Digging through the ground to reach a faulty sewage pipe is old school. It takes an eternity to detect a leak, breakage, or clog. The longer it takes to get the drainage system back into the flow, the more bitter it gets for a home or business owner.
Professional plumbers nowadays use sewer inspection cameras to quickly locate the problems inside a sewage pipe. This non-destructive method is way faster than traditional methods that may require you to saw into the material.
Incorporating camera inspection in plumbing is a new idea. We will break the topic down and show you how to use a sewer inspection camera. Trace issues back to their roots and get rid of faulty sewerage lines faster.
What Is a Sewer Inspection Camera?
These are basically waterproof cameras fitted with a fiber optic cable. Small motors control the camera movement. A bright light is also attached to the camera so that the interior of the pipe can be seen clearly.
The camera is usually connected to a close circuit display to view the footage taken by the camera in real-time. As a result, technicians can see what is going on inside the pipe. Locating devices can also pinpoint the area of trouble to solve issues faster.
Long spools of cables are used to reach any place of your sewage line without excavating.
How Do You Use a Sewer Inspection Camera – A Step By Step Guide
A trained technician is required to operate a sewer inspection camera. It’s not suggested for just anyone to run an inspection through the sewage line. Also, such a camera needs a certain setup to get a proper view of the problems.
Anyway, if you wanna know, this is how the professionals do it-
Step 1: Place The Camera Kit Near the Drain Opening
Take your camera kit and place it near the drain opening from where you can operate the camera. Connect the kit to a grounded power outlet via a 3-pin socket. Open the integrated monitor, let the device turn on, and be ready for inspection.
Step 2: Connect External Display If Required
You can record the footage of the sewer camera on an external device like a laptop. Connect the camera to your recording device via the right cable. You can also get the live feed of the camera on your laptop or any other display.
Step 3: Insert The Camera Slowly
Once everything is ready, insert the camera gently into the pipe. Make your way forward by pushing the cable slowly. Keep an eye on the display to examine the situation inside the pipe.
Step 4: Locate The Fault Precisely
After you find the fault inside the line, you can pinpoint the exact location with a locating device. Configure the locating device properly and try to find the strongest signal from the locator to know where the camera is.
Why Is a Sewer Inspection Camera Used?
There are two main benefits of using a sewer inspection camera. Let us tell you more about this.
Faster Solution
Diagnosing blockage in a sewage pipe is pretty difficult and time-consuming. When you are in such an emergency, you need to get the problems fixed as soon as possible.
It takes longer to identify the problem in traditional methods. A sewer inspection camera helps plumbers find out the root of the problem. As a result, the issues can be fixed faster.
Less Damage
In traditional methods, plumbers might need to excavate a larger area to find out a blockage or leak. But with sewer inspection cameras, they can easily detect the fault without ruining your backyard or basement.
Digging a large area in your residential or commercial property can leave the place out of use for days. But using a camera will require no such cost and hassle. As soon as the problem is detected, technicians can solve the issue in the most effective way.
Tips for Using a Sewer Inspection Camera
Here are some safety tips to remember while you run an inspection through a sewer camera.
- Wear protective gear such as rubber gloves or safety glasses.
- Check if the power cord has any fault.
- Don’t operate the camera while standing in the water.
- Never use the camera as a battering ram to push obstacles.
- Don’t use a sewer camera inside a pipe that has abrasive cleaning chemicals inside.
Conclusion
Being on top of a faulty sewage line is one of the most hideous experiences you can ever get. Fighting this problem becomes much easier with a touch of modern technology.
If you know how to use a sewer inspection camera and have a full kit at your home, you can promptly identify any issues precisely and take necessary measures to get out of the situation.