Do you suspect that your drains are clogged? Are you concerned that you might need a sewer line replacement in Calgary? Don’t know what to do next?

You’ll discover that inspecting, looking down your pipes or even clearing them out might not be enough. You’ll literally have to take a deeper look with a CCTV camera.

What’s a CCTV camera inspection? Why do you need it? How does it help you with your sewer line or drain cleaning in Calgary? We breakdown all the key pointers for you with this simple guide.

Everything You Need To Know About CCTV Sewer Inspection & Plumbing Calgary

What Is CCTV Sewer Inspection?

CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television Video, and it involves using a camera to inspect the inside of your drains, sewer pipelines, or other drain lines.

The CCTV unit consists of a damage-resistant stainless steel camera head attached to a long line of waterproof push cable and a transmitter that sends images and data back to the plumber’s monitor. These images and videos can be recorded for inspection later on, if necessary.

The camera head is surrounded by high-intensity lights, providing clear views of your drainage system, helping plumbers identify the root causes of plumbing issues and the exact location of the problem.

Why Use CCTV Sewer Inspection?

In the old days, Calgary plumbers needed extreme and invasive methods to inspect sewers and drains, such as digging up the ground and buried pipes or removing appliances, walls or flooring. CCTV sewer inspection changed the industry in a heartbeat.

The process requires minimal work to pinpoint the exact location and issue of the problem while saving homeowners money and time on plumbing repairs.

CCTV services can help homeowners find the exact cause of problems, including:

Cracked or frozen pipes
Offset joint pipes
Pipe corrosion
Deterioration over time
Severe blockage
Poor installation or other plumbing repairs

What Are The Advantages Of CCTV Sewer Inspection?

Using CCTV for preliminary inspections has many benefits to homeowners. Here is what you can experience:

Extremely Affordable Option

As we mentioned above, compared to other invasive methods, CCTV sewer inspections are the most effective manner to inspect sewer and drain problems. Instead of spending thousands on repairs or unnecessary work, CCTV provides an avenue for repairs to only be focused on the damaged section, reducing the cost and time to fix the entire pipe.

A Preventative Method

They can also be used for preventive maintenance during plumbing inspections or when repairing other issues. By undertaking sewer inspections, plumbers can identify any small issues before they turn into major problems.

Quick Service

Calgary plumbers can use CCTV cameras to quickly and accurately pinpoint the exact location of the problem, determine what’s causing them and then recommending the easiest and most affordable solution. This one method adds layers of simplicity and effectiveness to a plumber’s job.

They Are Environmentally Friendly

The minimal amount of work required to inspect sewers and drains, such as the lack of digging landscape, concrete and land, means that no ecosystems are disturbed. It’s the safest and cleanest way to inspect your pipes.

Hire A Professional Plumber in Calgary For Your Inspection

The best and only way to know what is happening in your drains or sewer is by undertaking a CCTV inspection. Don’t try this at home by yourself. Instead, hire a highly-qualified and professional Calgary plumber to help you determine the exact extent of your plumbing problem.

Calgary Plumber and Drains is your number one team of Calgary plumbers! Our success has been built on values such as honesty, hard work, affordable prices and superior customer service. We pride ourselves on offering clients throughout Downtown and surrounding areas with top-quality plumbing services, including leak repairs, installations, sewer and drain cleaning, toilet repairs, and water heater repairs in Calgary. As an emergency plumber in Calgary, we’re available when you’re in dire straits! For the number one plumbing company in Calgary, contact Calgary Plumber and Drains at 403-629-2920.

You might think that you’re the only person in your neighbourhood that has problems with their plumbing. You’ll be wrong to think that.

Plumbing problems occur daily. Some are just more common than others. We take a look at the most common plumbing problems that people experience every day.

1 – Slow Draining Sink

Notice that your sink doesn’t drain as fast as it used to? That’s sure to be a blockage that is restricting water flow. It can happen to your kitchen or bathroom sink, and even shower drain, and it is widespread.

Why does it happen?

It is because food remnants (from the kitchen) and knotted hair and soap (in the bathroom) blocks up the drain. You can prevent blockages from occurring by not putting any grease, oil, food, debris and hair down the drain.

How to fix the current issue:

Using drain cleaner may temporarily alleviate the blockage, but the best scenario is to contact a plumber that offers drain cleaning in Calgary. Professional drain cleaning is the best option to clear any blockage and avoid damaging your plumbing system.

2- Dripping Faucets

It’s rare to find someone who hasn’t experienced a dripping faucet. It’s not just an annoying source of irritation, but a waste of water that can cost you more money.

Why does it happen?

The cause of the dripping faucet is usually due to the internal cartridge becoming worn out.

How to fix the current issue:

In most cases, this can be handled yourself if you have the right tools and parts. If not, you can always contact a professional to help.

3- Clogged Toilet

Ahhhhh! Everyone freaks out with a clogged toilet, and rightly so. It’s the last thing in the house that you want blocked up. When the toilet bowl fills up and doesn’t drain away, get to fixing it right away.

Why does it happen?

Blockages usually occur due to a mixture of toilet paper and human waste. There are some cases where people flush items such as feminine hygiene products, paper towels, single use wipes – that’s a big no-no.

How to fix the current issue:

Grab your plunger and start alleviating the pressure. If that doesn’t work, you’ll need a sewer snake or an expert offering drain cleaning in Calgary to clear up the blockage.

4. Running Toilet

A toilet that doesn’t stop running can end up costing you plenty of money in water bills. It’s best to get it repaired as soon as possible.

Why does it happen?

The most common culprit is a faulty flapper valve, which controls the water that passes from the tank to the bowl. In some cases, a running toilet can be caused by a faulty fill valve.

How to fix the current issue:

A replacing the flapper can help you. As for replacing the fill valve, it’s best to hire a Calgary plumber that has experience in toilet repairs.

5- Faulty Water Heater

Notice that you have no hot water coming into your shower? Water from the kitchen faucet is not warm enough? Your water heater may need to be replaced.

Why does it happen?

There are many reasons why a water heater might start to act up, including sediment buildup, pilot light and thermostatic valve failure, or natural wear and tear.

How to fix the current issue:

This should be left to a professional. Don’t tamper with your hot water heater as it can make it worse or risk damaging your home. Bring in a specialist in water heater repairs in Calgary, as they can make repairs or install a new one if yours is too old.

For more information on how long water heaters last, click here.

6- Leaky Poly B Pipes

A problem in many old homes. Poly B, also referred to as Polybutylene, is a flexible grey pipe used in hot water systems and residential plumbing. It has a reputation for being notoriously problematic and should be replaced.

Why does this happen?

Problems such as hairline cracks and leaks at fittings, bends and installed near high-heat areas can result in leaks. It is advisable to change them to a copper alternative or PEX pipes as soon as possible.

How to fix the current issue:

Replacing your Poly B pipes is the only option you have. It’s best to replace them with PEX, which is made from HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and is a long-lasting alternative. It’s benefits include durability, cost-effectiveness and non-corrosion. Hire a Calgary plumber that has experience in Poly B removal and PEX installation.