Why is camera inspection so important in cases of severe blockages?

Pipes form the circulatory system of any home, community or business, allowing the evacuation of wastewater and ensuring the healthiness of the environment. When serious blockages occur, the risk of leaks, bad smells or even flooding increases considerably, affecting the quality of life and the structure of the building.

In this context, camera inspection has become the most efficient, fast and accurate technique for diagnosing, locating and solving plumbing problems. This method makes it possible to avoid invasive works, reduce costs and prevent future blockages. Below, we take a closer look at its benefits, how it works and the key aspects that make camera inspection an essential option today.

Pipe blockages: a common problem with serious consequences

Pipe blockages can be caused by multiple factors:

• Accumulation of organic waste (food waste, hair, grease, etc.).

• Limescale deposits in areas with very hard water.

• Infiltration from nearby tree roots growing in search of moisture.

• Foreign objects thrown inappropriately (wet wipes, sanitary napkins, plastics, etc.).

The consequences of these blockages can range from simple odours and occasional blockages to overflows of dirty water, overflows that damage walls, furniture and floors, and even structural cracks if the water pressure expands in the wrong place.

Economic and health costs

When pipes become blocked repeatedly or are not detected in time, repair costs can increase exponentially. In addition, the proliferation of bacteria and the spread of damp can lead to the development of fungi and affect the healthiness of the house. In critical situations, it is not only the structure of the building that is at stake, but also the health of the occupants.

What is camera inspection in pipelines?

Camera inspection consists of inserting a flexible probe with a high-resolution camera and a light source through the sewer pipes. This technology captures and transmits images of the inside of the pipe in real time, allowing the detection of leaks:

• Exact bottleneck points.

• Type of blockage (waste, roots, sediments…).

• Structural damage (cracks, crevices, collapses, corrosion).

Principles of operation

The camera moves along the pipe, recording every detail. On the surface, professionals can view the live tour on a screen. This process does not require breaking floors, walls or digging trenches, which drastically reduces disruption and labour costs.

Key benefits of camera inspection

The use of camera inspection in pipelines brings with it numerous benefits for homeowners, communities and businesses:

Precise location of the obstruction

The main added value is precision. It is known exactly where the clog or crack is located, avoiding the need to break sections of pipe in search of the problem. With the exact location, the professional can plan the right solution in the shortest possible time.

Reduction of costs and repair times

As no invasive work is required, the number of working hours, reconstruction work and materials used is reduced. This results in significant savings on the final bill. In addition, by diagnosing the problem quickly, the downtime of any home or business affected by the blockage is shortened.

Prevention of future congestion

The camera inspection not only serves to resolve an existing blockage, but also provides a comprehensive analysis of the condition of the pipes. By identifying possible wear, the beginnings of blockages or vulnerable areas, preventive measures can be taken (regular cleaning, changes in waste disposal habits, etc.) to avoid major problems.

Less hassle and greater security

Traditional plumbing work can generate noise, dust, debris and profound alterations to the structure of the house or premises. With camera technology, the procedure is less invasive and safer, as it reduces the chances of damaging other adjacent installations (electrical cables, heating systems, etc.).

Case studies: when camera inspection is essential

Although camera inspection is recommended in any situation of doubt about the integrity of pipes, there are certain cases where it is almost mandatory:

1. Recurring clogs: If the toilet, sink or drain clogs too often, it is a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be thoroughly inspected.

2. Persistent bad odours: Often the odour comes from areas where stagnant water and organic matter accumulate, creating a focus for bacterial growth.

3. Leaks and dampness without apparent origin: A cracked pipe can cause dampness in adjoining walls or floors.

4. Roots penetrating underground pipes: In landscaped areas or areas with trees nearby, roots can seek water by breaking or invading pipes.

5. Neighbouring communities with old installations: In buildings that are decades old, corrosion and wear and tear are more frequent. A preventive diagnosis helps to avoid serious problems.

How camera inspection is integrated into the unblocking process

The usual workflow for resolving severe blockages by camera inspection can be summarised in the following steps:

1. Initial assessment: The technician listens to the customer’s problem, checks the symptoms (bad smells, clogging, leaks…) and determines the need for inspection.

2. Camera insertion: The probe is inserted through a suitable access (drain, manhole, manhole cover, etc.).

3. Walkthrough and recording: Progressively advance through the pipeline, recording all the information on video. Blockages or structural damage are located.

4. Diagnosis and proposed solution: With the information gathered, the most appropriate method of repair is decided: unblocking with cleaning systems, root cutting, rehabilitation without building work, replacement of sections, etc.

5. Execution of the repair: Depending on the magnitude of the problem, the quickest, most efficient and most appropriate solution for the condition of the pipe is chosen.

6. Final check: In many cases, the camera is run again to verify that the problem has been fully resolved.

Off-site pipe repair: an ideal complement after camera inspection

Because the camera inspection shows the internal condition of the pipelines, it is possible to apply off-site rehabilitation methods (also known as ‘jacketing’ or ‘relining’). This technique consists of:

1. Clean the pipe thoroughly to remove debris and leave the pipe free of obstructions.

2. Insert a sleeve impregnated with epoxy resin or other resistant materials inside the pipe.

3. Inflate and cure the sleeve, creating a new airtight and robust conduit inside the existing pipe.

This process is carried out without the need to open trenches or break walls, offering a long-lasting solution that is respectful of the building’s structure.

Prevention tips to avoid serious blockages

Although camera inspection is a valuable tool, the best way to save time and money is to prevent blockages. Here are some recommendations:

• Do not flush items other than toilet paper down the toilet: wet wipes, sanitary towels or cotton buds are major culprits of clogs.

• Dispose of fats, oils and grease properly: Avoid pouring them down the sink, as they solidify inside the pipe.

• Install screens or filters in showers and sinks to retain hair and food debris.

• Regular maintenance: Preventive cleaning and occasional inspection can detect incipient problems before they become serious.

• Control vegetation in gardens and outdoor areas. If there are large trees, make sure that their roots do not invade areas near the pipes.

Camera inspection as a mainstay of pipeline maintenance

Camera inspection for severe blockages represents a technological breakthrough that has revolutionised the approach to plumbing and pipe maintenance. Thanks to its accuracy and non-invasive approach, it has become the most reliable option for detecting blockages, assessing damage and proposing effective solutions:

• Avoid costly and time-consuming works.

• Reduces downtime for homes and businesses.

• It enables preventive actions to be planned and defects to be corrected before they get worse.

• It contributes to the care of the environment, minimising soil breakage and the use of building materials.

In short, relying on camera inspection means taking care of the health of your pipes and prolonging the life of your sanitation system.