Sewer Scopes: Get Eyes on the Problem and Make a Plan
When you became a homeowner, did you ever think you’d be watching videos of your sewer line?
A sewer scope inspection gives you a view into a normally out of sight, out of mind component of your home. This infrequently thought of sewer line can jump to top of mind quickly if you have a sewer back up. And if you have a sewer back up, you need an experienced plumber with the right tools to diagnose (and solve) your sewer issues fast!
What a Sewer Scope Does
A sewer scope is a specialized tool that allows plumbers to visually inspect the inside of your main sewer line without having to dig up your yard or disrupt your home. The camera is mounted on the end of a long, flexible cable that can be inserted into the main drain or an access point, such as a cleanout. As the camera moves through the sewer line, it sends a real-time video feed to the plumber, providing a clear view of the inside of the pipe. This sewer scope inspection can reveal blockages, cracks, tree root intrusions, and other issues that may be causing drainage problems in your home.
Why You Might Need a Sewer Scope Inspection
You might need a sewer camera inspection if you’re experiencing frequent drain clogs, slow drainage, or sewage backups. These problems can indicate a serious issue within your sewer line, such as a break or blockage. It’s impossible to know the exact problem without seeing inside the pipe. A sewer scope allows the plumber to pinpoint the exact location and nature of the problem. With this knowledge, our plumber can create options for solutions. This technology is essential. It avoids unnecessary digging and costly trial-and-error repairs. A sewer scope is an invaluable tool in diagnosing sewer line issues quickly and accurately.
How Does a Plumber Use a Sewer Scope?
To use a sewer camera, the plumber typically inserts the camera into the main drain through an access point like a cleanout—a pipe that allows access to the sewer line—or by removing a toilet. The camera, which is connected to a long, flexible rod, is then fed through the pipe. As the plumber pushes the camera through the sewer line, it provides a live feed of the pipe’s interior. This way the plumber can identify any damage or obstructions. Depending on the length of the pipe and the complexity of the issue, this sewer scope inspection can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
Clearing the Water Before the Sewer Scope Inspection
First, a sewer camera inspection is most effective when the pipe is clear of standing water. The camera can only provide a visual of the pipe’s interior when it’s not submerged. If the sewer line is actively clogged and filled with water, the camera will be unable to see beyond the blockage, making it impossible to properly diagnose the issue. In this case, the first step a plumber must take is to at least poke a hole in the clog to allow the standing water to drain down. This partial clearing of the blockage enables the plumber to get a clearer view of the pipe and the root cause of the clog, whether it’s debris, roots, or a break in the line. Once the water has drained, the plumber will reinser the camera for a thorough inspection, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and targeted solution.
Why a Locator is Essential
While a sewer scope provides visual insight into the condition of the sewer line, a locator is equally important. A locator helps determine the exact location and depth of the problem. The camera alone shows what’s happening inside the pipe. Without knowing where in the line the issue is occurring, it’s difficult to plan the repair. A locator is a device used in conjunction with the camera that emits a signal, allowing the plumber to mark the position of the problem above ground. This is crucial for determining where to dig or how to access the issue, especially if excavation or trenchless repair methods are needed. Without a locator, you could end up with unnecessary digging or incomplete repairs. Together, the camera and locator provide a complete picture of what’s wrong and where. This makes the repair process faster, more accurate, more economical, and less invasive.
Beyond Sewer Scopes: The Tools to Do the Job Right
Sometimes a plumber will say, “Your problem is X. I don’t have the tools to fix it, but I’ll rent them and then fix it.”
This is a red flag.
If your plumber doesn’t have the tools to complete your sewer line replacement or repair from start to finish, you don’t have the right plumbing company. This lack of proper equipment means that this service person does not do this type of work every day. You could spend thousands only to have your home back up soon after. Trust is key with sewer line work. You should only trust professionals with the equipment to complete your repair or replacement from start to finish.
At Aaron Services, we’ve invested in the necessary tools and technology to correctly diagnose and efficiently resolve sewer problems. Our plumbers use professional grade sewer machines to open up clogged drains, even far down your sewer line. We’re also ready with sewer cameras and locators to check for any underlying problems that may be causing your back ups. Not all sewer line issues are the same, and they don’t require the same solutions. From special drain cleaning tools to jetters that hydroflush your lines, we can get you flowing again in no time. And if a repair is necessary, we have the equipment on hand to safely access and repair or reline your sewer line. As a company that has specialized in drain cleaning for over 45 years, we’re ready to solve drain problems of any size.
Of course, the tools needed to complete your sewer line replacement will affect the cost. If you need more advanced technlology, like trenchless sewer line replacement or sewer pipe relining, your cost may be higher than a traditional sewer line replacement.
Experience for a Peaceful Process
Not only do we have the right tools, but our technicians have been solving sewer and drain headaches for decades. A sewer problem in the hands of an inexperienced plumber can be a major problem. Sewer issues can cause damage to your home. If you pay for a service that doesn’t fix your underlying issue, your drain lines can clog and back up, flooding and damaging your home. A technician inexperienced in sewer and drain work can also cause a flood in your home. Don’t pay repeatedly for service that doesn’t fix your problem. Moreover, don’t risk the integrity of your home in the hands of an inexperienced plumber. Only trust a certified sewer and drain specialist.
Learn what the Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Peace of Mind Process means for you:
What could be causing your back up?
- Roots in your Sewer
- Shrub and tree roots seek out water wherever they can find it. If a sewer line has a small crack or slight disconnection at a fitting, sewer roots will infiltrate the line and grow.
- Sewer Belly
- Over time, the ground below a sewer line can settle. Without proper support, a sewer line can sag and prevent the line from properly draining.
- Broken Sewer Line
- Similar to a sewer belly, sometimes a sewer line can come apart at a connection or break when the ground shifts.
- Improper Fall
- Improper fall can be the result of an improper installation of a drain line or the shifting of ground over time. When a drain line doesn’t have enough of a slope to drain via gravity, the line will back up and clog.
Trust Aaron for Clogged Drain Solutions
With Aaron Services: Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, you can trust that your sewer line repair is in capable hands. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference our expert service can make.
If you have roots in your sewer, you need:
- A reputable, experienced plumbing company
- A written estimate (with no dispatch fee)
- Same Day Service
- Payment Options
Aaron Plumbing Heating and Cooling is the local, professional, family owned & operated company you can trust with your sewer repair.
Call now for fast, professional help with your sewer & drain issues.
Why Choose Aaron Plumbing to help with your sewer repair?
Year after year, Aaron Plumbing’s commitment to customer service earns the highest accolades, including the Angie’s List Super Service Award, the Best of Gwinnett Award, the Pinnacle Small Business Award, People Love Us on Yelp Award, and the Kudzu Best Pick Award.
Founded by Tim Adams, a third generation master plumber, Aaron Adams now runs Aaron Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Aaron is the fourth generation to carry on the family’s dedication to top quality workmanship and high level customer service.
Aaron Plumbing only employs the best in the field technicians and office staff.
Our rigorous hiring standards and high employee retention rate ensure that our customer service practices always stand above the rest. Therefore, we are always looking to grow our award-winning team so please visit our careers page to apply.
At Aaron Plumbing, we understand that home repairs can be unexpected.
Therefore we offer flexible payment plans through Greensky, and accept all major credit cards. In addition, we’re also happy to work with your insurance company to provide any documentation they may need to process your claim. *Financing available through GreenSky™ subject to credit approval
Undeniably, our Five Star Service is proven, just browse our thousands of reviews from happy customers enjoying the Aaron Plumbing Peace of Mind Guarantee.