Drain problems can be a significant headache for homeowners and businesses alike. Some problems are evident immediately, while most lie under the surface, damaging the property from the inside out and potentially leading to expensive repairs if not attended to. This is where a CCTV drain inspection helps, it helps non-intrusively survey the internal condition of your drainage system.
Here are 12 signs you need a CCTV drain inspection…
No. 1 – Foul Odours
The first sign of a faulty drainage system is usually the development of persistent foul odours. If you start smelling foul odours, more so from the drains in specific locations like the kitchen and bathroom, then that might be an indication of blockage or even damage in the pipes. These odours might result from trapped waste, stagnant water, and sewer gases that find their way into your house through fissures in the pipelines. Such would be more accurately located and identified with a CCTV inspection, and thus the nature of the problem would be located for targeted repairs.
No. 2 – Slow Draining
Another very common symptom that indicates the need for professional help in your drainage system is slow draining. If you notice water from your sinks, showers, or bathtubs taking a long time to drain, it might be a result of partial blockage or buildup in the pipes. While minor blockages can often be cleared with home remedies or a plunger, slow drainage that resists being cleared may indicate a more serious issue, such as tree root intrusion or pipe deterioration. CCTV surveying may expose the scale of the issue and provide an indication of the best course of action.
No. 3 – Clogged Drains
If your system keeps getting clogged, then it goes to show that definitely there is some problem with your drainage. If you have a clogged drain almost all the time and you clean it regularly and still face problems, then you may want to get a CCTV inspection done. There could be various causes for recurrent blockages, such as the buildup of debris, pipe damage, or perhaps there might be some structural problems in the drainage system. An investigation via CCTV will let you know the root of these persistent blockages, thus enabling you not to fall into similar situations in the future, saving you time and money.
No. 4 – Strange Noises
If you have strange noises coming from your drains, this could be a result of trapped air or water in your pipes. Gurgling or bubbling noises can be an indication of partial blockage, venting problems, or even structural issues in your drainage. CCTV inspections find out what those noises are and if they’re actually indicative of a bigger problem.
No. 5 – Damp Patches
Wet spots or damp patches in the yard when it hasn’t rained are indicative of the presence of a leaking or damaged underground pipe. Besides losing water, they can erode and result in structural damage to your house if not repaired. CCTV drain inspections allow the exact location of the leak to be pinpointed so precise repairs can be made without extensive digging.
No. 6 – Sinkholes
Sinkholes or indentations in your yard may be another indication of underground drainage problems. These depressions can form when soil is washed away due to leaking pipes or when underground cavities develop as a result of water erosion. A CCTV inspection can help determine whether these surface-level changes are related to underlying drainage issues and guide the appropriate remedial action.
No. 7 – Water Bill Increases
If you notice an unexplained increase in your water bills, it could be a sign of a hidden leak within your drainage system. While some leaks may be visible, others can occur underground or within walls, making them difficult to detect without specialised equipment. A CCTV inspection can help identify these hidden leaks, potentially saving you money on water bills and preventing further damage to your property.
No. 8 – Preventative Measures
Another consideration for drain health is the age of a property. Older homes and buildings can have archaic or deteriorating drainage systems, most of which are much more prone to problems. If your property could be several decades old and you have never had a comprehensive inspection in regard to the drainage system, then as a preventive measure, you may opt for a CCTV inspection. This may help in realising a problem before it develops into some other serious and expensive issue.
No. 9 – Property Maintenance
Al factor that could have an impact on your drainage system is the presence of large trees near a property. The natural habit of tree roots is to seek out sources of water and thereby penetrate pipes with small cracks or joints. Over time, root penetration of this kind will lead to significant blockage and damage to your pipes. In the case of mature trees that are very close to a property with issues in its drainage, a CCTV inspection as part of regular property maintenance can help in identifying if there is root intrusion or otherwise, and recommend proper remedial action to take.
No. 10 – Damage Assessment
Visible signs of structural damage, such as cracks in walls or foundations, uneven floors, or settling of the property, may be indicative of underlying drainage problems. Bad drainage causes erosion and instability in soil; therefore, it affects the structure of your property. CCTV inspections highlight issues in a drainage system that can have an impact on structural problems.
No. 11 – Pre Renovation Inspection
CCTV drain inspections are also very important when planning major renovations or additions to your property. The prior knowledge of the current state and layout of your drainage system will help you develop your renovation plans and prevent costly surprises during actual construction. You can also ensure that new additions will be properly integrated with the existing drainage infrastructure.
No. 12 – Due Diligence for Property Purchase
Whether you’re purchasing or selling a property, you want to know there are no hidden defects inside the drainage system, making a CCTV drain inspection invaluable. Buyers will be assured of good conditions within the property and sellers can prove that their property is sound which can then often increase the value.
As you can see the potential indications that signal the need for a CCTV drain inspection are numerous, from continuing odours and slow draining to unexplained increase in water bills and property damage that appears physically. An investment in a CCTV inspection will give invaluable insight into the condition of your drainage system, address issues before they become big problems and save you time, money as well as stress down the line. Keep in mind that in general early detection and prevention of problems with drainage are key to health and longevity regarding a property’s plumbing.
