As a sewer and drain specialist, I have performed thousands of video camera drain line inspections. I have noticed that people have a lot of similar questions when it comes to this procedure. I am going to do my best to answer these common questions and thoroughly explain what a video drain line inspection is.
What is a Drain Line Camera?
First, let’s begin by explaining what a drain line camera is. A drain line camera is just that: a camera that is made to be pushed through a sewer and drain pipe. It takes videos and some can take still shots. The camera head is attached to a fiberglass rod which is pushed through the drain or sewer pipe. This is commonly referred to as “push rod” systems. There are other types of drain line cameras, but for our purposes today, we will keep the discussion to push rod systems. The camera head sends a signal back to a monitor where a technician can view the interior images of the pipe. The technician will then pinpoint any trouble areas by highlighting any defects. At the conclusion, the technician should then prepare a thorough report of the inspection and deliver it to the customer.
Variables in Camera Inspections
Now that I have provided a simplified explanation of the procedure, I must add that not all drain line camera inspections are created equal. The two biggest variables are the technician and the equipment. Please allow me to elaborate.
The Importance of Experienced Technicians
A sewer and drain technician needs to have ample experience as well as possessing a great deal of proficiency in order to accurately interpret what they are observing. A misdiagnosis could lead to thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs. Much like an X-Ray, you would want the most experienced doctor to review and interpret the pictures. You certainly would not want someone with a lack of experience recommending an unnecessary surgery all because they read the X-Ray incorrectly! Well, the same holds true for sewer and drain line inspections. The footage may seem obvious to some, but an experienced and well-trained eye can pick up on subtle details that will lead to a precise diagnosis. Many times, in fact too many, I have been called in to provide a second opinion and found that the initial inspector’s conclusion was very wrong, and the customer was ready to spend thousands of dollars on an unnecessary repair. These misdiagnoses are usually a result of one of two things: ineptitude or upselling.
The Risks of Upselling
In my experience, upselling is the number one cause of misdiagnoses. Many plumbing and drain cleaning companies want to sell you either a new sewer pipe or reline. Both of these repairs cost thousands of dollars. Beware of companies that will perform inexpensive video inspections, or even free inspections. They are most likely using their camera as a tool to upsell a much more costly repair. A professional sewer camera inspection system is quite expensive and relatively fragile. No reputable company is going to risk a very expensive repair to their camera system, only to perform an inexpensive or free inspection. Also, beware of any company who will not give you a copy of the footage! This is a telltale sign of a disingenuous contractor who does not want you to have the ability to have his work double-checked.
The Dangers of Ineptitude
Ineptitude is another leading cause of misdiagnoses. In my 34 years of experience, I have seen many technicians incorrectly interpret what they are viewing. This has led to customers spending far more money on a problem that did not exist in the first place. The resolution of a camera is also of great importance. A lot of companies do not upgrade their cameras as new technology becomes available due to expense. It is imperative for a correct diagnosis to have the highest resolution camera available in order to pick up on the subtleties of a damaged drain line. Some damage is obvious, some is not.
Tips for Hiring a Contractor for Sewer and Drain Line Inspections
To conclude, I would like to offer some suggestions about hiring a contractor to perform a sewer or drain line inspection.
Hire a Drain Specialist:
Try to hire a drain specialist, not a general plumber. A drain specialist only deals with, well, drains. A general plumber has to wear many hats and often is not as skilled with sewer and drain line issues.
Objective Inspections:
Try to hire a company that does not perform any type of sewer or drain line repair. They will have no vested interest in selling you anything else and will provide you with the most objective opinion.
Quality Over Price:
Don’t let price be your final factor in hiring a professional to perform your drain line inspection. What is more important is that you consider the technician's level of experience and the quality of their equipment. Make sure that they will provide you with a copy of the footage!
Check Reviews:
Always check reviews, particularly on Google. When shopping around, a savings of a few dollars on a video inspection could cost you quite more in the long run.
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