Preventative Maintenance Archives

Plumbing Camera: How It Revolutionizes Pipe Inspections

September 19, 2024 By Action Plumbing

Plumbing issues can be frustrating, especially when the cause of the problem is hidden deep within your pipes. This is where a plumbing camera, also known as a sewer camera or drain camera, comes into play. With advanced technology, plumbing cameras provide a non-invasive way to inspect your plumbing system, helping identify issues before they become costly repairs.

What is a Plumbing Camera?

A plumbing camera is a specialized tool used by professional plumbers to inspect the inside of pipes, drains, and sewer lines. This camera is attached to a flexible cable, allowing it to travel through the plumbing system and capture real-time video footage. It provides an up-close look at your pipes’ condition, which helps locate potential issues, such as blockages, leaks, corrosion, or tree root intrusions.

Benefits of Using a Plumbing Camera

1. Accurate Diagnosis

One of the biggest advantages of using a plumbing camera is the accuracy it provides in diagnosing plumbing problems. Plumbers can pinpoint the exact location and type of issue without having to guess, leading to faster and more effective repairs.

2. Non-Invasive Inspections

Traditionally, detecting a pipe issue required digging up your yard or tearing into walls. With plumbing cameras, there’s no need for invasive methods. The camera allows plumbers to inspect your pipes without causing any damage to your property, saving time, money, and hassle.

3. Early Detection of Problems

Routine camera inspections can help detect potential issues early on, such as small cracks or slow-forming blockages. Early detection allows homeowners to address minor problems before they escalate into major, more expensive repairs.

4. Efficient Removal of Blockages

If you have a recurring clog or slow drainage, a plumbing camera can locate the source of the blockage. Whether it’s grease buildup, debris, or foreign objects, once identified, plumbers can recommend the best solution for removing the blockage efficiently.

5. Comprehensive Visuals for Home Buyers

For those purchasing a home, a plumbing camera inspection is invaluable. It provides peace of mind by ensuring that the plumbing system is in good condition, free from hidden problems like deteriorating pipes or hidden leaks.

How Plumbing Cameras Work

The plumbing camera is inserted into a pipe through a cleanout or an easily accessible area. As the camera moves through the pipe, it sends a live video feed to a monitor, allowing the plumber to observe the inside of the pipes in real-time. The footage is often recorded for future reference or as evidence for repairs or home inspections.

Some advanced plumbing cameras also include features like pipe locators, which send signals to the surface, allowing plumbers to track the exact location of the camera underground. This is particularly useful for determining where repairs or excavations need to take place.

When to Consider a Plumbing Camera Inspection

Persistent Drain Issues: If your drains are constantly backing up or draining slowly, a camera inspection can reveal the root cause of the problem.
Before Major Renovations: Planning a home renovation? It’s a good idea to inspect the plumbing system beforehand to avoid unexpected issues during the project.
Before Buying a Home: Ensure there are no hidden plumbing problems before making a purchase.
After Major Plumbing Repairs: A post-repair camera inspection confirms that the problem was resolved properly and that no new issues have arisen.

Conclusion

Plumbing cameras are a game-changer for accurate and non-invasive pipe inspections. Whether you’re dealing with a mysterious clog, planning a renovation, or buying a new home, a plumbing camera inspection provides essential insights into your plumbing system. This technology not only saves time and money but also ensures your home’s plumbing remains in top condition.

For professional plumbing camera inspections, reach out to a licensed plumber and protect your home from hidden plumbing issues.

By leveraging this technology, you can maintain a healthy plumbing system and prevent costly repairs in the future.

Sewer Camera Inspections: Essential Insights

April 24, 2023 By Action Plumbing

In the world of plumbing, preventative maintenance and quick diagnosis of issues are crucial. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is through sewer camera inspection services. These innovative solutions can save businesses both time and money by pinpointing problems before they become major headaches. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the benefits of sewer camera inspection services and why you should consider Action Plumbing as your go-to provider.

