Pipe Camera Inspection: How It Helps Detect Hidden Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems are often hard to trace as many pipes are hidden within walls, underneath floors, or even deeper below in the earth. Problems that linger and are more complicated may present themselves as slow drains, blockages, unpleasant odors, or simply just a strange unexplained water issue. This may require more than a look on the surface to figure out the cause. This is where Pipe Camera Inspection comes in as an excellent solution to this problem.

A pipe camera allows professionals to put a camera on a small waterproof device that is sent along an accessible length of a pipe to be viewed in real time on a nearby monitor. This is a great way to inspect plumbing as the camera can help spot cracks, root intrusions, blockages, and even corrosion.

For property owners who want a better way to self-investigate their plumbing concerns, Thermo Elite Inc. offers professional pipe inspection services.

What Is a Pipe Camera Inspection?

A Pipe Camera Inspection is a nondestructive method of evaluating the inner state of a plumbing, drain, or sewer pipe. A compact camera is often employed in combination with a flexible cable. This allows the technician to view the full extent of the pipe.

The inspection is conducted in real time and depending on the conditions of the system and access, obstructions or concerns in the structure may be viewed as well.

Hidden plumbing issues that are not visible are well suited for this method.

How Does Pipe Camera Inspection Work?

Pipe camera inspections are not complicated.

To start, the technician must determine an accessible opening or cleanout from which to launch the camera. Once located, the technician inserts a waterproof camera into the pipe and activates the lighting system to illuminate the interior of the pipe as videos are transmitted via a cable to a monitor.

The technician maneuvers the camera through the plumbing system and looks for irregularities. If a restriction or damage is located, the position is noted using the camera, and, where equipment and facilities are available, locating equipment.

Since cameras provide a view of sections of pipe that cannot be accessed, they typically reduce the need for a lot of exploratory work.

Hidden Plumbing Problems a Camera Can Detect

One of the prime advantages of a Pipe Camera Inspection is the ability to detect problems out of sight.

1. Blockages and Debris

Accumulation of grease, sediment, foreign objects, and other waste can flow restriction. A camera helps identify the source of the blockage.

This is important in cases of frequently clogged drains even after cleaning.

2. Tree Root Intrusion

Drainage pipes are susceptible to root intrusion via cracks, joints, or other defects. The root, in combination with other waste, can eventually obstruct flow.

A camera can identify the presence of root growth in the drain line, and can help determine if the frequent blockages are due to root intrusion.

3. Cracks and Broken Pipes

Broken pipes allow water to leak out and cause drainage problems. Pipes that break also allow dirt and other materials to leak into the plumbing system. Cameras can see through most broken pipes and show what’s wrong.

Fixing structural damage before it becomes a bigger issue will save the property owner time and money.

4. Displaced or Misaligned Joints

Pipes are joined in sections, and disconnected sections will not allow water to be transported properly. Joints can become disconnected due to various changes in the ground.

Visible joint separation or misalignment can be seen in camera inspections, as well as a plan of action to help the situation.

5. Corrosion and Deterioration

Pipes and plumbing systems that are older will start to corrode and show signs of wear.

If corrosion is starting to occur, the inner pipes could start to deteriorate which makes it harder for the pipes to stay clean and allow water to flow through the system properly.

6. Standing Water and Pipe Sags

If part of a pipe sags, then water will start to collect in that area and not flow normally. Sagged pipes can be visible through camera inspections.

If there is a sag in a pipe, then a property will continue to experience drainage problems.

Why is Pipe Camera Inspection Safer Than Guessing?

There are many reasons why pipes may not work properly. Some reasons may be as simple as something obstructing the pipe, or it can be as serious as deterioration or damage deeper in the pipes.

If the pipes can’t be seen then it can be hard to determine the reasons for the symptoms.

A Pipe Camera Inspection helps solve problems in the following ways:

Potential visible causes of a plumbing problem are identified

Accessible problem areas of the pipe are determined

Internal conditions of the line are assessed

Unnecessary exploratory work is minimized

Repairs can be done with more accuracy

Conditions of the pipe are recorded for future reference

Upon inspection, a pipe camera does not eliminate the need for a professional to interpret findings, but it offers technicians critical information on which to base more informed decisions.

When should you perform a Pipe Camera Inspection?

Not every minor plumbing issue necessitates a camera inspection, but a camera inspection might be useful for issues that are persistent, repetitive, or unexplainable.

You should perform an inspection if you have:

Persistent blocked drains

Frequent or repetitive sewer backups

Slow, concurrent drainage in multiple fixtures

Odor that you cannot explain

Suspected tree roots

Concerns with older drainage systems

Repeated issues after drain cleaning

Suspected pipe damage

Concerns with unexplained water or moisture

An unexplained wet/moist area

A Pipe Camera Inspection can also be useful in evaluating property for sale where the conditions of the underground drainage system or sewer system is unknown.

Pipe Camera Inspection and Water Leak Detection

It is essential to differentiate between a pipe camera and thermal imaging.

A pipe camera is designed for use in a pipe, and can tell you what is visible in a pipe. This can include visible holes, cracks, blockages, tree roots and other internal pipe conditions.

Thermal imaging can be used to find leaks and dampness with variations in temperature. Thermo Elite Inc. claims that thermal imaging can find leaking water under specific conditions when used to locate leaking water.

In some cases, using different types of diagnostics in combination may help illuminate hidden problems with a plumbing or water system.

Benefits for Homeowners and Property Owners

The main advantage of Pipe Camera Inspection is that more information is available when selecting a repair method.

Instead of immediately assuming that a pipe needs extensive replacement, the accessible section of the pipe can be inspected to evaluate the cause of the blockage. This may suggest that a blockage is present, or it may indicate that the pipe is structurally unsound.

The inspection also allows property owners to understand why the same issue persists. For example, clearing a blockage may restore the drainage system; however, if roots, damaged joints, or a broken and deteriorated pipe are present, the same issue may continue.

A camera inspection can suggest a more informed approach for maintaining a pipe.

What a Pipe Camera Cannot See

While camera technology has its uses, it has its limitations.

A camera does not show an X-ray. A camera provides a view of the visible surface. Heavy blockages, standing water, dirt, or extensive limited access can all restrict a camera from viewing a section.

For instance, the area beyond severe obstructions can remain uninspected if a camera is unable to pass through them.

Interpretation of inspection results should be done in conjunction with the symptoms of the property and by an experienced professional.

Why Choose Professional Inspection?

Plumbing problems can become expensive if they are resolved incorrectly, or worse, left to worsen. Professional inspection ensures that interpretation of camera footage is done in context. This is done by providing an interpretation of everything visible within the pipe, as opposed to simply suggesting that every unusual structure is a serious pipe defect.

For owners of property with hidden water/plumbing issues, Thermo Elite Inc. has diagnostic technologies and thermal imaging. This can help determine how extensive additional investigation should be for concealed moisture or water problems.

Conclusion

Unlike other plumbing problems that are easily identifiable, hidden plumbing problems can remain undetected until they become major water or drainage issues. A Pipe Camera Inspection is a flexible and cost effective way to look for possible blockages, root penetration, dislodged joints, corrosion, defects, and other possible problems inside accessible plumbing.

The most important aspect of a camera inspection is that it replaces the guessing game with facts. This is especially true when it is interpreted in the context of other technologies like thermal imaging.

If you have any hidden plumbing problems, Thermo Elite Inc. can assist you with the possible diagnostics needed to determine the next steps regarding the problem.