How Much Does A CCTV Drain Survey Cost? – Blog
Drain survey used to be a big problem until the game-changing technology of CCTV drain survey entered the market. With the new methods of using cameras and crawlers to move around the pipelines, it is now easy to detect any blockages in your pipeline.
You don’t even need to be a plumbing professional to know how to use the inspection equipment. Most CCTV pipeline inspection systems are so user-friendly that you can skip the whole process of hiring a plumber to carry out the task. However, if you are still looking for professionals to do the job, you should make sure they use a good quality CCTV inspection probe.
The pertinent question arises: How much does a CCTV drain survey cost? The answer cannot be given with just a number. It depends on your requirements and the challenges in the inspection process. Here are some ways the cost of a CCTV drain survey may vary:
- How Deep Is The Rabbit Hole?
An inspection probe may need to go as deep as 100 metres or more when looking for a blockage. If you want to have a tall building inspected for blockage in the pipelines running throughout the building, you will have to use an inspection probe that would reach as farther as possible.
The company Scanprobe has an inspection probe – Maxprobe 120 – specifically designed for this requirement. You can ask them for a quote by sharing your specific requirements.
- What Are The Conditions?
Sometimes there are harsh conditions in which the inspection has to be carried out. The sunlight might be so bright that you cannot note the readings from the probe properly and are likely to make a mistake. Conversely, it might be raining, and if you do not have water-proof equipment, you have to wait till the rain stops to carry out the task.
Fortunately, new technology has enabled the designing of water-proof equipment that gives sunlight-readable readings as well. These features are a part of every product designed by Scanprobe.
- How Long Will It Take?
Simple inspections in small houses or apartments may be carried out in one go, but inspections of buildings with complex drainage systems might take longer, and the drain survey cost will also increase accordingly.
It is very important to use the services of professionals that use equipment with long battery life. It will help the professional inspect the pipelines for a longer time and save your drain survey cost because the cost of labor will reduce with the decrease in overall inspection time.
Another great feature of pipeline inspection systems of Scanprobe is that they have a long battery life of over nine hours. The devices do not need to be charged again and again while the professionals keep waiting. The increased efficiency and reduced time will save you a significant amount in cost.
- What’s Your Purpose?
If you own a house or flat that needs to be inspected, you can choose a low-range service that will get your basic inspection done and solve your problem. But if you have a big project in which you need professional inspection services, you should choose one like Scanprobe.
The reason is that their pipeline inspection systems come up with over 32 hours of video storage and the facility to take screenshots and produce pdf reports at the site. These features help to maintain the documentation of the process necessary in projects assigned by organisations.
Depending on the above variables, the cost of a CCTV drain survey may range from anything between £60 and £400. The best way to reduce the drain survey cost would be to identify the specifications mentioned in this blog.
Once you know exactly what you need, you can choose the best product from the list and make your order or hire the professionals by asking to schedule an inspection. The drain survey costs can be expensive, but now you can reduce them by choosing the right products and services.
Worried With The Drains Gurgles? Let CCTV Drain Inspection Help You!
When your drain makes a gurgling sound, you know there is trouble coming. All you really want is for the ‘trouble’ to go down the drain. Sometimes, if you are lucky, a little push down the draining pipe with a snake could help the draining cleaning. But if the clog is unreachable, you have two problems.
First, you don’t know where the clog is, and secondly, you might not be able to reach it easily. The second part still has solutions, but you have to find the clog first. It is time you choose the convenient and efficient way of inspecting blocked drains – CCTV Drain Inspection.
Why is CCTV drain survey becoming the obvious choice for drain inspection? Here are few reasons why:
- Gurgling Drains Have Clogs Hard To Detect
While some clogs form just underneath the drain plate and are easy to clear with a small tool, most of the clogs are created at the U-turns of the drainage pipelines. These clogs could be anywhere under the ground or in the walls. Detection of such clogs could take a lot of time and energy, and you can’t get the job done without getting your hands dirty (pun intended).
CCTV inspection is the wise solution to find these clogs with systems that use a cable reel and a connected TV to scan the pipelines easily to save both energy, time, and cost. Products like Maxprobe from Scanprobe are becoming the first choice of professionals for detecting clogs in the hardest-to-reach clogs in blocked pipelines.
- Possible Harm To Your Drainage System
Clearing a clogged pipeline without adequate tools and knowledge could create more problems, causing even more damage to the home’s drainage system. What is worse is that it can even render your new-home warranty void and make your house ineligible for insurance coverage. Furthermore, the damage done to the pipelines during an inspection will carry an additional cost of repairs that will surely exceed the cost of hiring a professional with a CCTV pipeline inspection tool.
Whenever you hear the gurgling sound, it is recommended that you call up a professional and make sure the plumber uses a CCTV inspection system to scan the pipelines. Suppose you believe the clog is somewhere deep in the underground drainage. In that case, you should ask the plumbing company if they have a CCTV inspection probe longer than 100 m, like Maxprobe 120 that reaches 120 m into pipelines to inspect and detect blockages.
- Venting Problems
Gurgling sounds are not always an indication of a clog; sometimes, the pipelines are not properly vented, creating a vacuum in the pipelines, hence making the gurgling sound.
