Ever wondered what lurks behind your pipes? Most of us don’t think about it until an emergency happens. It can be a headache to maintain and repair plumbing, as most problems are hidden from view. Fortunately, CCTV drain surveys revolutionised how we identify and resolve such issues. This advanced technology can show what has happened on the inside of your pipes, highlighting problems that with traditional methods, you could not have otherwise identified.
Here’s a simple look at how CCTV drain surveys work and why they’re so important for modern plumbing.
If you’re dealing with persistent drainage issues, BN Drainage is here to help. Our team offers professional services. Contact us at 0800 999 1769 or email info@bndrainageltd.com to schedule your CCTV drain survey today.
Let the experts at BN Drainage ensure your drainage system stays in perfect working order. Trust us to uncover and resolve hidden issues in your plumbing system!
Understanding CCTV Drain Surveys
A CCTV drain inspection makes use of a small, high-definition camera mounted onto a flexible rod. The camera is injected via an access point into a drainage system and feeds through the pipes, capturing live video footage as it goes. In real-time, the camera relays images to a technician for him to analyse the condition of the pipes, identify blockages, and notice any signs of damage.
Common Plumbing Issues Uncovered By CCTV Drain Surveys
CCTV drain surveys can identify a wide range of problems with the plumbing system that otherwise lurk deep in drainage system. Some of the more common issues such surveys would reveal are as follows:
1. Blockages And Clogs
Obstructions and blockages are among the most common issues revealed by CCTV surveys. The causes of such problems are normally the accumulation of debris, grease buildup, and foreign objects.
Debris Buildup
Hair, soap scum, food particles, and other forms of waste may get trapped in a pipe. The buildup of such debris will clog your piping system because, over time, it accumulates. This may cause reduced water flow or, in most cases, even backup and sewage overflows.
Grease Accumulation
Grease is another common culprit behind clogged drains. It accumulates and gets stuck in plates and dishes, especially in the kitchen. Upon cooling, it hardens and sticks to the inside walls of the pipe.
Foreign Objects
Items not recommended for flushing or washing down can also create blockages deep within your drainage system. These could include wet wipes, sanitary products, and even small toys or other items accidentally dropped down pipes.
2. Cracks And Leaks
Another common problem found with a CCTV survey is cracks and leaks in drainage pipes. These could be caused by various factors, such as ground movement, wear and tear over time, and destruction caused by tree roots.
Ground Movement
Generally, the soil surrounding your pipes can move over time and cause them to crack or misalign. This is especially common in areas with clay soil, which can expand and contract as moisture levels change.
Age-Related Wear And Tear
Pipes are more susceptible to becoming brittle and cracking with time. Yes, this is more common for older clay or iron pipes than modern plastic ones.
Tree Roots
Tree roots are another common cause of cracking and leakage in drainage systems. As a tree grows, its roots may spread toward your pipes to use the water supply. This might result in damage, breakages, and blockages in the pipes, leading to leaks.
3. Misaligned And Collapsed Pipes
In some cases, CCTV drain surveys show that the pipes have either partially moved out of place or collapsed completely. This might happen due to soil movement, bad pipe installation, or heavy objects pressing on the pipes from above and require drain repairs.
Ground Movement
Ground movement may cause miss-alignment of the pipes, which, in the long run, results in—going into faults- the drainages. There are some points that experience the movements at an enhanced rate to the extent of making the pipes fall altogether.
Poor Installation
Some pipes, when installed, may not fit properly and end up falling apart. This usually happens in old properties based on the standards they were built in. This can be quite common, particularly with older properties, where building standards may not have been so rigorous.
Heavy Loads
Like the weight of vehicles or heavy machines, other similar loads will collapse the pipes, especially if they are under the darns or in a popular area.
Advantages Of CCTV Drain Inspection Surveys
CCTV drain surveys have several advantages over traditional methods. Some of the main advantages include:
1. Non-Invasive
Unarguably, the greatest advantage of CCTV drain surveys is that they are entirely non-invasive. While traditional inspection methods often involve digging and even destroying property, CCTV surveys enable experts to inspect drains without inflicting any damage.
2. Accurate Diagnosis
CCTV drain surveys give an exact, real-time view of the inside of your drains. This accuracy allows technicians to spot problems quickly and then identify them precisely, saving time, money, and hassle in the long term.
3. Cost-Effective
Because they are non-invasive and accurate, CCTV drain surveys can be more cost-effective than traditional plumbing inspection techniques. Early identification of issues will help you save on more extensive repairs later.
When Should You Consider A CCTV Drain Survey?
While CCTV drain surveys represent one of the best ways to diagnose plumbing issues, they are only sometimes called for. Here are some situations in which you should consider scheduling a CCTV drain survey:
1. Persistent Drainage Problems
If you have been having recurring drainage problems, such as slow drainage, backups, or foul odours, a CCTV drain survey will help pinpoint the problem.
2. Before You Buy Some Space
If you are buying a property, especially an older one, then a CCTV drain survey can let you know, with a clear conscience, about any potential hidden plumbing issues.
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Conclusion
CCTV drain surveys are an integral part of modern plumbing. This intrusive yet highly accurate and cost-effective technique diagnoses issues with your drainage. From persistent blockages and cracks to misaligned pipes, a CCTV drain survey is sure to help unearth those mysterious plumbing problems hidden within your drainage system. This will help in the early identification of the issues and thus prevent them from transforming into complicated problems.
If you have blocked drains or just want to be certain that your drainage system is in good order, consider having a CCTV drain survey let us help you.
Connect with us on 0800 999 1769 or share your requirements on our email info@bndrainageltd.com.
