Drainage issues, especially in urban areas, can cause incredible challenges. Here, we are going to explore how a drainage inspection camera can be effective in identifying common issues, such as cracks, early blockages, and root intrusion, and be cost-effective while repairing.
Research shows that in several developing countries, the issues regarding sanitation, caused by poor drainage systems, cost 0.5-7.2% of their GDP. The problems involve several issues, such as slow water flow and foundation damage, which affect the quality of human lives and the environment. In this regard, plumbing professionals using a drainage camera can effectively offer real-time visibility of challenges hidden in pipe systems.
What Are Drainage Cameras and How Do They Work?
A drainage camera is a waterproof, small camera, mechanically attached to a cable, which is used by professionals for the visual inspection of pipes, including sewer lines and internal conditions. It streams the internal video to monitor the drainage condition and helps understand the nature of challenges, such as root intrusion, damage, or blockage.
How Does a Drainage Camera Work?
- Insertion: A camera head is inserted, attracted to a long cable through an access point, such as a cleanout or a drain cover.
- Illumination: An LED light is set to illuminate the pipe inside to get a clean view of the conditions.
- Transmitting Videos: The camera sends live footage to the monitor, which is connected to it.
- Navigation: The camera is guided throughout the pipe, while the flexible cable is used for navigating closed spaces and bends.
- Inspection: Professional inspection of the footage helps identify particular issues like blockages, cracks, and corrosion.
- Recording: The pan and tilt pipe camera records the footage inspection, providing visual documentation of issues for plumbers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera Head | Waterproof, ED lighting, HD |
| Crawler | Enables mobility through pipe systems |
| Recorder/Monitor | Displays and stores live footage |
| Locator Integration | Identifies the position of cameras when on the ground. |
Table 1: Key Features of Drainage Camera Systems
Why Early Detection Matters in Drain Maintenance
Minimal issues, such as minor leaks, hairline cracks, or clogs, are easily detected through these cameras. If these issues are left for long periods, they can result in severe problems and costly repairs, while pan and tilt pipe cameras can detect them to fix within a minimum budget.
Moreover, consistent water blockages and leaks can be challenging for residents, as they become a habitat for harmful bacteria. Early detection of these issues is important to secure a standard house environment.
6 Common Problems Drainage Cameras Can Detect Early
Take a look at the points mentioned below:
- Obstructions and Blockages
These cameras can effectively identify blockage inside pipelines due to plastic, food waste, or other unnecessary objects, leading to waterlogging.
- Fractures and Cracks
Drainage cameras are effective in identifying longitudinal or larger fractures inside the pipeline easily, which helps to develop renovation plans and time schedules, based on the level of the threat.
- Tree Root Invasions
As the growth of tree roots follows the natural water line, they penetrate multiple cracks inside pipelines, leading to major damage and blockage. These cameras detect these problems easily and help mitigate the threat.
- Corrosion and Deterioration
In urban areas, pipes that have been used for over 15 years experience corrosion and deterioration, which makes them prone to water leaks and affects the environment nearby. These cameras are useful to detect the deteriorated spots inside, which need authoritative attention to be fixed.
- Displaced Pipes
Over the years, the pipes have gotten misaligned or detached, which is a key reason behind water leaks and blockages. Using a drainage camera can be advantageous to inspect these separated pipes and fix their position.
- Collapsed Pipes
Drainage cameras can easily detect the collapsed portion of pipes due to years of use, which leads to major blockages. As these segments require immediate attention and repair, using a pan and tilt pipe camera is beneficial the shagging pipes quickly before they cause any extended damage.
| Scenario | Without Camera | With Camera |
| Locating blockage manually | 1–3 hours labor | < 30 mins |
| Excavation | $1,000+ | $0 |
| Monitoring and return visits | Freequent | Rare |
| Preventative repair timing | Missed | On time |
Table 2: Cost Comparison: With vs. Without Camera Use
Best Practices for Using Drainage Inspection Cameras
To utilize the cameras the right way, you need to know about what needs to be done before, during, and after the procedure.
Before the Camera Goes Inside Pipes
- Use a jet to clean the pipe and remove any kind of debris.
- Ensure effective lighting to get the view.
- Verify the quality of equipment.
- Use safety glasses and gloves.
Inspection
- Gently insert the camera.
- Keep the grip over it steady.
- Monitor the connected display to check the footage.
- Document the damages and their nature.
Post-inspection
- Pull back the camera to avoid any kind of damage.
- Make the cable and camera clean.
- Strictly follow the maintenance protocols to keep the camera useful and unharmed.
- Review the footage found inside pipelines to identify the defects and conditions.
Summary
The use of drainage cameras is not a luxury; rather, they have become a necessary tool for professionals to detect the issues inside the pipeline. Since the early detection of leaks and cracks is essential to keep the drainage system active and useful, these cameras are important to ensure sustainable and cost-effective programs on a significant scale.
However, investing in advanced tools, smart solutions, and diagnostics is beneficial to experience better outcomes.
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