The indicators of badly-vented pipelines are foul smells from the sewerage lines, empty toilet bowls, bubbling toilet bowls, and slow drainage in the sink. The problem is that the pipelines need air to push out the drainage water and waste. If the pipeline is not vented, that lack of air would ‘suffocate’ the drainage system, behaving like a block in the pipeline.
The best way to detect a clog or venting problem is to use a CCTV Inspection Probe to look around the pipelines before trying to use drain snakes and other tools to remove a clog that might not even be there.
- Unprofessional Plumber Services
All plumbers with a website and phone number are not professionals. Some plumbers might leave you with bigger problems than you started with. An unprofessional plumber with an electric sewer snake or a hand snake auger may cause damage to the pipeline that is not immediately visible but shows up after the plumber has left.
Always call up professional plumbers who have the right equipment to do the job. These days all professional plumbers use CCTV pipeline inspection to carefully detect the cause of the blockage before using any tools.
Suppose you have pipeline blockage problems in your building all the time. In that case, it might be a good idea to buy the CCTV pipeline inspection system and search for the problem yourself before deciding if you need a professional to clear the blockage or you can do it yourself.
CCTV Drain Camera Inspection: Reasons to Conduct Them
Most people, as part of your daily routine, wake up in the morning and head straight to the bathroom. But, after no. 2, what if you find out that the toilet isn’t flushing? What do you do now? Do you:
- Use a plungerinside the toilet and see if that takes care of the blockage? Or
- Leave it as it is, figuring it will flush after some time?
At Scanprobe, we won’t be doing any of the above. It’s recommended that you get a professional drainage engineer to perform a CCTV drain camera inspection.
Yes, this may seem like an extreme way of handling a first-time blockage, but the reality is that before the blockage manifested itself, numerous insoluble items had travelled down the drain; totally getting rid of the junk isn’t always easy.
But then how do CCTV pipeline inspections provide a long-lasting solution to this problem, which seems so simple to solve? Well, read on. Here is a description of how the process works and the advantages of the pipeline inspection.
CCTV Sewer Line Inspection: The Process
When identifying and repairing a broken sewer pipe, the first step is figuring out where the damage is mainly located. During this process, the professionals insert the equipment through the sewer pipe and record the whole pipe’s state. By finding out the exact location of the damage, the repair process is simplified in the following ways:
- Eliminate irrelevant digging and guessing:
Many people think that digging a trench in their driveway to find the location of a blockage is a simple procedure. Initially, this process seems easy until the simple opening transforms into a trench that spans almost the entire driveway, and the plumber still has no clue on the location of the blockage. A certified drainage engineer, armed with a pipeline inspection camera from Scanprobe makes the process simple because they insert the sewer camera in the sewer pipe’s open end to determine where the problem is. By using the drain camera, you’ll be saved from having to explain to your neighbor why there’s dug up dirt all over your yard.
- Get a dependable reference video with CCTV pipeline inspections:
There are certain situations where you’ll need some form of evidence of the actual damage to get assistance. For example, if you have some insurance coverage on your property and think sewer damages need repair evidence, video evidence will help you make a claim. The CCTV drain camera will offer an exact, clear picture of the condition of your pipe, in contrast to a rough guess. Often, guessing leads to underestimating the extent of the damage and the repair cost that makes the repair process quite complex. This is where the value of a professional drainage engineer will shine through, as they a perform a clear and concise CCTV drainage survey for you with a Scanprobe sewer camera.
- Easily determine the pipes’ condition:
Thinking about buying a new home? Or have you already bought one, but aren’t exactly sure about the condition of the sewer system? Of course, trying and digging up around the home to determine whether the drainage is in perfect condition would make very little sense. In this situation, the use of CCTV cameras is the most non-intrusive and easiest way to determine your pipes’ condition. The inspection will assist in finding problems like:
- Pipes that may collapse at any moment
- Corrosion damaged pipes
- Blocked pipes
- Intrusions like tree roots
Knowing that the drainage system to your new home as loopholes assists in getting the appropriate repairs before it becomes an emergency.
Your Definitive Guide to Grease Traps
When grease, oil, and fat are poured into the sink and go down the drain, overflow and sewer blockages may occur. Overflows cause the sewage in its raw form to be spilled onto sidewalks and city streets along with storm drains, which ultimately end up in the bay or on your property. This is a major health hazard, and thus the use of grease traps and systems of support may assist in the reduction of overflows and blockages within drainage systems.
What Are Grease Traps and What Do They Do?
Such traps are ultimately plumbing devices used for grease and oil interception before their entry within the wastewater disposal system. Grease traps lower the flow of greasy/hot water, which allows cooling to occur. As the water becomes cooler, the oil and grease within the water separate from one another, which allows the grease to come up within the trap, allowing for disposal to occur easily.
The traps are known as oil management systems, grease recovery devices, and interceptors. They aim to collaborate with the internal plumbing and trap as much grease before the water enters the property’s private sewer lateral (PSL). They may differ in size as they may be big tanks placed on building exteriors or even small floor traps under a three-compartment sink. Either way, the frequency, yield, and capacity will allow you to set a daily maintenance schedule.
