Drain inspections are essential for maintaining a healthy plumbing system in your home or business. Regular inspections can identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run. A proper drain inspection includes examining sewer lines, sump pumps, and conducting flow tests to ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Drain problems can be stressful and disruptive to your daily life, which is why having a systematic approach to inspections is crucial. Professional inspectors use specialized equipment like drain cameras to see inside your pipes and identify blockages, cracks, or other damage that might not be visible from the outside.
By following a comprehensive drain inspection checklist, you can ensure nothing is overlooked during the process. This guide will walk you through the key components of a thorough drain inspection, helping you understand what professionals look for and how to maintain your drainage system between professional check-ups.
Drain inspections are essential procedures that help identify problems in your plumbing system before they become major issues. These inspections allow us to examine the condition of pipes, detect blockages, and assess overall drainage health.
Residential properties typically have several drainage systems working together.
Proper preparation before a drain inspection ensures efficiency and accuracy while prioritizing safety.
A complete drain inspection requires specific equipment, including a drain camera or scope, which allows visual assessment of pipes without invasive measures. This tool is essential for identifying blockages, cracks, or root intrusions. Measuring tools track the camera's distance into the pipe system, pinpointing problem areas for future reference.
A detailed inspection checklist that includes:
Inspectors will always wear personal protective equipment including gloves, eye protection, and appropriate footwear when working with drainage systems. This is because older systems may contain hazardous materials like lead or asbestos.
Other potential hazards include
Backwater valves will also be examined during an inspection, as these need to be labeled and accessible according to plumbing codes.
The inspection process involves several key steps to thoroughly evaluate your drainage system.
First, all visible drain components in and around your property will be examined.
This includes the following tasks:
All findings will be recorded with photos and notes for later reference.
CCTV cameras mounted on flexible rods are the most common tools used to inspect sewer systems and drains. These waterproof cameras can travel through pipes, transmitting real-time video to monitors above ground.
The operator can identify:
Sonar technology works well for pipes filled with water where cameras can't see clearly, and for deeper analysis, professionals might use smoke testing to reveal hidden leaks. The inspection typically follows a systematic pattern from access points through the entire drainage system to the main sewer connection. Professionals mark problem spots by distance from entry points for precise location tracking.
Water damage leaves distinct evidence that helps identify drainage problems. Before scheduling an inspection, look for water stains on walls and ceilings, especially in basements or lower levels of your home. These often appear as brownish or yellowish discolorations. Check for efflorescence, too, white, powdery mineral deposits that form when water evaporates from masonry. This indicates water is moving through concrete or brick structures.
Feel for dampness in carpets or flooring, particularly around the perimeter of rooms. Use a moisture meter for more accurate readings in suspect areas. Pay attention to musty odors – these often signal ongoing moisture issues that could be related to drain problems.
Outside, look for pooling water that doesn't drain within 24 hours after rain. Soggy landscape areas might indicate underground drainage failures. Also, watch for erosion channels forming in your yard, which suggest improper water flow.
Once your drain inspection is complete, you'll need to take specific steps to address findings and implement solutions. Proper follow-up ensures your drainage system remains functional and compliant with regulations.
After collecting inspection data, findings will be organized by priority level, with three categories: critical issues (immediate action required), maintenance items (schedule within 30 days), and monitoring points (check during next inspection).
The inspector will also note the following:
The findings will be compared with previous inspections to identify developing problems, checking for patterns that might indicate underlying issues, such as repeated clogs in the same section or increasing sediment buildup.
Finally, a detailed report will be generated with recommendations for each issue. This report serves as your roadmap for repairs and as documentation for compliance requirements.
Based on the findings, a targeted maintenance plan will be developed. For minor issues like small clogs or minimal sediment, regular maintenance may be sufficient. However, it may be wise to schedule routine cleaning every 3-6 months to prevent more serious issues.
For more serious problems, consider these repair options:
We suggest creating a maintenance calendar with scheduled activities and delivery dates for replacement parts. This allows you to track repair costs to budget for future maintenance needs.
Contact us to arrange a professional inspection of your drainage system to identify problems that could lead to costly repairs.
