scope. The camera’s journey often begins with the branch lines (leading from the tubs and faucets) and extends through the larger pipe that leads to the municipal line on the edge of your property. The image is electronically sent to a laptop so that both the technician and homeowner can view the extent of damage remotely.

The camera is also equipped with a transmitter that sends a signal to a locating device, allowing the technician to determine the exact blockage point and depth from above ground. The spot is then marked, indicating where the sewer trench will be dug. This accuracy dispenses with the guesswork and spares unnecessary damage to your lawn, saving you money and headaches in the long run.

Preventative awareness

But what if you’re not experiencing any problems? There are other reasons to get a video sewer inspection, such as before you purchase a home. Think of it as an integral part of your new home’s overall inspection. It’s especially recommended to get a video inspection if you plan on adding a bathroom or remodeling a kitchen or bath. Any change you make that increases the quantity of wastewater may affect your line’s ability to handle it. And finally, even if your lines look clear right now, roots continue to grow and waste continues to build up. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a video inspection performed every few years to address minor issues before they turn into major problems.

The cost of a video inspection is relatively small, and we’re certain that you’ll feel it will be well worth the expense, as compared to digging up a larger area just to find the problem. Call Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing to learn more.

Scroll to Top