Benefits of Sewer Camera Inspection Services

Accurate Diagnosis: Traditional methods of identifying sewer issues can be time-consuming and less precise. With sewer camera inspection services, technicians can quickly locate the problem with pinpoint accuracy, saving you time and reducing potential damage to your property.
Minimal Disruption: Sewer camera inspections are non-invasive, meaning they don’t require any digging or destruction to your property. This is a significant advantage over traditional methods that may involve extensive excavation.
Preventative Maintenance: Regular sewer camera inspections can help identify potential issues before they become more severe. This proactive approach can save you from costly repairs in the future.
Real-time Results: Sewer camera inspections provide real-time video footage, allowing technicians to assess the condition of your sewer lines immediately. This rapid assessment can lead to quicker solutions and reduced downtime for your plumbing system.
Easy Access to Hard-to-Reach Areas: Sewer cameras are designed to navigate the twists and turns of your sewer lines, reaching areas that might be otherwise inaccessible.

Why Choose Action Plumbing for Your Sewer Camera Inspection Services?

Experience and Expertise

Action Plumbing has been in the business for years, providing commercial customers with top-notch plumbing services. Our team of experts is equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle all types of plumbing issues, including sewer line inspections and repairs.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

At Action Plumbing, we use only the best equipment for our video camera inspections. Our high-resolution cameras provide clear images of your sewer lines, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective solutions.

Responsive and Reliable Service

Action Plumbing prides itself on its responsiveness and reliability. Our team is available 24/7 for all your plumbing needs, ensuring that your issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.

Commercial Plumbing Services

Action Plumbing offers commercial plumbing services and we understand the unique challenges that businesses face and provide tailored solutions to meet their specific needs.

Educational Resources

Action Plumbing’s blog offers valuable information on plumbing maintenance and best practices. By staying informed, you can help prevent future issues and extend the life of your plumbing system.

Get Started with Action Plumbing Today

If you’re in need of sewer camera inspection services, look no further than Action Plumbing. With our expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to customer satisfaction, we’re the ideal choice for all your plumbing needs. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, contact Action Plumbing today.

How To: Home Waterline Management

April 19, 2022 By Action Plumbing

home waterline maintenance Remember the last time you saw your local water department working on fire hydrants in your neighborhood in order to flush water lines? Although this gushing, brown, flood of water may seem incredibly wasteful, in reality, it is an important routine activity necessary for maintaining the integrity of your community water system.

Generally speaking, degraded water quality is often the direct result of stagnant water which has collected in lesser-used parts of the distribution system, which is made up of a complex network of storage reservoirs and pipes. Over time, deposits and sediments can accumulate, and contribute to water quality deterioration, discoloration, odor, and taste problems if not removed.

Whenever you see your local water department or fire department flushing hydrants, there are a few things you need to be aware of in regards to your home tap water:

If you turn on your tap water and it is discolored and/or contains sediment, turn it off immediately and wait a few minutes before turning it on again.
Once you turn the water on again, allow it to run for several minutes so you can evaluate if it is completely clear. Be sure to let cold water run for a bit, giving the new water time to work its way through the pipes.
If the water is still unclear, turn it off and wait a few more minutes before trying again
You may notice slight discoloration for a few hours after flushing, but this discoloration does not affect the quality or the taste of your tap water.

Now that you understand the steps to making sure you’re tap water is drinkable after a community flushing, you should also know that this type of routine maintenance is important for your home as well. To ensure the quality of the water inside your home is excellent, your home’s water heater should be drained and flushed on a regular basis. This will help to keep it working efficiently and save you on costly repairs.

We typically advise that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on often your home water heater should be drained and flushed. If you have any questions regarding community hydrant flushing or are in need of assistance with flushing and draining your home heating system, contact Action Plumbing today.

