Why It’s a Good Idea to Schedule Pipe Inspections

One of the biggest problems with plumbing systems is how difficult it can be to keep them in good condition. When an air conditioner or heater malfunctions, it can become pretty clear early on that you need to call for repairs. If nothing else, you can always give the system a quick look if you’re concerned that it might be malfunctioning in some way.

The plumbing system, though, is hidden throughout the house. You aren’t going to be able to really inspect it without professional equipment, which is why it’s a good idea to schedule a pipe inspection appointment at least once a year.

Finding Problems Early
Plumbing problems of various kinds tend to start small, and develop slowly. Leaks, clogs, and the like are unlikely to really grab your attention when they first start to grow in your plumbing system. In fact, you’re unlikely to notice them until they grow large enough to start causing some serious problems. You obviously don’t want to discover and treat problems that late, as they will have already caused quite a bit of damage. If you want to catch problems before they get that far, though, you’re going to need regular pipe inspections.

How It Works
A video pipe inspection is part of most plumbers’ regular maintenance procedure. It involves inserting a camera on a cord into the plumbing system. The camera is propelled through the pipes, sending a live feed of the interior of the system back to the plumber controlling it. This allows your plumber to find any areas of the system that are developing problems without having to dig up your entire pipe network to do it. Once the problem is located, it can be solved with minor disruption to the rest of the plumbing.
Problems Pipe Inspection Helps. Pipe inspection is not a solution for plumbing problems in and of itself, but it does make solving certain problems a whole lot easier. For example:

Pinhole Leaks:

Pinhole leaks are tiny leaks that are too small to give off warning signs. They are often not discovered until they’ve had months to rot out the surrounding area with water damage. Video pipe inspections can catch pinhole leaks early on, and is one of the few ways to limit the damage they can cause.

Blockages:

Clogs in the plumbing pipes can come in a number of forms. Your water and sewer lines outside your home, for example might be susceptible to tree root growth. The pipes inside your home could have a lime scale problem, or the simple buildup of waste over years of use (in the case of your drain lines). The earlier these partial blockages are caught, the faster they can be dealt with before they clog the entire pipe.

SPS Mechanical Inc. provides comprehensive pipe inspection services in West Deptford, NJ. If you haven’t had your plumbing pipes inspected in a while, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert technicians. We’ll make sure that your plumbing system is kept in good condition.