When you think about the importance of CCTV cameras, the first thing that comes to mind might be grainy images of cars driving out of petrol stations without paying. We all know that they are very useful when looking for missing persons or to gather evidence in thefts or other crimes.
But when we talk about CCTV, we’re looking for evidence underground – in your drainage and sewer pipes. The most common thing we’re looking for is damage or cause of a blockage. Cracks in your drains can cause leaks and blockages that in turn can lead to building movement and soil erosion.
CCTV drain inspections involve inserting a reel with camera and LED lights down a drain so that we can look inside your pipes. With this technology, we can find damage in the pipes under your foundations, below your landscaping and anywhere underground really! We see these images in real time so that we can quickly give you an accurate course of action and estimate for any necessary repairs.
What are the key signs that you may need to check out what’s going on in your pipes?
1. Buying a new property
Everyone knows that you should get a building inspection before you buy a property to look for termites, foundational damage or structural dangers. Most people won’t even think about reviewing what’s going on underground.
If you’re looking to buy a property and find out there are a number of blockages and damaged pipes that need relining or replacement, you might need to add thousands to your budget and months to your timeframe. So a pipe survey can save you a lot if you get in early!
2. Before you renovate
Thinking of putting in a pool or a new retaining wall? It’s best to find out where your plumbing goes before you start digging! Conducting a pipe survey can help you determine where your new pool can fit within the existing plumbing structure. It can also stop a digger going through your pipes leaving you with a costly emergency plumbing bill.
With a clear view of what’s going on underground, you can safely and confidently plan your renovations.
3. Between tenants in your property
If you’re a property owner who’s currently renting out a home, getting a CCTV drain inspection between tenants can be handy preventative maintenance. We know that it’s not all tenants, but a lot of people will flush whatever they want down the sink and toilet without a second thought – and then you’ll be left to foot the repairs bill.
Regularly reviewing and cleaning out your pipes between tenants can prevent heavy build up that creates blockages or damage to your pipes if it’s not taken care of quickly. So save yourself some time, money and a big headache by being on top of your plumbing maintenance!
4. Before selling a property
If you’re buying or selling your property, it wouldn’t hurt to get a full pipe survey completed. And you can even use it as a handy selling tool.
5. Smelly drains
A foul smell coming for your drains can indicate a partial blockage that needs to be cleaned out. A CCTV pipe inspection can easily find this blockage before it gets too out of hand, then with another machine, our water jetter or miller machine or robotic cutter, can be used to clear out the blockage in no time at all!
6. Signs of movement
Have you noticed your building showing signs of movement? These problems can be a sign of water undermining your foundations. A damaged pipe can leak water, softening the ground under your property causing it to shift.
As you may have guessed, foundational fixes can be incredibly costly, so it’s important to get your pipes checked out as soon as possible to stop any leaks and get your pipes repaired.
These are just the 6 most common reasons to get the CCTV drain inspection, but if you suspect you may have damaged or blocked pipes for any other reason, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we’ll point you in the right direction for your situation.
