Importance of a Sewer Line Inspection

Sewer Line Inspections - Don't wait until you need one

Are you dealing with slow drains, frequent clogs and backups, or smelly pipes? Have you noticed areas of mould and mildew on ceilings, floors and walls in your home or office? What about that soggy area on the lawn that never seems to dry up? Any one of these signs can point to a much larger issue: a sewer line break. Many homeowners and business owners don’t spend much time thinking about the importance of sewer inspections until they are in the unfortunate situation of needing emergency repairs.

Pipe Relining Solutions knows the importance of a sewer line inspection, especially as a preventative measure to line breaks. Line breaks can be messy and expensive to repair. A quality line inspection to check for issues in the sewer line can help detect and correct future problems before they occur.

What can cause Sewer Line Blockages?

Sewer line blockages can be caused by any of the following:

• Pipe damage that occurs when soil shifts e.g. from heavy traffic above ground. This causes roots from trees to intrude into the pipe.
• Pipe corrosion is frequently the cause of damage in older sewer lines.
• Leaky joints cause water and sewage to escape, while simultaneously allowing soil to enter the pipe.
• Damaged or misaligned joints can prevent the proper flow of sewage through the line, causing backups and blockages.
• Saggy sewer lines are caused when a section of the pipe sinks due to the condition of the soil around it. If soil is too soft or water-logged, it can become unstable, allowing the pipe to collect paper and wastage that eventually will result in a blockage.
• Tree roots, by their very nature, stretch in search of water. Tree roots can latch onto loose or leaking pipes that are made of clay or another porous material. The roots will invade the pipe, causing an eventual block and possible breakage.
• Toilets are designed to flush human waste and toilet paper only. Any other waste – including “flushable wipes,” tissues, paper towels and diapers – can cause a blockage.
• Pouring grease down the drain is one of the most common causes of blockages. There is no safe way to flush grease down the drain. Even when in its liquid form, grease eventually will harden in the pipes, causing a blockage.

Warning Signs of a Sewer Problem

Warning signs of a sewer problem are:

• Multiple drains in your home backing up at the same time. If the shower is slow to drain and the toilet fills up more than normal after flushing, you might have a blocked line.
• Plumbing fixtures acting strangely. For instance, does flushing the toilet cause water to come up through the shower drain? Is there a tell-tale gurgling sound coming from the toilet or drain?

What happens if you ignore the Warning Signs

• When initial warning signs are ignored, bigger problems could be on the horizon. Rodent and insect infestations can occur if a blockage is not resolved right away. Rodents love sewers and need only the smallest crack in a pipe to infiltrate your drain. Insects such as cockroaches and sewer flies fit through the smallest crack and carry with them the risk for serious disease.
• A blocked sewer line doesn’t just spell trouble for you. Blocked sewer drains prevent waste from being removed efficiently. In some instances, it can force sewage out of the pipe, allowing it to pollute a clean water supply.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is time to call a professional for an inspection.

What to Expect During the Drain Inspection

Pipe Relining Solutions offers inspections of sewer and stormwater lines. An inspection process should be thorough, whether it’s intended to detect current or future problems. Our inspection process involves three steps.

1. Investigation

During this phase, we insert a high-tech CCTV drain camera into the drain. This method allows for the ability to examine the line for issues at ground level, eliminating the need to dig up the line to inspect it manually. Each Pipe Relining Solutions truck is fitted with a Ridgid camera and monitor with recording capability. Customers can be provided with a copy of the footage of their sewer or stormwater lines. This process allows technicians to determine if the pipe is clogged and in need of cleaning, or if there are more urgent issues requiring immediate repair.

2. Location

Pipe Relining Solutions uses highly advanced pipe locators capable of pinpointing the exact location and depth of the problem. This technology works by tracking an electrical signal emitted from the head of the drain camera.

3. Record and Quote

The condition of a drain is recorded by the CCTV drain camera and kept on file to allow our technicians to assess the rate of deterioration. Recordings also are used to provide customers with an accurate quote if repairs are needed.

Preventative Drain Inspections

Don’t wait until a clog occurs to request a drain inspection. The best way to prevent costly repairs and potential damage to your residential, industrial or commercial building is to request a preventative inspection.

Pipe Relining Solutions’ plumbers are Australia’s leading experts in drain cleaning and inspection. They are fully trained in the use of our state-of-the-art equipment. Our work is backed by a 35-year guarantee.

Don’t Wait, Call Today

Free quotes are available to customers located within our service area. Contact us today to speak with a Pipe Relining Solutions expert about sewer line inspections, or phone 1300 358 434.