plumbing repairs in michigan
A video camera pipe inspection allows
for a real-time visual inspection of underground sewer lines and
other piping to determine the condition inside the pipe.
A flexible fiber optic cable with a specially designed high-resolution video camera on its tip is inserted into the pipe for inspection.
As the cable is pushed through the pipe, the hardened waterproof camera, equipped with powerful lights, records its journey and findings.
Video images are transmitted to the camera operator who can make an informed diagnosis of any problem found. The video inspection can be saved for a permanent record.
Video cameras may be used to identify pipe damage and obstructions that inhibit proper flow or create occasional or repeated backups. The cameras also verify that obstructions have been eliminated and that the lines are clean following service. The condition of a pipe typically cannot be determined without a visual inspection using an in-line camera.
Video camera inspections pinpoint problems like these: • Broken, cracked or collapsed pipe — damaged pipes requiring repair or replacement. • Offset pipe — sewer pipes have become misaligned due to shifting soil, frozen ground, settling, etc. • Blockage — grease buildup or a foreign object is restricting or prohibiting proper flow and/or cleaning of the line. • Corrosion — the pipe has deteriorated and/or broken, causing sections to collapse and restrict water flow. • Bellied pipe — a section of the pipe has sunk due to ground or soil conditions, creating a valley that collects paper and waste. • Leaking joints — the seals between pipes have broken, allowing water to escape into the area surrounding the pipe. • Root infiltration — tree or shrub roots have invaded the sewer line, preventing normal cleaning and/or roots have damaged the pipe. • Off-grade pipe — existing pipes are constructed of substandard or outdated material that may have deteriorated or corroded.
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Sewer lines are a vital part of our homes. Every time we use a sink, take a shower and flush the toilet our sewer lines are performing their often unappreciated and delicate balancing act to ever so gently FLOW. We assume that "it's gone" as long as it doesn't come back, as in back up into the drain where we can see it with our eyes. However there is more to the story, your sewer could be on the brink of failure or already failed but you just haven't seen it come back up, and it may not, ever.
Per 718.1 of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) sewer lines are required to be installed with a minimum grade or slope not less than ¼" per foot, which is not much! The rational is that water breaks on a plane with a minimal grade so you don't want the water to flow too fast otherwise it will "run" away from the solids. What this means is that your sewer line is barely draining when it's brand new and perfect. Imagine adding years of soil settling, pipe deterioration and root intrusion and the same delicately flowing pipe just gets worse. The tricky part is that you can't see the effects of the ever increasing failure until it's too late.
In the early 1980s a camera was invented that could go down into the sewer pipe to see first hand how bad the problem was, to find out if a big problem was lurking below. Over time the technology has improved and become readily available, however most people still aren't using the cameras in a proactive way. Usually the inspections are done as part of the emergency repair job once the sewer has totally stopped working completely resulting in unexpected repair bills and a big messy hassle. Even licensed home inspectors have ignored the opportunity to find big sewer problems before it costs the homeowner unexpected thousands through camera inspection!
Some agencies have become aware of this loop-hole and preventive efforts have created big saving for unexpected home buyers; saving them a lot of agony and extra expenses. In the City of Alameda, Ca Ordinance No. 2404 states: "Prior to sale, properties over 25 years old must have their sewer lateral tested for infiltration. If a property is tested and passes, it is certified for 5 years and need not be re-tested if resold during that period. If it fails, the lateral must either be repaired or replaced and then re-tested. Replaced laterals are certified for 25 years, and those that have been repaired are certified for 5 years. The owner is responsible for having the mandatory test performed, obtaining the permit and providing the certification." Many other agencies in California such as Berkley, Santa Barbara, and Ukiah have adopted this standard and more are in the process of doing so.
Finally, leading realtors have recognized that a sewer inspection is equally as important as the usual roof and termite inspections. Don't lead you client blindly down the proverbial path of assumption just to be later met by unexpected penalties. Sewers problems are not hiding from us it's just that we haven't really been looking for them.
Video camera inspections pinpoint problems like these: • Broken, cracked or collapsed pipe — damaged pipes requiring repair or replacement. • Offset pipe — sewer pipes have become misaligned due to shifting soil, frozen ground, settling, etc. • Blockage — grease buildup or a foreign object is restricting or prohibiting proper flow and/or cleaning of the line. • Corrosion — the pipe has deteriorated and/or broken, causing sections to collapse and restrict water flow. • Bellied pipe — a section of the pipe has sunk due to ground or soil conditions, creating a valley that collects paper and waste. • Leaking joints — the seals between pipes have broken, allowing water to escape into the area surrounding the pipe. • Root infiltration — tree or shrub roots have invaded the sewer line, preventing normal cleaning and/or roots have damaged the pipe. • Off-grade pipe — existing pipes are constructed of substandard or outdated material that may have deteriorated or corroded.
want some customers comments click here
want a Free Estimate click here
Sewer lines are a vital part of our homes. Every time we use a sink, take a shower and flush the toilet our sewer lines are performing their often unappreciated and delicate balancing act to ever so gently FLOW. We assume that "it's gone" as long as it doesn't come back, as in back up into the drain where we can see it with our eyes. However there is more to the story, your sewer could be on the brink of failure or already failed but you just haven't seen it come back up, and it may not, ever.
Per 718.1 of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) sewer lines are required to be installed with a minimum grade or slope not less than ¼" per foot, which is not much! The rational is that water breaks on a plane with a minimal grade so you don't want the water to flow too fast otherwise it will "run" away from the solids. What this means is that your sewer line is barely draining when it's brand new and perfect. Imagine adding years of soil settling, pipe deterioration and root intrusion and the same delicately flowing pipe just gets worse. The tricky part is that you can't see the effects of the ever increasing failure until it's too late.
In the early 1980s a camera was invented that could go down into the sewer pipe to see first hand how bad the problem was, to find out if a big problem was lurking below. Over time the technology has improved and become readily available, however most people still aren't using the cameras in a proactive way. Usually the inspections are done as part of the emergency repair job once the sewer has totally stopped working completely resulting in unexpected repair bills and a big messy hassle. Even licensed home inspectors have ignored the opportunity to find big sewer problems before it costs the homeowner unexpected thousands through camera inspection!
Some agencies have become aware of this loop-hole and preventive efforts have created big saving for unexpected home buyers; saving them a lot of agony and extra expenses. In the City of Alameda, Ca Ordinance No. 2404 states: "Prior to sale, properties over 25 years old must have their sewer lateral tested for infiltration. If a property is tested and passes, it is certified for 5 years and need not be re-tested if resold during that period. If it fails, the lateral must either be repaired or replaced and then re-tested. Replaced laterals are certified for 25 years, and those that have been repaired are certified for 5 years. The owner is responsible for having the mandatory test performed, obtaining the permit and providing the certification." Many other agencies in California such as Berkley, Santa Barbara, and Ukiah have adopted this standard and more are in the process of doing so.
Finally, leading realtors have recognized that a sewer inspection is equally as important as the usual roof and termite inspections. Don't lead you client blindly down the proverbial path of assumption just to be later met by unexpected penalties. Sewers problems are not hiding from us it's just that we haven't really been looking for them.
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