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Why you might need a sewer inspection

Most homeowners don’t know much about their sewers, so don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know anything about yours! Even fewer know what a sewer inspection is and why you might need one.

A drain camera reel and monitor beside an open sewer inspection opening

Why your sewer matters

People tend to think about their sewer only when something goes wrong and needs fixing fast, like a major blockage or a leak.

Your sewer pipes carry all the water and waste from your toilet, shower and bath, your kitchen and bathroom sinks and your laundry. They also take the water from your dishwasher and washing machine.

Because they connect to everything, all sorts of waste travels through your sewer pipes. That waste can clog them and cause serious damage.

Sewer problems aren’t always obvious at first. Your sinks drain and your toilets flush as normal. But that doesn’t mean your sewer is in good shape. Problems can build up slowly and may not show until something serious happens.

That’s why it’s important to inspect and clear your sewer drains regularly. It keeps them in good order and working well.

What is involved in a sewer drain inspection?

At The Drain Man, we inspect your sewer with a special CCTV pipe inspection camera. The camera sits on the end of a long cable. We push it through the whole length of your sewer. That lets your plumber see any damage, like cracks, collapsed sections, tree roots, blockages or other issues.

For larger commercial drains, we use robotic CCTV cameras mounted on mobile pipeline inspection vehicles. They move freely through drains and sewers. They collect high quality data that gives an accurate picture of the pipe’s condition.

At the end, you get a detailed report on the condition of your pipes and drains, with the camera footage if you want it. We also record technical details about the drain, such as the invert level, the flow direction and any blockages.

Your drain plumber will then advise you on how to clear any blockages or fix any damage. You’ll also get tips on how to prevent sewer problems in future.

When should you get a sewer inspection?

Your sewer is an important asset. So it’s vital to limit damage to it, and to the ground around it, with regular inspections and upkeep when needed. Drain inspections help you manage your costs and avoid big problems down the track.

Is your toilet or sink draining slowly? Do pipes make noise in another room when you empty the bath? You probably have a blocked drain and need help fast. The Drain Man’s qualified, experienced plumbers are experts with the latest sewer inspection cameras. We can find and fix your problem very quickly.

A sewer inspection can also find exactly where your sewer pipes and main sewer junctions are. That’s vital if you plan to dig in your garden or do major excavation work and don’t have a map of your pipes.

Buying a house? We highly recommend a sewer camera inspection before you buy. Then you know about any drain problems up front and can negotiate who fixes them. If you only find big problems after you buy, they’re yours, and they can be very costly to repair.

What if there is an issue with my sewer?

If an inspection finds problems, your drain clearing specialist from The Drain Man will give you the best advice on what to do. If tree roots or a build up of waste from your sinks and showers are blocking your sewer, we’ll give you a few drain clearing options.

Cracked or broken pipes can be fixed too. The good news is that broken or damaged pipes usually don’t need replacing. With drain relining, your pipes can be as good as new, if not better, with no digging.

We put a liner made of felt and special resins inside your pipe. We inflate it, then it hardens to leave your pipe strong and leak proof. The new liner also resists tree roots.

So don’t wait for gurgling pipes or a foul smell inside your home before you book a sewer inspection. Our experienced team can answer your questions and do a quick inspection at a time that suits you. Call us or enquire online.

Blocked, broken or full of roots?

We clear it, show you the camera footage, and give you a clear next step.