When you have a backed-up drain it’s normally just a backed-up drain. However, if the drain backs up time after time or multiple drains start backing up, you may need to look into the cause.
You never know if you have built-up grease in your lines or tree roots growing into your sewer line. It could even be a bad joint or a backup somewhere in your sewer line.
A sewer camera inspection in Vaughan can allow you to see what is going on with your drain or sewer line.
There are many reasons why you may want to get a sewer camera inspection done on your property. But not every clogged drain requires a sewer camera.
So when should you call for one?
What Can a Sewer Camera Inspection Show?
As mentioned before, we use a small waterproof camera that will be inserted into your drain or sewer line. This allows us to see what’s going on within your lines.
There are many things that a sewer camera can show you. These include but are not limited to:
- Built-up grease and debris
- Tree roots
- Broken pipes
- Caved-in pipes
- Bad joints
- Deterioration
- Objects in your drain
- Major blockages
- Any areas where your waste isn’t travelling properly
Having a sewer camera inspection can allow you to find out why you are having an issue with your drain. Instead of calling a plumber to clear it each time.
1. When Your Drain Keeps Getting Clogged
Usually when one drain gets clogged there is no reason to get your lines inspected with a camera.
But if it’s the same drain that keeps getting clogged.
You should consider having your lines looked at with a camera.
Once a clog is removed from your drain and you find that it’s starting to back up or become slow after a couple of weeks or even months. It could be that there is a buildup in your line or maybe roots growing into your line. There could also be a restriction in your line.
When these issues occur it can be helpful to see what is going on in your lines.
2. When Multiple Drains Are Backing Up
If you have multiple drains that are acting up, take note of how many.
If just your bathroom sink is running slow it may be a smaller clog near that sink. But if all your toilets and showers are running slow as well as your kitchen sink and even the basement drains you may have a bigger problem.
If you have several drains that are running slow or backing up it could be a sign that you have a restriction in your lines or sewer line.
Having your lines inspected with a camera is recommended if you live in Vaughan and are having these issues.
3. You Have Had a Sewer Backup
Nobody wants to experience a sewer backup, let alone more than once.
If you have had sewage come up through your basement floor drain or any other low point in your home you will want to have your lines cleaned. But you should also want to know why the sewer backup occurred.
There could be many reasons for a sewer backup. Some include:
- Buildup
- Roots
- Clogged pipe
- Restriction
Your lines may need to be inspected to find out what may be causing the sewer backup.
4. Drains or Toilets Are Making Gurgling Sounds
Drains will typically make some kind of sound. However, if you hear bubbling or gurgling it could be a sign that there is a problem.
This could happen when you flush your toilet, empty your tub or even run your dishwasher or washing machine.
If your drain is gurgling it means air is trying to pass through your drains but something is blocking the water from travelling freely.
There could be something wrong with your sewer line but it’s not always the case. If you have other symptoms that go along with gurgling then it may be time to have it looked at.
5. You Smell Sewer
If you have a bad sewer smell coming from your home there could be many reasons why.
Maybe you need to put some water down one of your drains or it could be a plumbing issue that needs to be looked into.
Your plumber may suggest that your drains need to be inspected to see what’s going on.
A camera may show what is happening in your drains and can help identify why you keep having the same problem.
6. Tree Roots Are Getting Into Your Sewer Line
Tree roots can be very troublesome if they decide to invade your sewer line.
Trees look for water and if they can find a small crack or weak point in your sewer line they will try to make their way in.
Tree roots will grab on to things that may be passing through your sewer line such as toilet paper.
This can cause your drain to slow down and may result in clogs and backups.
If you have trees on your property that are close to where your sewer line is buried you may experience this. Having your sewer line inspected with a camera can tell you if tree roots are the problem.
7. You Had Your Drain Cleaned but the Problem Came Back
If your drain was clogged from normal usage then having your drain cleaned should resolve the issue.
So why is your drain acting up again after having it professionally cleaned?
Maybe it’s time to have it inspected with a camera.
Perhaps your drain needs to be cleaned again or may need to be hydro jetted. It could also be that there is something more that’s wrong with your drain.
No one wants to pay to have their drain cleaned only to have it clog again in the future.
8. Buying an Older Home in Vaughan
Many people know to have their home inspected when purchasing a property. However, they don’t know that sewer lines can be an issue. Since your underground sewer line can’t typically be seen with the naked eye.
Something to consider if you’re looking at purchasing an older home in Vaughan that may have had some issues with drainage.
Here are some things that we can find during a sewer camera inspection.
- Roots entering the pipe
- Deteriorated pipes
- Cracked pipes
- Heavy buildup
- Past damage
- Restricted flow
While this won’t take the place of a normal home inspection. It can give you more insight into what may be going on under your property.
