Sewer Camera Inspection

Sewer Camera Inspection Services in Abilene, TX

Understanding the condition of your home's sewer lines is crucial for preventing major plumbing disasters. At Midway Plumbing, Inc., we offer professional sewer camera inspection services in Abilene, TX, utilizing advanced technology to provide a clear, non-invasive look inside your pipes. This allows us to accurately diagnose issues, plan targeted solutions, and help you avoid costly future repairs.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection?

A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a high-resolution, waterproof camera attached to a flexible rod into your sewer line. This specialized camera is designed to navigate the twists and turns of your plumbing system, transmitting a live video feed to a monitor operated by our trained technician. It allows us to see the exact condition of your pipes from the inside, identifying problems that are otherwise hidden underground.

How the Sewer Camera Inspection Process Works

Our sewer camera inspection process is efficient and informative:

• Access Point: We typically access the sewer line through a cleanout pipe, which is an access point specifically designed for plumbing maintenance. If no cleanout exists, we may need to access the line through a toilet drain or other suitable opening.
• Camera Insertion: The flexible rod with the camera is carefully fed into the pipe. As it travels through the line, our technician watches the live video feed.
• Video Monitoring & Recording: The real-time footage allows us to observe the interior walls of the pipe, identifying any cracks, blockages, or other damage. The inspection can also be recorded for later review or for sharing with you.
• Diagnosis & Reporting: Based on the camera footage, our technician can pinpoint the exact location and nature of any issues found. We will discuss our findings with you and provide a clear explanation of the condition of your sewer line.

Why You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection (Is It Worth It?)

Many homeowners ask if a sewer camera inspection is truly necessary or "worth it." The answer is a resounding yes, especially when considering the potential cost savings and peace of mind it provides. Here's why it's a valuable investment:

• Non-Invasive: Unlike traditional methods that require digging trenches, a camera inspection can be done with minimal disruption to your yard or property.
• Accurate Diagnosis: The camera provides a precise visual of the problem, eliminating guesswork about the cause and location of issues. This allows for more effective and less expensive repairs.
• Preventative Maintenance: Identifying minor issues like small cracks or early root growth before they become major blockages can prevent costly backups and extensive damage down the line.
• Saves Money Long-Term: By catching problems early and providing an accurate diagnosis, a camera inspection helps avoid repeated service calls for the same recurring issue and prevents the need for emergency, large-scale repairs or excavation.
• Ideal for Home Buyers/Sellers: A pre-purchase sewer inspection provides peace of mind, revealing potential hidden issues before you buy. For sellers, addressing known issues upfront can make the property more appealing.
• Useful for Remodeling: If you're planning a major remodel or adding fixtures, an inspection can ensure your existing sewer lines can handle the increased capacity.

Investing in a sewer camera inspection is a proactive step that can save you significant time, money, and stress in the future.

What Our Sewer Camera Can Find

Our advanced camera equipment allows us to identify a wide range of common and complex sewer line problems, including:

• Root Intrusion: Tree or shrub roots can grow into pipes through small cracks, causing blockages and further damage.
• Cracks and Breaks: We can spot structural damage to the pipe walls caused by shifting soil, ground pressure, or age.
• Blockages: Accumulations of grease, debris, foreign objects, or collapsed pipe sections can obstruct flow and cause backups.
• Corrosion and Deterioration: Older pipes, especially those made of cast iron or clay, can corrode, rust, or crumble over time.
• Misaligned or Collapsed Pipes: Sections of pipe can separate or collapse entirely due to ground movement or structural issues, causing severe blockages.

Identifying these issues early with a camera inspection allows us to recommend the most appropriate and effective repair solutions.

Common Reasons to Schedule an Inspection

While regular maintenance is always a good idea, certain situations specifically warrant a sewer camera inspection:

• Slow Drains or Recurring Clogs: If you experience frequent clogs in multiple drains or toilets, it could indicate a deeper issue in the main sewer line.
• Sewage Odors: Foul odors emanating from drains can signal a blockage or break in the sewer line.
• Buying a New Home: A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended to understand the condition of the property's sewer system and avoid unexpected repair costs after moving in.
• Major Renovations: If you're adding bathrooms or changing plumbing layouts, ensure your existing sewer line can handle the increased demand.
• Older Homes: Properties built before the 1980s often have aging pipes that are more susceptible to issues. Homes with large, mature trees in the yard are also at higher risk for root intrusion.

Sewer Camera Inspection Cost Factors

The cost of a sewer camera inspection can vary depending on several factors. While we provide accurate estimates, the final price is influenced by:

• Length and Diameter of the Pipe: Longer or larger pipes take more time and effort to inspect.
• Accessibility: The ease of access to the sewer line's cleanout or entry point can affect the duration and complexity of the inspection.
• Condition of the Pipe: Navigating severely blocked or damaged pipes can be more challenging.

Keep in mind that the cost of the inspection is a small investment compared to the potential expense of excavating your yard to find a problem or dealing with a sewage backup.

What Happens After the Inspection

Once the sewer camera inspection is complete, our technician will review the findings with you. We will explain any issues we discovered, show you relevant footage, and discuss your options for repair or maintenance. Depending on what we find, potential next steps could include Drain Cleaning, Trenchless Sewers repairs, or other targeted solutions to restore your plumbing system's health. We provide transparent recommendations and estimates for any necessary follow-up work.

Why Choose Midway Plumbing for Your Inspection?

For over 40 years, Midway Plumbing has been a trusted name in Abilene and the surrounding areas for reliable and professional plumbing services. Our technicians are highly trained in using advanced diagnostic tools like sewer cameras to accurately assess your plumbing system. We pride ourselves on providing clear explanations, honest recommendations, and effective solutions tailored to your specific needs. When you choose Midway Plumbing, you're choosing local expertise and a commitment to your satisfaction. We proudly serve Abilene, TX and surrounding areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sewer Camera Inspections

How long does a sewer camera inspection take?

Most residential sewer camera inspections take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the length and complexity of the line and the accessibility of the entry point.

Will a sewer camera inspection damage my pipes?

No, the cameras used are specifically designed to be inserted into plumbing lines without causing damage. They are flexible and smooth.

Do I need to be home for the inspection?

While not always strictly necessary, it is highly recommended that you are present for the inspection so our technician can walk you through the findings in real-time and answer any questions you may have immediately.

What is the most common problem found during an inspection?

In areas with mature trees, root intrusion is one of the most frequent issues we discover. Blockages from grease and debris are also very common.

What if a major problem like a collapsed pipe is found?

If a significant issue like a collapsed pipe or severe damage is found, our technician will explain the severity and location of the problem. We will then discuss the necessary repair options, which could include Trenchless Sewers repair or conventional excavation, and provide a detailed estimate for the work needed.