Most homeowners don’t know a lot about their sewers. (So don't be embarrassed if you don't know anything about yours!)
Even fewer homeowners know what a sewer inspection is and why you might need one. People only tend to think about their sewer systems when something goes wrong and needs immediate attention, like a major blockage or a leak.
Your sewer drainpipes carry ALL the water AND waste from your toilet, shower & bath; your kitchen & bathroom sinks and your laundry, as well as your dishwasher and washing machine.
Being connected to everything that drains from your toilets, showers, baths and sinks results in all sorts of waste matter travelling through your sewer pipes that can clog them and cause significant damage.
Problems in your sewer system are not always obvious, especially initially, because nothing unusual is happening inside the home - your sinks are draining, and the toilets are flushing. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your sewer is in good condition and issues can build up slowly over time and may not be noticeable until something severe happens.
It is important to inspect and clear your sewer drains regularly to ensure they are kept in good order and the sewer system always operates efficiently.
What Is Involved in a Sewer Drain Inspection?
At The Drain Man, we conduct a sewer inspection by using a specialist CCTV pipe inspection camera that is fed into your drainpipes to see what is inside them. The camera is at the end of a long cable and is pushed through the entire length of the sewer system, enabling your plumber to do a full visual assessment of any damage including cracks, sections of collapsed pipe, tree root invasions, blockages or other issues.
For larger commercial drains, we use cutting-edge equipment featuring robotic CCTV cameras mounted on mobile pipeline inspection vehicles. Able to move freely through drains and sewers, these smart plumbing cameras collect high-quality, accurate data that provides an accurate assessment of the condition of the pipeline.
At the end of the inspection, you receive a detailed report about the condition of the pipes/drains including vision from the camera if you wish. We also record technical information about the drain, such as the invert level, flow direction and whether there are any blockages. Your specialist drain plumber will then provide advice on how to clear and blocks or clogs in the drain or rectify any damages. You will also get recommendations on how to prevent future sewer problems.
When should you get a sewer inspection?
Your sewer system is an important asset. So it is vital to try to reduce damage to it as well as its surrounding environment by having regular inspections and carrying out maintenance whenever necessary. Drain inspections allow you, the property owner, to manage your costs and avoid major problems down the track.
If you experience symptoms like the toilet or sink draining slowly or noisy pipes in another room while emptying the bath, you probably have a blocked drain and will need urgent assistance. The Drain Man's team of qualified and experienced plumbers are experts with the latest sewer inspection cameras. We can diagnose and fix your problem very quickly.
Sewer inspections can also help you find the exact location of your sewer pipes or where important sewer junctions are located. This information is vital if you are planning on doing any digging in your garden or other major excavating work and don’t have a map of your pipes. Sending a sewer camera down into the drains is also highly recommended prior to buying a house so you are aware of any existing problems with the drains BEFORE you buy and can negotiate responsibility for fixing them. If you don't discover there are major issues with the drains until AFTER you buy the house, they become your problem and they can be very costly to repair.
What if There is An Issue with My Sewer?
If a sewer line inspection does alert you to any issues with your sewer drains, your drain clearing specialist from The Drain Man will give you the best advice on what action to take. If there are any blockages in your sewer drain, that are caused by tree root intrusions or a buildup of waste matter from your sinks and showers, then you will be offered a number of drain clearing options.
If you have cracked or broken sections of drainpipe they can be dealt with too. The good news is that broken or damaged drainpipes usually DO NOT need to be replaced. With recent developments in drain relining you can have your drainpipes restored to as good as new, if not better! Drain relining means that no digging is required. Instead a drain liner made of felt and specially formulated resins is inserted into your drainpipes. It is inflated and then hardened to leave your pipes strong and leak proof. The new drain liner also resists tree root invasion.
So don't wait for gurgling pipes or a putrid smell inside your home before booking a sewer inspection. Our experienced and knowledgeable team can answer any questions you have and will carry out an efficient inspection at your convenience. Call or enquire about our services online.
If you have any questions about pipeline inspections, drain clearing or pipe relining at your premises, contact our friendly team. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can.
Drains relined by TDM carry a Lifetime Warranty.
