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Don’t let a Clog Turn into Catastrophe: Camera Inspect your Pipes

Don’t let a Clog Turn into Catastrophe: Camera Inspect your Pipes

It’s hard keeping tabs on everything that runs in your home, especially your plumbing. With how often sinks and toilets are used, something can easily go wrong. Whether that’s a clogged drain, backed up toilet, or a leaking pipe, the upkeep can get overwhelming. Sometimes the problem can’t be seen on the surface or revealed with a plunger. Some plumbing problems run deeper than your drain lines. If you’re consistently struggling with plumbing problems, then it’s time for a camera inspection.

When It’s Time for a Camera Inspection

A camera inspection helps to identify problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye, but that doesn’t mean it’s always obvious to tell when you’re due for one. Luckily, there are a few warning signs to look for. Clogs, breakages, and other problems that happen deep within your sewer line can end up with particular results. If your plumbing is due for a camera inspection, here’s what to look out for.

  • Drains that are backing up or draining slowly. A slow drain or a drain that doesn’t function, are both signs that there is something wrong with your sewer line. If you can’t unclog a drain with a plunger or other common household methods, then a camera inspection will help detect the blockage that clogs your plumbing.
  • Leaking under the foundation. Finding a leak underneath your home’s foundation can typically be a sign of a damaged sewer line. Finding the source of the leak, however, can be difficult without digging up the line. A camera inspection might find the source of the problem without accessing the sewer line.
  • Inconsistent water pressure. If there is a leak in your plumbing or sewer line, that can cause a drop in your home’s water pressure. A pipe that leaks inside your home is easy to spot, but a leak in your sewer line is much trickier to spot without a camera inspection. A leaking sewer line left untreated can eventually result in some severe and costly damage and is best inspected and treated by a plumber immediately.
  • You just purchased a new home. If you’re interested in purchasing a new home or have recently bought a new home, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your sewer and plumbing lines. A camera inspection is especially crucial if you’re buying an older home that could be more likely to have sewer problems, such as old pipes or tree root incursion.

How to Maintain Your Plumbing

If you’re ready for a camera inspection, it means that there’s something wrong with your plumbing. Camera inspections can be costly, ranging anywhere from $100 to $800 which can add up over time if you don’t properly maintain your plumbing. Luckily there is a lot you can do to keep your plumbing clean and functioning properly.

  • Don’t flush anything other than waste down the toilet. Accidents can happen, and most things, despite how harmless they seem, should not be flushed down the toilet. Dental floss, for example, is not biodegradable and can cause some serious clogs, wet wipes are notorious for causing sewer backups, and cotton balls clump together and cause blockages in your piping.
  • Cover your drains with drain gates. Using a drain gate helps to catch all the soap scum, grease, hair, and food residue that would otherwise wash down the drain and eventually clog the drain.
  • Frequently clean your drains. One of the easiest ways to avoid clogs and future plumbing repairs is to routinely clean your drains. Although a cheap, quick, solution, it’s best to avoid chemical drain cleaners as the chemicals eat away at the piping over time. Non-chemical cleaners such as baking soda and vinegar are both excellent cleaning agents to remove crud and odors.
  • Schedule routine maintenance. One of the best ways to maintain your drains is to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing. A plumber will have the right tools, such as a camera inspection, to properly identify the problem and promptly repair your plumbing.

Don’t Let a Clogged Drain Become a Catastrophe

Sewer problems left untreated can eventually result in backed-up sewage, water damage, and costly sewer line replacements. No homeowner wants to pay for an expensive repair if they can avoid it, and a camera inspection helps to prevent that problem. If you think you’re experiencing an issue with your plumbing, don’t wait to schedule a camera inspection with a professional plumber.

Call Home Service Doctors to set up an appointment to camera inspect your pipes!

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