If you are smart, you get your sewer line rodded annually to make sure rainwater flows away from your house and does not end up in your basement. But sometimes mere rodding is not enough, and you need to have a sewer line video inspection.
When Do You Need a Sewer Line Video Inspection?
It makes sense to have a sewer line video inspection if you suspect there is a leak in your sewer line. Symptoms include:
- Excess moisture in your yard
- Ground settling
- Cracks in the foundation
- High water bills
- Mold
You should also consider a video inspection if:
- You have been experiencing frequent sewer line backups
- You have been disposing of inappropriate items in the kitchen sink or toilet
- You are concerned that tree roots are invading the sewer line
- You have not had the sewer line inspected in several years
- You are planning on selling your home
- You are buying a home and want to make sure the sewer line is in good shape
Benefits of a Sewer Line Video Inspection
- A sewer line video inspection will identify small problems before they become big problems due to factors such as:
- Clogs
- Cracks and leaks
- “Bellies” in the line caused by ground movement or soil erosion
- Pipe deterioration or corrosion
- Tree roots
- You do not have to dig up your whole yard, since the video inspection will pinpoint the exact location of the problem
- It can help support an insurance claim
- It protects the value of your home, especially if you are considering selling it
How a Sewer Line Video Inspection Works
- The plumber attaches a waterproof camera with LED lights to a long cable.
- The plumber uses the cable to push the camera into the sewer. The camera moves through the line, as the lights illuminate the line to capture the pipe’s condition.
- The plumber monitors what the camera is recording through a screen to identify problems such as bellies, blockages, corrosion, cracks and tree root intrusions.
- As this is occurring, the camera transmits its location so the plumber can pinpoint the location and depth of the problem.
- The inspection is also recorded for future use, if necessary.
- With this information, the problem can be fixed.
a. Some problems such as intrusive tree roots can be addressed immediately through chemicals or rodding.
b. More serious problems such as a collapse will require excavation. But because you know the exact point and depth of the location, excavation only needs to be done at that spot.
Contact Ravinia Plumbing for Sewer Line Video Inspections
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric’s knowledgeable and licensed plumbers are ready to help you with a sewer line video inspection. Our customers have relied on us since 1928 (that’s 98 years!) for quality products, knowledgeable technicians, and superior service, including 24/7/365 emergency service. That is why we are the most trusted plumbing, sewer, heating and air conditioning, and electrical company in Chicago’s North Shore and Northwest suburbs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.