If you have done any research on drain line problems, you have probably come across something known as “video pipe inspections” or “drain inspection cameras.” Any serious leak specialist or plumber uses this technique when diagnosing drain backups or drain pipe damage, which is why homeowners should know what drain camera inspections are, how they work and what they are used for should plumbing problems ever arise.
How Does a Drain Camera Work?
In the past, drain inspection and diagnosing problems depended heavily on presumption and calculation. If a drain repair technician encountered a problem, they would assess the problem and repair it, usually without any visual confirmation whatsoever. While the older methods were clever and crafty, they took a lot of time and did not offer complete certainty.
The new-age solution involves using a waterproof micro camera that’s inserted into the drains or pipes in question and manoeuvred through its entire length. The drain camera provides the repair technicians with a live video feed directly from inside the pipe in question thus providing a precise and accurate view of the conditions inside the pipe.
Drain Camera Process
The repair technician first inserts the specialised drain inspection camera down the drainpipe in question. The waterproof camera is about the size of a smartphone camera and attaches to a long, flexible metal cable.
The cable with the camera attached is then fed into the drain line and manipulated remotely using small motors inside the cable. The cable unspools from a long coil as the camera pushes further through the drain pipe.
Besides the motors that control the movement of the camera, the cable also connects to a portable, closed-circuit display. Powerful lights on the tip of the camera light up the pipe so that the technician can see what is in the pipe from the display.
The lights, closed-circuit display, and camera allow the technician to see everything in the drainpipe in real-time. For more intricate drain lines, the drain inspection camera is connected to a Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG).
The PIG is a cylindrical mechanical body that is capable of moving through the pipes and drain lines. Besides the camera, it can also be attached to other equipment for the purpose of removing debris.
The Pipeline Inspection Gauge is not only used for inspection but also for the maintenance of pipes and drain lines.
What Drain Problems Can Be Identified?
A drain inspection camera allows the service technician to identify any problems with the pipe. This might include cracks, root intrusion, corrosion, punctures, or even misaligned pipe sections.
The camera can also identify grease build-up, obstructions, and leaks. A follow-up video inspection can be conducted after service is performed to ensure that the pipe is properly repaired or cleaned.
Why Use Drain Inspection Cameras?
Drain inspection cameras are completely operated and manoeuvred through the pipes from the starting point and don’t require the repair technician to do any wall breaking, digging, or any additional labour that the old methods required.
As you might imagine, not only is using cameras for drain line inspection accurate and easy to do, but it also takes less time and is 100 percent accurate.
Simple but effective, drain line inspections using waterproof cameras is one of the most convenient ways to quickly and accurately find problems and determine the best course of action. There are many benefits of a drain camera inspection and how they can assist plumbers or leak technicians in diagnosing a blocked plumbing system.
Find the Best Fix for Your Drain Line Problems Today!
Now that you know how drain inspection cameras work, you can now rely on the professionals to locate the plumbing fault and fix any issues that you might be having with your pipes and drain lines.
Get in touch with your local leak detector expert or qualified plumber today to conduct a camera inspection on your property to diagnose your blocked drain or piping problems.