Stopping Disasters Before They Strike: Pipe Inspection, Ottawa

Mr. Rooter logo on red background.

Hidden deep beneath the ground of your Ottawa home, a network of sewer pipes runs, usually without hindrance. Every Ottawa homeowner would cringe at the thought of a sewage backup. For good reason too; backups are not only messy and smelly, they are expensive to repair. When the drainage pipes in your home are unable to effectively remove wastewater from sinks, toilets, or showers, it can result in serious problems such as sewer backup, burst pipes, or even collapsed sewer lines. That’s when you need reliable services that start with pipe inspection in Ottawa.

Fear not Ottawa, plumbing emergencies can be avoided by regular inspections. Frequently inspecting your pipes can help prevent costly repairs and enhance the overall health and sanitation of your pipes. Our Ottawa plumbers are equipped with the essential tools and expertise to conduct thorough inspections of underground pipes using state-of-the-art sewer scope visual inspection technology, as well as water leak detection services.

Regular pipe inspections in Ottawa are absolutely essential to maintain a healthy plumbing system. This blog post will show you why while highlighting the key aspects of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa.

What Is Pipe Inspection? An Ottawa Homeowner’s Guide

By definition, a pipe or drain inspection is an in-depth examination of your plumbing. During the inspection process, it is essential to thoroughly examine every aspect of the subject, taking into account the questions that need to be answered, potential issues that may arise, and the current condition of the subject under scrutiny. Well, in a pipeline inspection, our licensed plumbers follow the same inspection requirements, except we use advanced technology such as a video camera instead of a magnifying glass like Sherlock Holmes. Our cutting-edge camera sewer inspections provide you with a real-time view of your pipe’s interior, spotting plumbing issues before they become problems. If you frequently encounter minor inconveniences or even major problems related to plumbing, it is a clear indication that a thorough pipe inspection in Ottawa is necessary. Dealing with plumbing issues can be extremely frustrating. By obtaining clear imaging during the inspection, our plumbers can identify the underlying problems more efficiently, allowing us to perform plumbing repairs quickly and prevent similar issues from arising in the future!

What Can A Video Camera Pipe Inspection Can Do?

The equipment in an Ottawa pipe inspection has a built-in location device to pinpoint pipes from the surface. The signal receiver precisely detects the position of the camera, enabling us to effortlessly identify the impacted regions. Our pipe inspection services are designed to promptly identify and thoroughly assess the condition of your sewer line, especially in cases of blockages. While the inspection of pipes is typically associated with sewer lines, Ottawa homeowners can also benefit from drain camera inspections in your bathtub, sinks, and toilets! Shortly put, here is what a video pipe inspection can do:

  • Locate underground pipes from the surface
  • Evaluate and identify blockages and the buildup of sewer
  • Locate clogs and drain issues
  • Determine sewer line material
  • Identify objects that have fallen down the drain

Is It Invasive?

One major advantage of the flexible cable for pipe inspection is its ability to be easily fed into the cleanout, which is conveniently located in your basement, crawl spaces, or outside of your property. This key access point allows our Ottawa plumbers to inspect your sewer line without the need to demolish concrete or excavate your lawn. With this efficient solution, we can thoroughly examine the underground sewer line during the inspection process, saving you time and unnecessary disruptions.

What Problems Can Be Identified Through A Plumbing Camera Inspection?

  • Tree Root Intrusion: Trees. We can't live without them, but their pesky roots can be a pipe system's enemy number one. Porous or cracked pipes are highly susceptible to tree root intrusion as they seek water. As roots grow, they can rapidly infiltrate and damage the pipes, causing a range of problems. Thankfully, these issues can be promptly detected through a comprehensive plumbing camera inspection.
  • Pipe Damage: Pipe collapses can occur due to leaks, bursts, freezing temperatures, or high water pressure. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully monitor secondary drain lines and be vigilant for any signs of pipe damage. Recurring sink or toilet backups serve as clear indicators of underlying issues, which require thorough investigation. With our cutting-edge pipe inspection technology, we are able to swiftly and accurately detect any pipe damage in real-time. Leave your worries behind as our expert solutions ensure your peace of mind.
  • Slab Leaks: Underground leaks can lead to foundation damage, which is typically caused by a broken water line or drainage line. These issues are often a result of shoddy installation or the movement of soil. To address these leaks properly, it is vital to conduct a comprehensive inspection by an experienced plumber before initiating any repairs. Maintaining a watchful eye for signs of leaks, like unusual sounds or odors, is of utmost importance, especially in basements with exposed pipes. Consistently monitoring these areas is crucial for promptly discovering and preventing severe damage.
  • Corrosion: The main cause of corrosion in aging pipes, especially those in older properties built in the 1930s using cast iron or galvanized steel, is a serious issue. This corrosion can lead to significant problems such as leaks and bursts, with metal lines being the most susceptible. It is crucial to diligently monitor these lines to avoid further harm. Neglecting corroded lines will only worsen the situation, causing harm in various areas and ultimately rendering your water unsafe for consumption while potentially resulting in devastating water damage.