Finding out that there is a problem with your sewer line before you purchase your home is better than finding out when you’re having sewer come up through your basement floor drain.
9. You’re Doing a Large Basement or Renovation Project
Whether you’re looking to finish your basement or maybe renovating a washroom. Or doing any type of project that may involve your plumbing. You may want to investigate if there are any issues with your current drainage system.
You don’t want to go and spend all your money on new floors and drywall only to find out you’re having an ongoing plumbing issue.
Maybe you’ve had slow drains or sewer backups in the past. It’s best to investigate these issues before doing any major renovations.
Things a Sewer Camera Cannot Show You
Although the camera is great at helping us pinpoint where the issue may be. There are some things it cannot show.
We can see what is happening inside the pipe. But we cannot tell what may be causing all of your issues.
Sometimes we can’t pinpoint what is happening outside of the pipe or if you’re leaking due to a pinhole leak.
Depending on how far we can get the camera down the line will play a role in the inspection. If there is a large amount of water or debris in the line it may not allow us to travel further.
So always keep this in mind when watching your video.
How Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Work?
Usually it’s pretty simple.
The plumber will find a suitable location to insert the camera into your drain.
Once the camera is travelling down your line. The plumber will be able to watch and inspect your pipes from the inside.
This will allow them to detect any abnormalities that may occur. And determine what type of issue you’re having and where it’s located.
After this the plumber may suggest one of the following.
- Clean out your drain
- Hydro jet your lines with high-pressure water
- Cut roots from your pipe
- Repair your pipe if broken
- Replace old pipe
- Further investigate your plumbing
Whatever it may be at least you know you’re getting what you need and no more.
Do You Need a Camera in Your Lines If Your Drain Is Clogged?
Not always.
If you had your kitchen sink backed up due to debris from cooking and cleaned out your clog there may not be a need to run a camera down your sewer line.
However, if you have had recurring clogs or multiple drains running slow. Backups into your home. Gurgling noises or sewer odour. Then it’s worth getting a camera inspection.
Camera Inspection vs. Drain Cleaning
Sometimes these services get lumped together. But they serve different purposes.
Drain cleaning will remove your clog.
A sewer camera inspection will show you what’s going on in your lines.
Some cases may call for both services.
You may need to clear your main line out before a camera can pass through it. Once your line has been cleaned. We can use the camera to look for other issues that may have caused your line to back up.
We may recommend hydro jetting if your lines have a lot of buildup. Or repairing your lines if we find tree roots or broken pipe.
Call a Plumber If You Are Experiencing the Following
It’s not necessary to have your drains camera inspected each time they may be running slightly slower.
However, if you are experiencing any of the following you should consider getting your drains inspected.
- Clogs in the same drain
- Multiple slow-draining drains
- Backups in your basement drain
- Gurgling from your toilet or drains
- Smells from your sewer line
- Drain clogs that continue after being cleaned
- Possible tree roots in your drain line
Knowing what’s wrong with your drains will allow you to make an informed decision on what to do next.
Sewer Camera Inspection Vaughan
When you have issues with your drains it can be hard to pinpoint what’s causing them.
If your drains are clogging frequently, you have had a sewer backup or your drains were cleaned in the past and the issue continues. Having a sewer camera inspection done in Vaughan can give you more information on what may be going on.
We offer sewer camera and drain inspections throughout Vaughan and the surrounding areas. We also offer drain cleaning and hydro jetting as well as other plumbing services if needed.
Stop trying to fix the same drain issue over and over and discover what’s causing it.
Call Sureflow Plumbing & Drain for a sewer camera inspection in Vaughan.
FAQs
When would I need a sewer camera inspection?
If you are experiencing many clogs. Several slow drains. Sewer backup. Drains gurgling and sewer smell. These are all reasons your plumber may want to check your sewer line.
Will a sewer camera detect tree roots?
Yes, we can see where roots may have gotten into your sewer line. Depending on where they are located we may be able to see how bad it is.
Can a sewer camera detect a broken sewer line?
A sewer camera can show cracks and other deformations within your sewer line. There are some cases where we may need to further investigate to see how bad it may be.
Do I need to get my sewer line inspected when buying a house?
When purchasing a home it may be beneficial to inspect your sewer line. Especially if it’s an older home. Or there are large trees around the home. Your normal home inspector will not be able to give you an in-depth look at your sewer line.
How much does it cost to have my sewer camera inspected?
This depends on your plumbing situation. We will need to know how we can access your sewer line. And what your problem may be. Your plumber will be able to tell you more.
Will a sewer camera clear my drain?
No, it is just an inspection to find out what your problem is. If we find something we may need to do drain cleaning or hydro jetting to clear your line.
How often should I have my sewer line inspected?
There is no time frame for when you should have your sewer line inspected. It’s best to have it done if you’re having some of these problems mentioned above.