What Is CCTV & Why Is It Recommended

WHY DO PLUMBERS RECOMMEND CCTV PIPE INSPECTION?

When it comes to plumbing, CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Pipe Inspections refers to the process of inserting a small camera fitted to a cable into a pipe or drain to inspect a suspected issue.

Instead of guessing what the plumbing issue may be, a CCTV inspection allows us to know with certainty where the issue is and how much of your pipe network it’s affecting. 

CCTV Pipe Inspections are incredibly valuable for plumbers as they are a fast and safe way to investigate your pipes without evacuating them or disturbing them. (That means less mess, time, and money).

CCTV Pipe Inspections can also be carried out when the plumbing issue is already identified as a way to see how far-reaching the issue is, what else it’s affecting, and how much of your pipe system will need to be dug up or replaced. 

Once the plumbing camera inspection of your pipes is complete, plumbers will provide you with a detailed report and video footage of any problems that were uncovered. Based on the footage, our Sydney plumbers can recommend specific drain cleaning services or blocked sewerage repairs. 

The Main Reason A Licensed Plumber Will Need To Carry Out A CCTV Investigation Is When You Have A Constant Blocked Drain Or A Recurring Sewer Or Stormwater Blockage.

Also, if there is water that is backing up, smelly or gurgling in your drains or pipes, a CCTV investigation could be necessary.
The CCTV investigation will most likely show: 

• A broken or cracked pipe 
• A pipe that is damaged in some way (sagging or collapsed)
• Blockages from tree roots or other debris

So, to save your home and garden from any unnecessary pipe and drain evacuations, next time you need a licensed plumber to inspect a potential blockage at your property – ask about a CCTV Pipe Inspection.

Take a look at us in action here:

THE BENEFITS OF CCTV PIPE INSPECTION

Before CCTV pipe inspection cameras were invented, the nature and extent of damage to underground drain pipes relied largely on guesswork or extensive excavations. CCTV pipe inspections plumbing cameras means we can quickly diagnose the cause of blocked drains in Sydney and allow us to accurately pinpoint the location of the drain blockage. 

We can offer professional advice based on video evidence, allowing us to clear blocked drains in a prompt and reliable manner. CCTV sewer cameras also allow us to identify potential future problems. Early intervention can save you significant money down the track. 

HOW DOES A PLUMBING CAMERA INSPECTION WORK?

It’s best to call a professional drain plumber because they will own a range of plumbing cameras suitable for different uses. Not all plumbers invest in this technology and they often sub-contract this work out to specialist drain plumbers. 

Once the plumber arrives at your property, they will determine the best access point to insert the camera using a flexible rod. The camera transmits real-time, high-resolution video footage back to a monitor where the plumber can assess the issue. This footage is normally recorded and given to the client so that they have a record of any issues.

Based on the video evidence, the plumber will discuss any issues found inside the pipes and recommend the best solution. The most suitable repairs depend entirely on what problems are uncovered during the inspection. In many instances, a blocked drain can be cleared with high-pressure drain cleaning using a jet blaster machine. If the pipes are damaged it may be necessary to excavate the line partially or in full.

CCTV Pipe Inspection: Sewer Pipes

Plumbing cameras come in different sizes and have different applications. One of the most common kinds of plumbing cameras is a sewer pipe camera. A sewer camera captures an ocular view of the inside of the sewer line. 

It can reveal problems inside the lines such as clogs, blockages, tree roots, cracks, and damaged pipes. Accurate diagnosis of sewer problems means that the most suitable, cost-effective solution can be offered with minimal digging and disruption.

Common Sewer Line Problems:

• Tree root infiltration is a common issue in sewer pipes because roots are attracted to the moisture and minerals present in the line. Tree roots can access pipes through loose joints or hairline cracks. Tree root intrusion in sewer pipes is particularly problematic for homes with older plumbing systems that have sewer pipes made from terracotta or metal. Once inside the pipes, tree roots can block the line or cause extensive damage to the pipes as they continue to grow bigger.
• The main sewer line at your property is underground. This means that as the earth / soil shifts over time the sewer pipe can sag, belly or even collapse. Sewer inspection cameras can determine if the sewer pipes are damaged or misaligned.
• Clogged and blocked sewer pipes can be caused by any number of things. All of the plumbing fixtures in your home (showers, sinks, toilets etc) are connected to the same main sewer line. When the sewer gets blocked it’s normally due to a combination of foreign items that have ended up in the pipes such as grease, wet-wipes, and sanitary items. A sewer camera inspection will determine the cause and location of the blockage.

STORMWATER CAMERA INSPECTION

The stormwater pipes on your property are also located underground, so like the sewer pipes, they are also susceptible to sagging, damage and tree root intrusion. The stormwater drain catches rain run-off from the roof, downpipes, and yard. This means that blocked stormwater drains are often caused by things like sticks, garden waste, leaves and stormwater pollution. A stormwater inspection using a plumbing camera can reveal issues with your stormwater pipes.

Conclusion:
So to save your home and garden from any unnecessary pipe and drain evacuations, next time you need a licensed plumber to inspect a potential blockage at your property – ask about a CCTV Pipe Inspection.

At Proximity Plumbing, we are equipped with and trained to use CCTV equipment. We will recommend a CCTV Pipe Inspection when necessary to ensure your home’s plumbing issues are investigated thoroughly and dealt with fast, with as little disruption to your property as possible. Call us today at 0420 102 394 for a free quote. Plus, we guarantee to be on-site within the eastern suburbs in 30 minutes.