Video Pipe Inspection

A video pipe inspection can tell you important information about the condition of your pipes and plumbing system. It can also let you know where an issue is located and how bad it is. Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains uses this technology to locate leaks in plumbing and sewer systems. Once we find the source of your problem, we can get it repaired.

How Video Pipe Inspection Works

A technician will use a manhole drain, vault or other source to insert a rod with a video camera into a pipe. The pipe can be as large as three feet in width or as small as two inches. Since the camera is waterproof, it can handle the wet environment while providing light to see along the sides of the pipe. The rod on which the camera is mounted is able to bend and work its way around curves and in corners.

The technician stays above ground and watches a live video feed as the camera moves along its path. All the footage is saved and stored in a file that can be reviewed later or shown to the homeowner. The technician can stop the rod and mark it with a transmitter above the ground. This helps them know where the issue is for repair later.

When to Use a Video Pipe Inspection

Technicians will recommend a video pipe inspection for many different issues. It can be helpful in locating a hole or leak as well as detecting an obstruction. The inspection can provide a lot of valuable information:

• Find buildup of grease and clogs
• Locate punctures or corrosion as well as other breakage
• Find where roots intruded
• Learn the layout of pipes as well as their depth and grade
• Determine vaults, laterals, and any points of termination or misalignment
• Determine if current details conform to regulations
• Find sanitary and storm laterals that may not be detectable
• Find possible weak areas or possible problems for the future

A technician may recommend video pipe inspection if traditional methods don’t work or if they won’t reach the area where the problem is located. A prime example is when the leak or clog is inside a concreate structure or under a foundation. You can save money because you don’t have to guess or dig blindly.

If you notice an ongoing problem or frequent issue, a video inspection may be necessary. If the bathroom or kitchen sink backs up or has a slow drain, the problem may go beyond the indoor plumbing. Once the video can locate just how far down the piping the problem is located, it can be taken care of for long-term results.

Another time when this type of inspection may be beneficial is when you decide to buy a home. It’s a good idea to find out the condition of the plumbing or sewer system before you buy, so you know if you will have a lot of repairs in the future.

Benefits of Video Pipe Inspection

This type of inspection is beneficial for several reasons. Here are a few of the benefits.

• Less expensive than traditional excavation.
• Less labor and time are needed for repair.
• Less intrusive.
• Better able to plan the repair because the location and size of the repair are known.
• Prevention for some problems.
• Prevent leaks before they become bigger problems.
• Find lost items or locate animals that are trapped.

The next time you have a plumbing or sewer issue, call Paul Bunyan to have us come out and take a look. We may decide that video pipe inspection is the best and most effective way to diagnose your problem. We use the latest in technology to take care of plumbing problems fast.