Remote Video Inspection of Drains

Pipe Video Inspection and Exploration

Sending Cameras Down Drains and Plumbing for a View Inside

By Andam Persand

Stubborn, persistent, or recurrent drain problems can be difficult to diagnose. Tracking down the exact location of damage or blockage once pipes leave the home can mean money, time, and property damage saved in the end. One modern tool many rooter and drain services will use is a remote video camera, capable of inspecting the pipes from within and transmitting the image back to the camera operator.

Mechanic using remote video inspection

Video inspection of plumbing, piping, and drains allows the homeowner and drain professional to know exactly which tools to bring in to solve the problem. Mineral build up from hard water, grease or oil build up around kitchen & bath drains, clogs in the traps, damage to the plumbing and fixtures, and intrusion or other obstruction by tree roots will all have different options available for remedying the problem.

There are many models of remote operated camera systems available for both the professional and the do-it-yourselfer. In addition to plumbing inspection, remote video is helpful for investigating HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning) conduits, automotive lines, and all sorts of otherwise inaccessible nooks and crannies.

The more inexpensive setups equip the owner with a handheld device with video display and controls. The camera and lamps are attached via a flexible cable, typically between three and four feet in length. While these are incredibly fun and useful tools, for plumbing inspection more robust, waterproof setups with very long cables are required.

Some drain issues are ongoing or recurrent. One video inspection of the drain can tell you that roots are encroaching into sewage and waste-water drainage, but could still require a yearly investment to maintain clear lines. Repair or rerouting of the lines, or purchasing of the required tool for use, are considerations that can also be informed through knowledge gained from remote camera inspection.

Video camera lines are extended by the rooter pro or plumber, who will thread the imaging device through the plumbing. This can be accomplished by screwing the cable in through the pipes in a similar method to using a drain auger to clear blockages. The protected camera and lens, with its powerful LED lamps to light up the surroundings, snakes its way down the lines, illuminating things and sending back a clear picture to the remote operator.

This is particularly helpful when hoping to retrieve a lost item such as jewelry. When a valuable is dropped down a drain, stop using any drains in the home. This will ensure the object isn't flushed away from the home, irretrievable, and out of view of even remote operated cameras. Only then can you call a drain specialist or send your home tool down the pipe to see if the precious item can be located.

For extreme remote viewing and precise location finding, many modern setups will have transmitters capable of indicating direction and depth for surveying and digging. Another very high-tech option is infra-red imaging, or night vision capabilities on the remote camera. Because of their versatility and utility, remote inspection cameras are becoming more and more common in the garage and workshop. All professional drain specialists will provide an inspection service.

Andam believes high-quality information will be very valuable in the near future, and creates, edits, updates, and annotates her articles with that in mind. Andam also writes about drain services and cleaning and clearing drains for http://UncloggingDrains101.com as well as writing for her personal blog and other information sites on the internet.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andam_Persand

How to FInd and Choose a Local Plumber

Do Your Homework

How To Find And Choose A Local Plumber

By Andam Persand

Do Your Homework And Avoid A Costly Mistake

The truth is most plumbers are capable and honest. You could pick one from the phone book and probably be very happy. But a visit from the plumber can often mean a potentially large bill; most families would prefer not to roll the dice when it comes to laying out so much money in these times.

Let Your Fingers Do The Walking

Your first best bet is to check with your friends and family in the area. Have any of them recently used a plumber, and been happy with them? A good referral or helpful warning about a business can save you time and money. Call up anyone who may have an opinion on the matter or who may have recently had plumbing or drain service work done. Neighbors are also a great resource.

Don't forget the phone book. Look under plumbers and drain services to find the local pros closest to you. The phone book is a good start, but there is more you can learn if you are willing to go online.

Online Search for Local Pros

A modern plumber or drain service business will have a website, or at least have a listing pop up with the right search request. In this day and age, you want a professional that is available however you want to communicate-if there is any trouble, issues, or questions. Look for mobile phone numbers and email addresses so you know your plumber will be there when you need them.

