top of page
Writer's picture

We'll Show You All You Need to Know When Your Drains Are Running Slow

You flush the toilet and watch the water rise to the top then slowly goes down.

You recall recently hearing strange gurgling noises in the pipes, especially when the washing machine is draining. Come to think of it the sink and bath tub drains have been going down slow as well.


Now would be a good time to call Aalco - The Drain Doctor to find out what is happening before it gets worse.


Upon arrival you tell our technician the issues you have been experiencing. Realizing that you have a municipal sewer line and not a private septic system, our technician advises you that the problem, most likely is in the main line.  This is where all the household drains merge and exit the basement.  This main line runs underground out to the municipal sewer system.  He concludes that this is where the problem is because there are multiple lines that are not functioning properly. 


The technician runs the roto snake out the main line.  While doing so, he pulls back toilet paper that is caught up in the pipe.  This clears the line but he can feel the snake hitting against something solid inside the pipe. He advises you that he should inspect the line with our video pipe inspection camera so he can see what exactly the solid obstruction is.


He runs the camera down the pipe and sees on the video screen that there is a pipe connection that has come apart and has slipped just a few feet outside the basement wall.  The camera measures the exact location.  He shows you the problem and gives you an estimate to expose the pipe at that location and repair the connection.  This repair will prevent further damage to the pipe and future backups caused by it.


This is just one scenario that may require a video pipe inspection to pinpoint the exact cause and location of drain pipe problems.

Frequent or recurring clogs and backups could indicate a deeper issue underground where a crack in the line can go unnoticed and allow tree roots or dirt to clog the drain.  Once we determine and locate the problem with our video pipe inspection camera, we can repair it to prevent future backups.


Other Situations That May Call for a Video Pipe Inspection Include:


The purchase of a new home:

Before buying a new home, a video pipe inspection can reveal the condition of the plumbing system, and help avoid unexpected repair costs.


Tree Root Intrusion:

If you have large trees near your sewer lines, their roots can intrude and damage pipes. A video inspection can identify these issues early.


Old Plumbing Systems:

For homes with older plumbing systems, a line may sag over time as the ground shifts and settles.  This sag can cause buildup in the belly of the sag.  You may decide to excavate the area and replace that section of line, or you may choose get set up on a maintenance schedule to periodically clean the buildup to prevent blockage.


Persistent Problems:

If previous repairs or traditional methods have not resolved your plumbing issues, a video inspection can provide a clearer picture of the problem.


If you are experiencing any of these signs or situations give us a call to request a video pipe inspection. This can save you time, money, and prevent further damage to your home and plumbing system by preventing future backups.  When we video inspect the drain pipes in your home, we will point out any issues and give an estimate for repairs.  We can also provide a copy of the video for your own information so that if you wish, you can get a second opinion and estimate.    Don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns about your home’s drain system.

 



11 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page