There are several scenarios that you should consider having your sewer drain inspected with a CCTV drain camera in Canberra.
The following are the most prominent reasons a Canberra plumber would recommend inspecting the drain with a camera.
You’re Paying for Icon’s Blockages
In Canberra, Icon Water is responsible for the maintenance of the pipework to your sewer tie point. This includes the sewer main and the branch line off the main that services your property, normally to within 1m of the boundary.
When the line is already blocked and holding water it is not possible to use a camera effectively.
If your plumber suspects that the blockage is close to the Icon boundary, and therefore Icon’s responsibility for clearing and maintaining future blockages, they may recommend a drain camera inspection so that we can be sure prior to completing costly dig ups.
For more information on when Icon will pay for your drain to be cleared, click here (coming soon)
You’re paying for TAM’s Blockages
In an almost identical situation to the sewer infrastructure/Icon Water scenario mentioned above, TAM’s are liable for the stormwater infrastructure to your individual tie point on your boundary.
For more information on when TAM’s will pay for your drain to be cleared, click here (coming soon)
Possible collapsed, crushed or badly damaged pipe
In this scenario it is likely that the plumber has been able to partially clear the blockage with either the penetrating nozzle on the jet rodder or the spear on the electric eel however have not been able to get the main cutting head down. This will result in only 10% to 20% of the blockage being cleared. After clearing the drain with a penetrating head Water Tight Canberra, and all quality plumbers, will proceed and attempt to clear the line with a larger cutting head to remove between 85% and 98% of the tree roots.
If there is a collapsed, crushed or badly damaged pipe the larger cutter may not be able to proceed past this point or may jam uncontrollably. If this is the case the affected section of pipework needs to be dug up and replaced.
The plumber may have further confirmation that the pipe has collapsed such as when the cutting head comes back shiny.
Regular blockages and heavy tree root infestation
Once tree roots are in your sewer line, whether you’re clearing them with a jet rodder or electric eel those tree roots will continue to grow and get stronger and thicker causing further damage to your pipework. The frequency of blockages will increase and the time taken to clear the blockages will also increase.
If the plumber hits multiple full or partial blockages they may recommend a CCTV inspection so that a permanent solution can be found.
Single Blockage
It’s not uncommon for most of the pipework to be in great condition with only one spot that is damaged and causing issues. If this is the case, by using the drain camera we can locate exactly where the blockage is and get an accurate reading on the depth. With this information we can pre-pair an accurate quote to spot digup and repair just the damaged section of pipework, dramatically reducing the cost of a full dig up and saving you thousands over the long term of having to pay to have the drain cleared every year.
Maintenance Plans
Lets face it, no one wants over flowing sewage in their backyard, the germs it brings or the hassle of having to organise a plumber to come out last minute when you frankly had better things to do that day.
By inspecting your drain with a drain camera we can prepare a full maintenance plan for your drain so that the line is guaranteed not to block.
Additional advantages of a maintenance plan are eliminating the chances of a tree root blockage over a weekend or public holiday, saving you expensive after hours rates or that orquid conversation with your neighbour when you ask to use their shower so that you can hold out until Monday.
By using a drain camera, we eliminate the guesswork and can tackle your drain problems in the best way possible. It allows us to accurately give you all of the options available and work with you to decide what method will work best for you.
If you would like to book a drain a camera inspection, please use our online booking form and save 10% off the service call fee.