The key to finding local businesses when doing an online search is to include your zip code in the query, such as, "plumber 72764". This will tell google or bing that you want results from that geographic location!

Other Online Resources

Plumbers, contractors, landscapers, and related professionals are often indexed by numerous online websites eager for you to visit their "directory". Each field will have their own group of websites competing for your attention. In the end these "Plumbers Directories" are often incomplete, and frequently provide little more information than the phone book.

Another place you may be drawn to is Angie's List. Angie's List is a website that offers customer reviews and forums for many areas of the country. It is a fun and easy to use website that sometimes has the best information for making a really big purchase or investment. However, Angie's List charges users a membership fee for access to the website.

The Really Helpful Hint

If you had an Angie's List membership you probably wouldn't need this guide, but as you are here, I will let you in on a not-so-secret secret:Yelp. Yelp.com is a website that works much like Angie's List, but in Yelp's case it is all free to use. You should be able to find a few reviews on Yelp for your location (again, use your zip code for fast and relevant search results). One last word of caution though: take reviews with a grain of salt. Competitors can post false nasty reviews, and unscrupulous businesses can post fake glowing reviews. Reviews on Yelp should help inform your final decision on which plumber to call, but don't base your entire reasoning on them!

You Can Do It!

Finding a local plumber or drain service should be easy and straightforward. A little bit of research upfront will pay off in the end, and you'll be a happy customer for life!

Andam writes evergreen articles about a variety of topics, with work published at http://uncloggingdrains101.com and her popular blog, Triple Spaced

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andam_Persand

Blocked Drains - Clearing the Problem

Blocked Drains

Clearing the Problem

By Al Villa

There are many different kinds of drains in a single household. From sinks and bathtubs to toilets and showers, you send water down a drain every day with your daily tasks. Unfortunately, these do not always remain in top working condition. When you experience blocked drains, there are a few things you can do about it. You can ignore it and allow it to worsen or you can take action and unclog the drain. Ignoring the problem will likely result in the need to hire an expensive plumber-once the problem has escalated enough that you can no longer ignore it. On the other hand, when you take care of the problem now, you can usually do it on your own with the right hardware and repair tools.

The most common cause of blocked drains in the kitchen is a buildup of food particles or grease. In the bathroom, the culprit is usually a mildew buildup inside the piping that then collects hair, blocking water from passing through the pipe quickly. If you see that your drain is backed up, there is no need to immediately call a plumber. The problem needs to be addressed quickly because of health concerns related to slow-draining or standing water in the home, but chances are you can fix the problem yourself if it is a fairly new development.

A plunger is a simple tool that often works to unclog blocked drains, especially toilets and kitchen sinks. A cable auger, or plumber's snake, is a flexible steel cable wound around a hand crank. One of about 25-30 feet in length is ideal for sinks, bathtubs and shower drains. High pressure water jets can sometimes act as the remedy for loosening buildup inside a pipe. Then, there are even drain unclogging solutions that eat away at pipe buildup without damaging the pipes themselves. Using a combination of these tools can be a great solution to your blocked drain problem. you can easily find them at your local hardware store or Loews or Home Depot.

Obviously, the best solution to blocked drains is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Regular cleaning can do the trick. Also, placing waste traps or strainers on the mouth of the drain can prevent hair, food and garbage from getting into the drain. Once you have cleared the problematic drain of its block, it is wise to take these preventative steps to keep it from becoming a problem again in the future.

Blocked drains of any kind are annoying. I write articles that can help you with any drain problem. You may use this articles any way you want so long as you include this resource box in its entirety. You can see all of my articles here: Blocked Drains [http://THEBLOCKEDDRAINS.COM]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Al_Villa

Home Repair - Dishwashers

DIY Dishwasher Repair

By John Charles Bryan

If you've ever dealt with a broken dishwasher you know what a pain it can be. Some problems are harder to deal with than other, and many problems are quite common. However, most people think when problems arise, first step is calling a Utah plumber. But many basic repairs can be done by yourself without the help of a technician.

Don't be intimidated by do-it-yourself dishwasher repair. A few easy tips can give you confidence to care for one of the most important appliances in your home. Without any formal training, you can do several things to service your own dishwasher.

