What Is a Video Pipe Inspection and Why Do Plumbers Recommend It?

How Does a Video Pipe Inspection Work?

A video pipe inspection is a technique that allows plumbers to view plumbing and drainage systems from a distance. As the name implies, the mechanism comprises a small camera that is carefully threaded down plumbing pipes.

Before entering the plumbing system, the flexible wheeled-base mechanism secures a high-definition and waterproof camera, accompanied by an LED light. A control panel resembling a radio-controlled toy car allows for the manipulation of the camera through the system. Plumbers can move the camera through your pipes, and view video images in real time

Using this method, professional plumbers can visually inspect the deepest and most remote sections of your system, and locate areas where your pipes have been broken, damaged, or clogged, without needing to guess or dig up large sections of buried pipes.

Benefits of Video Pipe Inspection

Why do professional plumbers recommend this method? For many reasons! We asked our expert technicians, and here is their list of the top benefits .

• Compared to traditional methods, it saves both time and money
• Provides accurate diagnosis of plumbing problems
• It allows for easy identification of problems before they escalate into major issue
• Non-invasive and minimally disruptive to property
• Less clean-up required
• Increases efficiency and speed of regular maintenance checks
• Remote areas of pipes and drains can be visual inspection in high-definition
• The same camera can inspect pipes of varying sizes
• You can record inspections for careful examination in the future
• You can find and isolate problem

In older pipe systems, you can combine video pipe inspection with radio transmitters to determine an estimate of pipe depth and location. For example, when planting a new tree or landscaping, video pipe inspection serves as an excellent tool to locate pipes and prevent potential tree root damage in the future.

Common Problems Found During Video Pipe Inspections

Video pipe inspections can easily catch problems that wouldn't be possible to see with the naked eye. Some of the most common problems found are:

• Blockages (clogs) from debris, grease, or other materials
• Cracks or leaks in pipes
• Corrosion or rusting of pipes
• Tree root invasion
• Joint problems or damage to seals

How Often Should Video Pipe Inspections Be Performed?

We recommend that video pipe inspections be performed at least once a year for residential homes. For commercial properties, we strongly recommend scheduling inspections at least twice a year due to the increased usage of sewage systems. Scheduling regular preventive maintenance is essential to prolonging the lifespan of your pipe system, preventing costly repairs, catching minor issues, and giving you peace of mind.

When purchasing a new home, it is advisable to schedule an inspection before making the payment to ensure that the system is up to code. You won't want to inherit any hidden problems that the previous owner may not have been aware of. 

Schedule Your Video Pipe Inspection Today!

Need a video pipe inspection? Look no further than Lutz Plumbing! Our company has been around for four generations, and we are proud to be Kansas City's most trusted plumbing experts. Contact us today for a free estimate.