Why Are Grease Traps Installed?
Plumbers and restaurateurs will tell you that the maintenance of grease capture tools is not easy. It is a dreaded task within the business of commercial foods. However, it is important to understand that these tools are vital, and if they were not used, grease build-up would be a nightmare for city infrastructure and commercial property owners.
Best Practices for Grease Trap Maintenance
Property managers have to be aware of the occurrence of build-up, which is localized within grease trap systems. In particular, this occurs within the interior pipes between the sink and the trap. Both pipes have to be hydro jetted on a yearly basis. In terms of the system, it must be emptied and serviced every 2-3 months. However, it is important to note that they must be cleared every 2-3 weeks, depending on the size and usage depth of your system. Make sure to check the guidelines offered from your city and make use of their assistance to understand when to make use of services.
- Daily Disposal and Recycling:
These two functions must be responsibly managed and an efficient practice established in logging the activities. This will allow for an informed approach to receipts for all services. It will further allow for an efficient system to form. - Enzyme Drip Systems:
Such systems may be installed to assist in grease dissipation prior to its entry in the city sewer systems. Grease and drain treatment systems such as these are made to digest the organics and grease found. Think of it this way; drip systems are made use to improve drain lines and wastewater systems the same way people make use of probiotics for digestive efficiency. As the leading drain camera manufacturer, we possess expert knowledge concerning processes to help you solve your problems in relation to plumbing issues. Our drain scan can assist with prevention, maintenance, and advisement and can meet you where you choose. Make sure to have your sewer inspected to ensure there are no root intrusions, breaks, or erosion. - Schedule Drainage Camera Inspections to Monitor Grease Clogs:
A simple phone call can provide solutions to your grease-filled troubles. Your first stop is Scanprobe for a drainage camera inspection of the sewer to check its line condition should there be any backups or clog. Scanprobe also ensures that your private sewer is kept free from oil build-up and grease that escapes from the trap. In addition, Scanprobe is present to assist you in retrofitting access points and sewer cleanout fittings in the sewer line to make a clearing, cleaning, and inspecting your line easier than before. It is vital to understand that where private sewer systems are not properly maintained, the clogs may cause the public sewer system of the region to become negatively impacted over the course of time.
Thus, invest in the services mentioned and contact Scanprobe in order to provide you with an easy inspection, which will provide a vivid image of the problem being faced and how best to fix it.
Burst Pipes: Reasons and Prevention
“Sweetie! The pipes burst!” Well, the dreaded day the cold won. And while you have done what you could do to prepare for this, the lingering, extreme cold temperature got the best of your pipes in the end. While older homes with unfinished cellars or basements are prone to pipe bursts, even a new home is at risk. There are a number of factors that could cause a pipe to burst.
Reasons for a Burst Pipe
- The water in a pipe can expand due to cold temperatures. Once it expands, the ice may cause the pipe to burst.
- Moving pipes are a result of insecurely placed pipes. When you turn the water on/off, you may hear a hammering or rattling noise within your walls. This is the sound of the pipes moving around. Over time, this movement causes the joints to become weak, and a perfect storm for a pipe burst is created.
- Another reason that a pipe may burst is due to water pressure. Since too much pressure can cause a pipe to burst, it is important to regulate water pressure. Use a pressure gauge to find out if the pressure is on the higher side. As a side note, the water pressure should be within the range of 30 to 50 psi, as anything above 60 may cause issues.
- In older pipes, corrosion is quite common. While pipes may last for many years, they may start to corrode over time. Corroded pipes can stop the water flow and may slow down – which may lead to a burst pipe. It can also release lead into the water, which may be dangerous to the health of your family.
How to Prevent a Pipe Burst?
- Allow a water trickle to run in your sink
- Allow the heat to reach pipes by opening the sink cabinets
- Use a pipe sleeve or pool noodles to insulate pipes at threat
So, in case your pipes burst, what do you do? Scanprobe has a few tips for you to ease the panic of a burst pipe.
Don’t panic: While the initial reaction is obviously this, try to remain calm and follow the pipe back to the shutoff valve of the water.
Shut off the water: Once you find the shutoff valve of the pipe, shut it off immediately. If you face issues in finding the individual valve, shutting off the main valve is what you can do. Either way, stopping the flow of water is the initial step to remedy the situation.
Evaluate the damage: Try to locate the exact point of the pipe burst, and search for other leaks, holes, and cracks. Use something as simple as an electric tape to fix a pinhole crack. Something a little more harmful such as a hairline fracture can be repaired with pipe sealant. A patch kit should be used to patch larger fractures. However, this kit requires a certain working knowledge of pipes, so you’ll need the know-how and tools to sand your pipes.
Call Scanprobe
When a pipe bursts, the staff at Scanprobe provides emergency pipeline patching, lining, and general maintenance services. Rest assured, we’ll do everything in our capacity to repair and prevent the next occurrence. Besides this, Scanprobe also offers CCTV drain camera for rent and mina survey in England, so don’t forget to check out those services as well.
Don’t let the stress of a burst pipe faze you. Call us now!