A plumbing camera inspection saves you valuable time and inconvenience by locating and determining the cause of the problem. There are many situations where you will need a professional drain camera inspection, including slow drains, foul odor, and repetitive clogs. If you face frequent drain issues, a camera inspection can help you catch problems before they become expensive. The following guide answers your question as to when should you get a plumbing camera inspection?
1. Persistently Slow Drains
Sometimes, slow-draining tub, shower, or sink drains have deeper blockages in the pipes. The underlying cause includes debris, grease, and hair buildup that causes a slowdown. When the clog is difficult to detect and a plunger cannot fix it, a professional plumbing camera inspection may be required. Timely inspection and repairs can help prevent backups and pipe damage.
2. Regular Drain Clogs
If you experience regular drain clogs, it is important to get a camera inspection. A video inspection can help your plumber to see what is causing the clog. It can be debris, grease, or tree roots. Such professional service can mean that you have to deal with fewer clogs and spend less on repairs or replacements.
3. Unexplained Bad Odors
If the drains emit a foul smell and you are unable to find the source, there may be standing
water or waste in the system. Common causes of bad odor include:
- Grease
- Trapped food
- Sewer gases leaking from damaged pipes
A professional camera inspection can help determine the source of the bad smell. Timely action can not only prevent a plumbing emergency, but also protect your family’s health.
4. Repeated Gurgling Noises
Persistent gurgling noises from the toilet or drains can mean improper water flow or trapped air.
The underlying causes can include:
- Partially blocked pipes
- Clogged drain vent
Gradually, gases can get trapped and cause pipe corrosion and emission of bad odor. Using professional camera inspection can help find the underlying cause.
5. Boggy Spots in the Yard
If your yard has soggy spots even without a lot of rain, you may require a plumbing camera inspection. Relevant common signs include:
- Perpetual dampness
- Unique odor
- Excessive greenery
There may be a broken pipe underneath that is leaking wastewater. Such a problem requires water leak repair and a professional video camera inspection can help locate the pipe damage without the need for digging the ground.
6. When Selling or Buying a Property
It is further recommended to have a camera inspection when selling or buying a property. It can help discover any potential plumbing issues that cannot be detected during standard home inspections. When you know the actual condition of the drains, you can avoid unpleasant and costly surprises.
As a seller, you can fix plumbing issues that may otherwise interfere with the price negotiations. As a buyer, you will know the true condition of the property’s plumbing system before making a financial commitment. The information can help you negotiate a better deal or have any existing plumbing problems fixed before the purchase. It can also help you determine whether a property is worth buying or not.
Thus, there are many scenarios where you can benefit from a plumbing camera inspection. Your plumber may also recommend it before carrying out an expensive repair. It can be beneficial to conduct a camera inspection before excavating your property. It is not essential that you already have a plumbing issue to request a video inspection. Many homeowners include camera inspection as part of their annual preventive maintenance plan. This is especially recommended if your home has a lot of trees around or there are known issues.
