How a Camera Inspection Could Save Your Home

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Identifying the problem, especially when it’s one hiding inside your walls, can be a frustrating challenge. Home repairs are costly, and no one wants to wait until the damage is already done. Sometimes the warning signs aren’t so obvious when you’re dealing with damaged plumbing inside your home. Waiting because you’re uncertain if there is any damage or clogged plumbing could cost you some expensive repairs and cleaning, one of the worst being backed up sewage. Instead of monitoring your sinks and toilets like a suspicious parent, you might want to spare yourself the trouble and contact a professional plumber to do a camera inspection. Plumbers have the tools necessary to do a thorough inspection. Instead of stewing over the mystery of what and where a problem could be happening, a plumber can pinpoint the problem for you.

When is It Time to Contact a Plumber?

It makes sense not to act if you think there’s nothing wrong, as the old saying goes: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The problem is, dismissing what looks like just a slow draining sink or the occasional backed up toilet, can lead to even worse problems like corroded pipes. So what exactly should you look for? Luckily a house can become pretty talkative when dealing with plumbing issues- it’s hard to miss the warning signs.

• Higher water bills. One of the worst things that shouldn’t happen, especially if you’re not wasteful, is dealing with unusually high water bills. Typically, a monthly water bill varies from $10 to $15; anything higher is a problem and a common sign that you have leaking pipes.
• Lower water pressure or flow. If you notice there’s less water flowing out of your shower or sink, or a weaker amount of pressure coming from your shower head or sink hose, that’s a good sign that there’s a leak or clog somewhere in your plumbing, which can be identified through a camera inspection.
• Foul odors. Something just as toxic as backed up sewage is mold and mildew, fungi that grow from moisture and gives out a musty smell. If you smell anything foul inside your home, there could be some water damage which can be caused by a cracked pipe.
• Visible damp spots. Unless you just spilled a glass of water, finding damp spots in your home is a serious problem, as it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
• Persistent clogging. Occasionally your drain will clog, that’s a common household problem. However, if you’re dealing with frequently clogged drains, especially if it clogs after you cleaned your pipes, then there’s a much more serious problem with your plumbing.
• A lush lawn. While it’s nice to see your lawn lush and green, it could also mean there’s a problem with your sewer line. Sewage acts as a fertilizer for vegetation, so if there is a leak somewhere in the sewer line, your lawn will be happy, but you won’t be. Another indication of a leaking sewer line is if there’s an indentation in the soil where the sewer line is, which can be identified through a camera inspection.
• Cracks in the foundation. Damaged pipes left untreated for long periods of time can lead to cracks in your home’s foundation, settlement in your home, or even a sinkhole.
• Rats and insects are unwelcomed guests, but they’ll make themselves home if there are damaged plumbing. Rats live in sewers and can make their way into your pipes. Cockroaches, Palmetto bugs, and sewer flies will have a much easier time getting into your home through broken pipes than rats will, but both are notorious for spreading harmful bacteria and disease.

How Can a Camera Inspection Help?

If it’s time to call a professional, you’ll want them to do a camera inspection. Plumbers have all the right tools to reach into unreachable places and fix the problem. A camera inspection will pinpoint the exact problem, and help you determine the quickest and cost-effective solution. So how does it work? Plumbers insert a flexible rod into your pipes, attached to the rod is a high-resolution camera. The footage and images captured enable them to diagnose the problem and make a solid plan to fix your plumbing.

How You Can Prevent Future Clogs

The best way to treat your pipes is by preventing clogs and damages in the first place. It’s best to act before you see or smell the damage. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to prevent future damage and another expensive phone call.

• Avoid overwhelming your garbage disposal. Garbage disposals are great, but they can’t handle everything, and food can lead to some gnarly backups.
• Be attentive as to what gets flushed down the toilet. Educate your kids and guests about what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet.
• Regular maintenance. Routinely cleaning your pipes, checking the water pressure and valves, and keeping an eye on the water heater, are all ways to prevent problems or catch a problem early.
• Clean your shower and tub regularly. This avoids long-term buildups of soap and hair that can clog your plumbing.
• Have your drains cleaned annually. And I don’t mean pouring some Draino down the sink. Little problems can quickly grow into big problems. Having a professional plumber come in to clean your drains once a year, can drastically decrease your chances of damaged plumbing.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Water damage can be devastating, and the clean up alone can be costly. Some problems can be fixed with a thorough clean or plunger, but not every problem.
If notice something off with your plumbing, it’s time to contact a plumber immediately and schedule a camera inspection with Gold Star Service today!