Like any part of a building or home, the water and sewer pipe system often require regular maintenance and inspection to maintain its full capacity. The repair costs pile up when maintenance issues are not addressed in time. An intensive visual inspection of the pipe system can help identify these maintenance issues and problems. It also helps with diagnosis and optimizes the maintenance and repair process.
Importance of Checking Water and Sewer Pipes
Water and sewer pipes are part of a building’s plumbing system. The system is composed of an interconnected network of pipes, valves, storage units, and fixtures that transport fluids and even gas into and out of the building. The network provides an essential service to those who are living or using the space by providing hot or cold water and removing waste for health and sanitation purposes.
There are several common plumbing issues. At the top of the list are leaky fixtures and pipes. Leaky pipes may be caused by temperature changes which can cause cracks or fissures over time. Water pressure buildup and corrosion can also create holes or cracks in the pipes when left undetected. Clogs in the pipes and drains is another common problem. The clog may be partial or full. It may be caused by hair or a solid item that gets accidentally flushed in the pipes.
Modern Methods for Inspection
Plumbers are now aided in their line of work with technologically enhanced tools. For example, visually inspecting almost every nook and cranny of a pipe system has now become possible. Plumbers now have an option of using different types of methods to detect issues in the pipes. They can do pressure tests to check for leaks and other problems. They can also use a pipe inspection camera to do a remote interior scan of the pipeline.
Pipeline video inspection involves using a waterproof snake tube camera incorporated with a lighting or illuminating component. An LED light is usually used for its full lumen capacity. The more technologically advanced pipe cameras are even incorporated with lasers that can accurately measure diameter hole and other details. They also have a sophisticated tractor and reeling system to pull the cable back.
Ensuring Worker Safety
The remote set-up also requires a consistent power supply to provide a constant flow of power to the inspection equipment. From the point of observation, digital images or video footage are captured during the remote inspection. These images are immediately transported through the cable and viewed by the operator via a computer. Software programs and inspection apps are also available nowadays to facilitate the process. By doing the inspection remotely, plumbers are protected from potential hazards and safety issues.
Plumbing problems often occur after years of continued use. When leaks and clogs are not addressed in a timely manner, they can lead to expensive repairs. Worse than that, it could also lead to potential health and environmental hazards. Without a doubt, regular maintenance could extend the life span of a building’s pipe system.