First let's understand what the most common dishwashing dilemmas are.

1. Is a dishwasher that that doesn't properly wash. 
2. Is dishwashers that don't properly drain.

Tips to solving these everyday issues are detailed below.

What to do with a dishwasher that doesn't wash!? If you find your dishes are still soiled after a washing cycle, your dishwasher may not be getting enough water or any water at all. Easily check your sink's shut-off valve first to make sure water is getting through to the dishwasher.

If you find that water is available to your unit but dishes remain unclean, you may have three separate problems. A clogged spray hole, ultra hard water, or a faulty internal water valve is the next items to check on. First check the first two issues, only after you conclude the spray holes and water are in good working condition will you look into the internal water valve. You may have to resort to calling the Utah plumber if the valve is broken. But look into the ducting and hard water before making that call.

First inspect each spray hole to begin your ducting check. Often times holes become clogged from soap or food. Just clear anything trapped inside manually. If everything is clean in the spray arms and your dishes are still coming out dirty, you may have a hard water issue. Products can help soften water in your dishwasher; check with your washer's manufacturer to learn what brand is recommended. Simply follow the product's instructions this might solve the problem altogether.

Now back to our second major problem: drainage. To solve drainage issues, begin by checking the air gap located next to your sink's faucet. The drain hose connected to it the air gap can become plugged food particles. Clean both out by hand and then run another wash cycle to test drainage. Most likely your system will now be able to drain.

Now you are armed with knowledge on how to fix the two most common dishwashing problems. Next time your dishwasher dies or acts up, you have a few tricks to try. You will be amazed at your savings by trying to do this yourself instead of calling that Utah plumber.

It's important to have a trustworthy plumber to take care of your plumbing needs and air conditioning, and heating

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Charles_Bryan

Equipment for Cleaning and Clearing Clogged Drains

Plunger

Learn about the tools used by the pros and homeowners alike for solving clogged drains quickly.

Drain cleaning has stayed as up to date in terms of new tools on the market.

There are more tools for unclogging drains than just the plumber's helper plunger. Don't forget the workhorse drain snake, and the more modern tools such as pressure washer attachments and remote video inspection systems.
Once again we can count on uncloggingdrains101.com to clear things up for us! With in-depth articles they what services and tools are available for clearing clogged drains, and how to use them.

From their introduction:

Your modern drain servicing professional has a remarkably high-tech selection of tools at their disposal. Examples include remote operated video cameras for inspection of plumbing, and precision-machined high-pressure sprayers used in jet-washing of sewers.

But a homeowner can handle most household clogs on their own if they have just one or two inexpensive tools. A plunger and / or a handheld drain auger appropriate for the troublesome drain(s) makes up its cost in the first saved service call to a pro. But with such a wide variety of plungers and drain snakes available, consumers must be informed about their proper use to make the right purchase decisions.

Unclogging Bathroom Drains

Learn about commodes, lavatories, showers, & bathtubs

How to deal with bathroom sink clogs, how to clean bathtub drains, and how to clear shower drains.

 There's another great informational set of articles at  uncloggingdrains101.com about all the various drains in the bathroom. Toilets and tubs, showers and sinks, all have their own comprehensive articles!

From the introduction:

No other room in the home has as many different drains and plumbing connections than the bathroom. Each drain will clog in a different way, and will have to be cleared using the proper tools and techniques. Both plungers and drain augers have very different designs for use with toilets or sinks, just as one example.

Laundry Sink and Floor Drain Clearing

Learn to Unclog Utility Drains

Take care of a stopped up utility sink drain or a backed-up basement drain

Utility drains are the drains in garages, laundry rooms, basements, and outdoor areas. Most of these areas will have drainage of some form, the most common being a basic drain in the floor leading to the waste-water line for the house.

 That's from the introduction to an entire content section at uncloggingdrains101.com, the internet's foremost authority site dedicated to clearing clogs from household drains and plumbing. You can read about using plungers, augers, and improvised tools for unclogging laundry sinks and floor drains.