Pipe Inspection Combined with Water Leak Detection Services

Using video cameras for pipe inspections can provide numerous advantages and significant cost savings. But there is another factor to the inspection of pipes that does not involve video cameras. In Ottawa, it is essential to prioritize water leak detection to address common problems like dripping faucets or running toilets. These seemingly minor issues may cause inconvenience and result in unnecessarily high water bills. However, it's the hidden leaks within household fixtures, such as damaged pipes or loose fittings in walls or floors, that pose a more significant risk. Swiftly identifying and addressing these leaks is crucial to prevent serious damage, including floods or structural damage.

Our plumbing professionals use various tools, such as acoustic sensors, thermal imaging, and infrared tools, to detect water leaks. These tools help us identify even the tiniest leaks. Ottawa's homeowners may notice basement walls and ceilings that leak water, which relates to slab leaks. It's crucial to turn off the water shut-off valve and seek professional assistance promptly to prevent structural damage. When a water main breaks, immediately locating and shutting off the supply line is essential upon hearing water running behind walls.

Regular plumbing maintenance and preventative measures, such as the installation of a backwater valve, are crucial for preventing potential water damage, particularly during severe weather conditions. Detecting sewer line damage beneath the ground is a complex undertaking, necessitating a range of tests and tools, including sewer cameras and sound technology. Our leak detection services provide you with a thorough diagnosis during a pipe inspection in Ottawa.

What Are The Signs I Need Leak Detection in Ottawa?

There's a colloquialism, be proactive, not reactive. Being attentive to any uncommon incidents can make all the difference when it comes to discerning between a minor plumbing issue and a critical plumbing crisis. Here's what to look out for:

  • Mould and Mildew Growth: The presence of fungal growth in damp environments, including mould and mildew, presents significant risks to both the structural integrity and the health of the environment. The occurrence of visible mould patches on walls, ceilings, or floors may indicate underlying water problems and leaky pipes which require immediate attention. Taking early action is critical in order to avoid extensive damage.
  • Walls, Floors, or Ceilings Suffering From Water Damage: Search for obvious signs such as drooping, discolouration, bending, bubbling, softening, loose joint tape, and other signs of excessive moisture on the drywall and other surfaces. Damp areas on the floor, wood decay, and problems with different structures could also indicate a potential broken pipe.
  • Decrease in Water Pressure: If you are encountering low pressure in your daily activities, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning pressure regulator. If you can't fix it yourself, consider reaching out to the city or a professional plumber for help. Consistent low pressure might be a sign of a hidden leak, which can be identified and resolved through pipe inspection and leak detection services.
  • Increased Utility Bills: If you notice an increase in your water bills even though you haven't been using more water, it could mean that you're experiencing substantial water loss caused by leaks. The skilled professionals in our team specialize in detecting pipeline leaks, identifying broken pipes, plumbing line issues, and other inefficiencies in your plumbing system. With their expertise, they can also evaluate your water meter to ensure its accuracy.

Don't Throw Money Down the Drain; Instead, Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing for a Pipe Inspection in Ottawa

There is a reason why plumbers recommend regular pipe inspections in Ottawa. It is the essential process of determining the root causes of plumbing issues, understanding why they occur, and developing strategies to prevent their recurrence. Though Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Ottawa may not be a detective, our plumbing professionals have the right equipment and knowledge to accurately inspect your pipes and tend to plumbing issues before they escalate. For plumbing inspections using cutting-edge video camera technology or precise water leak detection, don't hesitate to contact our customer service team and secure your appointment today. We proudly serve Ottawa and our friends and neighbours in Gloucester, Kanata, and Nepean. Be the reason why a plumbing disaster did not occur, not why it occurred!