A Drainage Detectives Greatest Tool: Investigations

May 01, 2024

As homeowners, we often take for granted the intricate web of pipes that ensure our homes remain dry and our landscapes well-maintained. Rain drain lines, in particular, are crucial for whisking away excess rainwater and preventing potential problems. Just like any system, sometimes these lines need a little TLC. That's where we come in! We offer drain investigations (a camera scope & jetting) to give you a clear picture of what's happening underground. We can even go further and scope your entire sewer system, providing a comprehensive assessment of your home's health. Think of it as a checkup for your home's hidden network, giving you peace of mind knowing everything is functioning properly.

Why do we use Rain Drain Investigations?

Rain drain lines play an important role in safeguarding our homes against water damage. Whether it's having a job connect to a rain drain system, identifying blockages, root intrusions, or pipe breakages, investigations become indispensable. Think of it like a detective for your plumbing. Our investigations can uncover hidden threats before they cause big problems, whether it's:

Connecting to a Rain Drain System: Before completing a job that involves connecting to a rain drain system, it's crucial to ensure its functionality, especially if the homeowner is uncertain about its effectiveness. Sometimes, homeowners are sure their lines are good & functioning. In that case, we can connect without an investigation, but if you’re unsure, an investigation is a much smaller price to pay than the effects of water intrusion or damage in other areas.

New Homeowners: For new homeowners seeking to familiarize themselves with their property's drainage infrastructure, investigations can provide invaluable insights. We use both a camera & a jet and can trace the pathways of a drainage system. We’re able to provide an accurate breakdown of where those lines go, and how they get there.

Identifying Potential Issues: From clogged lines to suspected root intrusions or pipe breakages, investigations help diagnose many problems, preventing costly damage in the future. We use our cameras, and if we encounter a clog, we can often flush it through the system, clearing it up to handle your stormwater.

Preventing Water Intrusion: Water intrusion near downspouts or backing up of pipes can signify underlying issues that require immediate attention. In fact, one of the top reasons for basement and crawlspace water intrusion is a break or damage in a rain drain system nearby.

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We use a variety of tools to complete an investigation. We will always bring our camera, our locating tool, and our jet to every investigation.

What is the Investigative Process?

The importance of our investigations lies in our comprehensive approach. By utilizing advanced techniques such as camera inspection and high-pressure jetting, professionals can accurately assess the condition of drain lines without the need for costly replacements. Here's a breakdown of the investigative process:

First, we'll need to remove a downspout, or open up a line to be able to enter the system. Anything we open or move will be put back to how it looked beforehand.

Camera Inspection: A camera is inserted into the drain lines, allowing our technicians to see the interior in real time. This enables them to identify any obstructions, damages, or irregularities within the pipes accurately.

High-Pressure Jetting: In cases of blockages or buildup, high-pressure jetting is used to clear debris and restore flow. This non-invasive technique effectively removes many obstructions without damaging the existing pipes.

Path Tracing and Depth Localization: Our technicians are able to trace the path of the camera within the drain lines, providing insights into their layout and depth. This information is invaluable for planning repairs or renovations. This allows us to provide comprehensive reports of our findings and rough sketches where desired.

What are the Benefits of Investigations?

Running a camera scope through a rain drain system

Investigating rain drain lines offers numerous benefits for homeowners and professionals alike:

Cost-Effective Solutions: By identifying and addressing issues early on, investigations prevent the need for costly replacements, saving homeowners money in the long run by utilizing their current systems. Our priority is to use as much of your current system as possible, and not replace anything that doesn’t need to be replaced. With our investigations, we can plan repairs only on damaged areas (no guess work!) and can confidently connect to existing pipes, knowing our system will function at its peak performance.

Accurate Diagnostics: Through the inspection and jetting, technicians can pinpoint the root cause of drainage problems with precision, allowing for targeted repairs. We don’t believe one-size fits all, a repair, replacement, or new installation should depend on your own home and your own preferences.

Preservation of Existing Infrastructure: Why fix what’s not broken? Investigations help us prioritize the preservation of the current drainage system, minimizing disruption to the property and ensuring its longevity.

How do I know I Need a Camera Scope or Jetting?

Investigating rain drain lines is not only about diagnosing issues but also about providing swift and effective solutions. At our company, we pride ourselves on our quick turnaround time and our commitment to delivering hassle-free services to homeowners. If we’re given pictures showcasing downspouts and their layout, we could be able to streamline the process, skipping the estimate phase entirely and providing you with a clear price and a scheduled investigation date upfront.

Identifying Issues in Sewer Systems

Scoping from cleanouts allows us to pinpoint potential problems such as bellies, breaks, pipe offsets, and root intrusions that could impede the flow of wastewater.

Bellies: A belly refers to a sag in the pipe that creates a low spot, causing water to accumulate and potentially obstructing the flow. This can be the result of settling or improper subgrade (the material that goes underneath the sewer pipe to support it & aid in settling concerns).
Breaks: A break in the pipe can occur due to various factors such as settling, prior root intrusions, or improper installation. This disruption in the pipeline can lead to leaks and reduced efficiency.
Root Intrusions: Tree roots seeking moisture and nutrients can infiltrate sewer pipes, causing blockages and damage over time.
Offset Pipes: A disconnect between pipe segments that hinders the proper flow of water. This issue can lead to backups and potential water damage if left unaddressed.

Scope Limitations

It's essential to note that our scoping services are conducted exclusively from proper cleanouts located outside the home. While we strive to provide thorough assessments, scoping from the inside of the home for the sewer system is not feasible due to logistical constraints.

Our investigations are great for maintaining efficient drainage systems and preventing water damage to homes. By leveraging technology and our expertise, we can diagnose issues promptly and provide effective solutions. Whether it's clearing blockages, repairing damages, addressing issues such as bellies or breaks, or optimizing drainage pathways, investing in an investigation can ensure peace of mind for homeowners and helps to protect their most valuable asset — their home.

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