Plungers 101

Hints for effective use of plungers

Learn how plungers work and how to use them

A website called clogged.info has published several of my articles, including Plungers 101, a short introductory level article on plunger basics.

From the text:

A slow swishing back and forth is much, much more effective than a quick jab. Maintaining your tight seal between the plunger & plumbing, work the plunger both up and down, as far as the plunger and drain shapes allow. Expect to have to work the plunger up and down many times, for several seconds per attempt. You may need to check, add more water, and plunge multiple times to completely clear the clog.

Finding a Local Plumber

How To Find And Choose A Local Plumber

 One of my recent articles has been published at finding-a-plumber.info! Do Your Homework details quick and easy tips for finding a local plumber you can trust.

From the introduction:

The truth is most plumbers are capable and honest. You could pick one from the phone book and probably be very happy. But a visit from the plumber can often mean a potentially large bill; most families would prefer not to roll the dice when it comes to laying out so much money in these times.

Handheld Drain Snake Reviews

Drain Auger Discussions & Reviews

Learn more about closet augers & handheld drain snakes

Nobody beats uncloggingdrains101.com for top-quality, timely articles on drain cleaning and clearing. They just added a drain auger review section, with more product discussions coming soon!

Drain snakes are inexpensive, modest investments that pay for themselves in their first use and saved call to a plumber. But you'll still want to be an informed consumer, so read the articles at uncloggingdrains101.com today!

Find the proper tool for your home by reading up on the details, specifications, & user comments from around the web.

Hydro Jetting

Drain & Sewer Jetting

Water is sprayed under extremely high pressure, clearing and cleaning drains and pipes.

Did you know many drain service professionals now boast pressurized water cleaning of drains and plumbing? The precision machined nozzle heads are propelled down pipes by reverse jets, with the cutting pressure of the water strong enough to even cut through dense tree roots blocking household sewer lines.

Hydro jetting is a modern and extremely effective drain and sewer line cleaning technique. The insides of all sorts of pipes can be washed thoroughly clean of build up and blockages, with the debris rinsed away by a large volume of water.

Once again, uncloggingdrains101.com explains it all with an illustrated article on hydro jetting.

 

Also from the article at uncloggingdrains101.com:

Hydro jetting is ideal for situations where build up on the interiors of plumbing is considerable and extensive. Home drains are susceptible to slowing blockage of many kinds, all of which are easily and thoroughly handled by drain jetting. Whether the blockage is typical grease and oil, more uncommon bacterial build up, or the locally problematic accumulation of mineral deposits from hard water--drain jetting completely rinses the interiors of pipes. This is in some contrast to the plumber's snakes, which can clear a path but often leave parts of the pipes totally untouched.

How to Use a Closet Auger to Clear a Toilet

Learn to clear clogs using a toilet snake

From beginner's basics to the final flush

There is a comprehensive article on how to use a closet auger over at uncloggingdrains101.com. Also known as toilet snakes, these handy home tools can save you a call to the plumber.

Closet augers get their name from the euphemism for bathroom, water closet.

From the article at uncloggingdrains101.com:

…a well designed closet auger will have made several considerations for preventing damage to the toilet. Closet augers typically have longer, telescoping, shafted handles than augers intended for use on sinks and showers. The long handle will curve, j-shaped, at the end where the cable extends for insertion into the drain of the toilet. The shape and length of a closet auger handle allows the plumber or homeowner to work from above without stooping.

How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Unclogging bathtub drains can be complicated

Involving restricted access to the plumbing and shielded overflows.

Fortunately, most shower clogs can frequently be cleared by the homeowner or do-it-yourself type.
More good news from uncloggingdrains101.com. Today I learned about how to attack a slow or completely blocked bathtub drain.

