The Role of CCTV Inspections in Commercial Drain Maintenance

Before CCTV drain mapping technology existed, plumbers often worked in the dark—literally. To identify issues in commercial drain systems, plumbers had to either:

• Make an educated guess about what was wrong with your drain
• Excavate hidden pipes to actually diagnose the issue

CCTV drain inspection technology changes all that with a system of miniature cameras attached to flexible cables. Now, plumbers can see exactly what's going on deep down in your pipes and capture it on video, all without ever breaking ground. Here's how this innovative technology works and why it is advantageous.

How CCTV Drain Mapping Works

Commercial customers generally request CCTV drain mapping if they’re looking to stay proactive when it comes to identifying issues that could turn into plumbing problems or if they’re already experiencing issues, including:

• Blockages
• Slow drainage
• Unexplained odors
• Recurring backups

Our CCTV drain mapping process follows these steps:

Prep and Setup

To begin, our plumbers identify a primary access point—or what we call a “clean out.” Next, they set up the equipment: an HD camera mounted on a flexible rod that is connected to a monitor and recording device.

Inspection

With the equipment ready, our drain specialists carefully guide the camera through the pipes. As our technicians work, the CCTV drain mapping system captures real-time footage, displaying it on a portable screen.

Analysis

While they work, our technicians look for signs of damage, blockages, roots, or anything else that could be behind the plumbing mishap.

Diagnosis

Based on what we see, our drain specialist will diagnose the issue and suggest a solution. Depending on the circumstance, this may include:

• Clearing blockage using specialized equipment like hydro-jetting or augers
• Repairing damaged sections of pipe
• Addressing tree root growth
• Recommending a regular maintenance routine

Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection

These inspections offer numerous benefits for commercial property owners, including:

• Streamlining your diagnosis: CCTV allows our technicians to view indoor and outdoor plumbing without digging or cutting. That saves time, money, and unnecessary demolition.
• Receiving clear images: Our CCTV technology utilizes HD cameras that provide detailed images of pipe interiors. In fact, the images are so clear you can generally spot small cracks and early root intrusion.
• Preventing and protecting: Our advanced technology ensures we catch minor issues before they become major plumbing meltdowns.
• Saving money: CCTV drain inspection eliminates guesswork, saving commercial clients the unnecessary cost of excavation.
• Enjoying peace of mind: By making CCTV drain surveys a regular part of your plumbing maintenance routine, you will have more assurance about the condition of your plumbing. That’s priceless.

Stay Ahead of Plumbing Misadventures With Stephens

Whether you are experiencing slow drains and recurring backups or simply want to proactively maintain your plumbing system, our experienced technicians are here to help. With over 30 years of experience, we've seen (and solved) every kind of plumbing and HVAC problem you can imagine. Let us put our expertise and cutting-edge CCTV technology to work for you. Contact us today!