Tips to Avoid Summer Plumbing Problems

July 14, 2021 By Action Plumbing

Even though we don’t have to worry about frozen pipes in the summer, that doesn’t mean your plumbing is A-OK. In fact, the warm weather brings its own problems, and it’s important you know how to prevent them. From clogged toilets to flooded basements, there’s a lot you can do to keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Here are a few tips to avoid summer plumbing problems from the experts at Action Plumbing:

Be Careful With What is Flushed

A problem-free toilet is a key to keeping things on track. But with customers flushing the wrong items to kids fooling around, clogged toilets are likely to occur this time of year.

Remember to tell your customers not to flush down anything that could plug up the toilet such as feminine hygiene products or large wads of paper. If your toilet does get clogged, make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to plunge it. Close the toilet flapper so the water doesn’t overflow and don’t flush the toilet until the clog begins to loosen up. If you’re still not having success, contact Action Plumbing right away.

Avoid Tree Roots

There’s a good reason experts recommend that trees or plants with a strong root system be planted a safe distance away from your home’s foundation. Even the slightest leak in your sewer line gives roots an opportunity to find the water they so desperately crave, and the room to grow and block up pipes.

If you have very slow drains, or your toilet is backing up into your shower or bathtub, chances are a tree or plant root may be causing a blockage in your sewer line.

Replace Washing Machine Hoses

Inspect your washing machine hoses for leaks, cracks, or bulges. Remember, now that your family is spending more time at home, you likely have more laundry to do, which adds extra stress on both you and your washing machine!

A normal washing machine lasts only about 5 years, so replacing your hoses regularly could be the most important thing you do to prevent a flooded basement. Be on the lookout for leaks behind your machine and always make sure that the connection to your water supply pipes is snug.

Problems With Stormy Weather

With hot, humid days comes powerful storms. Which means a flooded basement could easily be in your future. So it’s time to check your sump pump and make sure there are no issues.

Here are some signs to watch out for on a malfunctioning pump:

You notice a mildewy, must order coming from the pump
The float switch is stuck
When it’s working, it makes a loud, obnoxious noise
It just won’t turn on no matter what you do

Since your sump pump keeps the water out of your basement, you’re going to need it checked ASAP.

If you have any additional tips to avoid summer plumbing problems, we’re here to help! Contact Action Plumbing today for all your residential and commercial plumbing needs.

The Benefits of Plumbing Cameras

March 15, 2021 By Action Plumbing

Efficiency is key when it comes to ensuring your plumbing job is done right. With the many technological advances we’ve had over recent years, there’s no doubt that one of the most beneficial was the introduction of video cameras into the commercial plumber’s arsenal of professional tools.

Before plumbing cameras, it was impossible to see exactly what was happening inside your pipes without excavation. Not only is excavation extremely expensive, but it can damage the environment. This is why so many commercial plumbing problems go ignored or simply treated ineffectively, causing more damage and costly problems down the road.

Fortunately, there’s a better solution these days thanks to sewer camera inspections.

Why Are Plumbing Cameras So Effective?

Today, plumbing cameras give us the flexibility and maneuverability of a plumbing snake along with the major benefit of actually being able to see what’s going on inside your pipe. This makes locating problems like leaks and clogs easier than ever before.

Although cameras aren’t used for every job, in many instances they can help to keep down costs and eliminate the guesswork that typically came along with performing many similar jobs in the past. It’s the best way to diagnose and ensure that a problem has been solved by performing the proper repair job.

There are many instances when a plumbing camera is the right choice for your needs, some of which include:

When you’re unsure about the extent of damage you’re facing or what’s causing the problem in the first place.
When you’re doing a remodel and you don’t have the blueprints needed for a plumbing installation.
When you can’t find a leak using traditional methods.
When you’re experiencing a blockage in your business’ drains, such as grease buildup
When you’re buying a building and you want to be 100% certain that there is no plumbing issue.

Don’t forget that unknown issues are often the reason the small plumbing jobs turn into big plumbing jobs, and although a plumbing camera won’t scale down the amount of work to be completed, it will ensure that your plumber is accurately diagnosing any issues and performing the best repair work possible.

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of sewer cameras or about how our commercial plumbing professionals utilize the most modern technologies available to get your job done right the first time, contact one of our representatives today.