When drains start acting up, grease, tree roots, or clogs are usual suspects. However, underground drainage systems are complex, and not every issue is easy to identify on the surface. That’s where a drain inspection comes in super useful. It’s not just a means of blockage detection but a diagnostic tool that can identify all sorts of issues that house owners and building managers don’t see coming.
Drainage systems also weaken with time due to ground movement, freeze/thaw conditions, or pipes that are merely aging. The small cracks in the pipe can grow to become larger problems when not immediately rectified. A drain camera inspection helps technicians detect these imperfections that otherwise go unnoticed until complete failure creates a backup or flooding. But with high-definition video, tiny splits are visible, and repairs can be completed before that situation becomes critical.
One of the most common and intrusive threats to drains is root invasion. Roots from plants and bushes run in the direction of water, and any hole or opening in the pipes is an open invitation. The roots grow and create dense clumps that are hard to erase once they get in. A drain inspection can confirm the presence and extent of root damage. Then, the location can be cleaned using the proper clearance technique to prevent further deterioration.
Older pipes made of clay, cast iron, or galvanized steel corrode. Over time, they begin flaking, constricting, and corroding on the inside. This slow process can be visualized with a drain camera inspection, allowing you to budget in advance for replacement. Corrosion does not directly lead to failure, but it noticeably lowers water pressure and raises the chances of a clog, leak, or burst if not repaired.
In certain instances, part of the problem is not wear and tear but human error. Pipes can be installed with the wrong slopes, tilted joints, or even debris left during construction or renovation. Defects of this nature don’t show up until the clog creates a water backup. Drain inspections help identify misaligned or collapsed pipes or hidden blockages, like cement or construction debris, that cannot otherwise be seen by the naked eye.
Older homes or businesses tend to have unknown or unusual drain layouts. If water is flowing incorrectly but there isn’t a clear reason why, a drain camera inspection will chart out the entire drainage system, highlighting where the pipe lies, how it connects, and whether it’s draining effectively. Knowing the actual setup simplifies getting future repairs or upgrades.
A drain inspection can also identify signs of animal infestation. Rats, mice, or birds may enter through damaged pipes or open vents and make themselves at home in the drainage system. This can create blockages, accompanied by strange odours or sounds. Early warning can prevent further issues and allow for safe removal.
While drain inspections may seem like a last resort, they are one of the most affordable, time-saving methods of protecting your property. Inspections detect subsurface obstructions, catching signs early and allowing repair work to begin on time.
