How Does Video Pipe Inspection Work?

Video pipe inspections involve putting a small mobile video camera inside plumbing systems, storm drains, and sewer pipes. Every homeowner may have to deal with issues in their plumbing system at some point. Our Maryland video pipe inspection help identify any problems or blockages causing plumbing issues through a camera mounted on a strong wheeled base that can be moved from a control panel and video screen. 

How Video Pipe Inspection Works 

The technician who checks on the problem will maneuver the camera into the plumbing system. As the camera moves through the pipes, it will send back images that you can see on a video screen. Video inspections help technicians visually inspect the most remote and deepest sections of plumbing systems allowing them to identify areas where pipes are damaged, cracked, broken, and even clogged without having to dig large sections. Once the technician knows exactly where the problem is, repair becomes easy.  

The camera used in a video inspection is waterproof and is mounted on a flexible rod that can bend around curves and corners to reach any problem areas. The end of the inspection rod has an LED light that helps you see what is inside the pipe. The images and video footage are shared with the technician in real-time. Moreover, the inspection can be recorded and stored for future review. The entire setup is also fitted with a transmitter that lets technicians stop the rod at the blocked or damaged area, locate it above the ground and mark it for repair. 

What Types of Problems Do Video Pipe Inspections Address? 

A video pipe inspection can be beneficial to diagnose problems located underground. It can be used to find holes, obstructions, and leaks. Here are some of the common issues that video pipe inspections can help address:

  • Identify clogs and grease buildup in underground pipes
  • Find corrosion, punctures, and breaks in the lines
  • Identify where root intrusion has occurred
  • Determine the layout, depth, and grade of utility and sewer pipes
  • Identify vaults, laterals, and misalignments 
  • Locate storm and non-detectable laterals
  • Confirm if current pipe and line conditions conform to regulations
  • Detect potential weak points in the pipes and lines that may cause future problems.
  • Potential damage to the septic tank
  • Separation of the sewer line
  • Identify the material used for the line (concrete, clay, plastic, or metal) 

Video pipe inspections are also used to ensure all repair and cleaning work is executed correctly. 

When Should You Get a Video Pipe Inspection?

Homeowners often cannot decide whether they need a video pipe inspection or not. Here are some signs that indicate you may need a video pipe inspection: 

When You Cannot Find Leaks and Blockages 

Sometimes traditional methods of locating leaks in your pipes and water lines may not work. The water could get backed up in your crawlspace or the entire house, but you may not be able to identify where exactly it is coming from. Video pipe inspections can help you find these problems with ease. They allow you to identify leaks and blockages under your foundation or inside a concrete structure. Video inspections get to the exact point of the problem and eliminate the need to dig blindly.

Repeat Backups or Draining Problems 

Video inspections are recommended if you have repeated backups and clogs in your home. Usually, constantly backed-up sinks and bathroom appliances indicate issues beyond your indoor plumbing systems. A video inspection will help you get to the root of the matter and resolve that instead of constantly spending money on clearing the pipes. 

Large Trees in the Yard 

The roots of the large trees in your yard tend to grow into your pipes, causing damage and blockages. Video pipe inspections can help you determine if there are any root growths in the pipe. 

Movement of the Ground Around Your Home

The pipes under your house can break or get damaged if the soil around your house has shifted. A video pipe inspection can help you discover and address such problems before they escalate.  

Lush Patches of Grass 

Dark green patches of grass are a classic sign of a sewer or septic tank leak. Sewer water is an excellent fertilizer that encourages plant growth. If you suddenly notice a healthy-looking area of plants and grass in your yard, it could be due to a sewer leak underneath. A video inspection can help confirm this and identify the exact spot of the leak. 

You are Buying a New Home

It is recommended to get a video pipe inspection before buying a new home. It can help you look at sewer lines and check for issues that would be difficult to identify or repair in the future. Especially if you are buying an old home and underground pipe inspections are not included in real estate inspections, video inspections can prevent you from dealing with unforeseen problems on the property.  

Benefits of a Video Pipe Inspection

Video pipe inspections can be beneficial in many situations. Whether you own a new home or an old one, video inspections can help you identify any hidden issues in your underground water or sewer lines. Here are some of the advantages of getting video pipe inspections:

  • Less expensive than digging 
  • Requires less time and labor to repair the conduit
  • Requires less intrusive repairs
  • Helps resolve emergencies quickly
  • Helps plan plumbing connections and lines better 
  • Prevents potential problems that may occur in the future
  • Helps confirm the need for repairs and maintenance
  • Helps repair leaks when they are small
  • Helps find lost items that may be stuck in the pipes
  • Reduces maintenance costs of commercial plumbing systems
  • Enables recording inspections that can be studied later 
  • Helps inspect pipes of various sizes with the same equipment.

https://www.bfplumbingmd.com/video-pipe-inspection/ offers video pipe inspections to homeowners in Maryland. We offer detailed inspections to identify any sewer or drain problems that you may have. Our highly experienced team will respond quickly, visit your site, diagnose the problem, and develop a solution to repair it.

BFMD, LLC,

4219-A Hanover Pike Manchester 410-440-5814 21102,

410-440-5814

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