Bathtub overflow and main drains seen from exterior

From uncloggingdrains101.com:

Plungers work by forming a seal so they can apply pressure and suction to push and pull on a clog until it breaks up enough for removal or flows down the pipe. If the plunger can't form a proper seal, it will not be able to do much to break up the blockage. This is why for a plunger to work on a bathtub drain you must first block up any secondary overflow drain. If you can't see the clog, nor reach the accumulated gunk with a bent wire, then it is time to try the plunger. It is not advised to use a plunger if you suspect something substantial or solid is causing the block--trying to plunge a shampoo cap or part from a child’s toy could just make the situation worse.

photo credit

Video Inspection and Exploration of Plumbing

 Sending cameras down drains to get a view inside

 Stubborn or recurrent drain problems can be difficult to diagnose

 Tracking down the exact location of damage or blockage once pipes leave the home can mean money, time, and property damage saved in the end. Luckily, most drain service professionals provide a video inspection service.

Learn how remote video inspection works over at uncloggingdrains101.com. You can even watch a video captured with an endoscopic camera.
 A quote from the in-depth article at uncloggingdrains101.com:

Camera operators will perform inspection on the spot using a live screen or monitor. Video can be recorded by some setups. With the powerful headlights showing the way, the camera will follow the plumbing until the drain specialist finds the exact location and cause of the slowed drainage.

Unclogging Toilets Without a Plunger

Clogged toilets can happen to anyone, 

even to people who don’t own a plunger!

Luckily we have the writers at uncloggingdrains101.com to help us out! Learn the three quick steps to clearing a clogged toilet without a plunger.

Learn to unclog a toilet in these three simple steps:

1. Soften Up the Clog with Chemicals
2. Give the Clog Time to Decompose
3. Wash Away the Clog with Hot Water

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Motorized Rooting and Drain Snaking

 Electric Motorized Drain Rooting

Using powerful drain augers to grind and extract intrusive tree roots or other obstructions

I found another top-notch article on drain maintenance over at uncloggingdrains101.com. This time they explain how drain service professionals use motorized drain rooters to maintain drains clear of build up.

From uncloggingdrains101.com:

 The equipment used by the pros is a burlier and more powerful version of common household handheld drain spinners (for sinks and floor drains) and closet augers (specially designed snakes for use on toilets).

photo credit

Learn to Discern the Proper Plunger

Tips & Tricks for Success Using Plungers

Not all plungers are the same!

As with any home improvement or maintenance, you want the right tool for the job to get things done properly.

I found some great information about the different kinds of plungers over at uncloggingdrains101.com.

Just a bit of what they had to say:

Most plungers are designed to work with a certain type of drain. The standard issue plunger, with a suction cup shaped rubber bell on the end of a stick, is designed for plunging flat drains, like you might find in showers, floors, and utility sinks. That design is a poor choice for plunging clogged toilets or bathroom sinks though—the shapes of these drains and their basins require a differently shaped plunger.

Know Your Drain Augers

Some clogs are too tough for a plunger.

Sometimes the blockage is in several places, or has formed far down the line.

Another common problem is something solid has been lost down the drain, and must be recovered before it is lost. Drain augers, or drain snakes, are often the next tool on your list. UncloggingDrains101.com breaks down the differences you'll see in tools, including motorized and hand tools.

From the article:

When a safe working environment has been established, the procedure will be gaining access to the drain, locating the clog, and bringing the auger down to bear on the blockage.

photo by Pgdp123

How to Unclog a Floor Drain

Cleaning floor and basement drains

Clogged floor and basement drains pose special problems.

I found some top-quality how to do-it-yourself information over at UncloggingDrains101.com! This time they walk you through the ins and outs of clearing floor drains of clogs in basements and garages.

From their article:

Access to the pipes from below is restricted. Basement drains and any drain that may flow either directly into the ground or to storm drain runoff should always have backflow prevention devices installed. Backflow prevention devices work by plugging up the drain if water starts to flow the wrong way, thus preventing water backing up and flooding your basement.

 photo by frankieb

How to Unclog a Shower Drain

Unclogging Shower Drains

Know what to expect when facing a clogged shower

Found one of the better articles on unclogging showers over at the information site UncloggingDrains101.com.

From the article introduction:

Clogged shower drains must be approached differently than clogged sinks, bathtubs, or toilets. It is always important to have idea of what is causing the blockage, but you must be particularly careful when dealing with shower and floor drains that you do not make things worse than they already are.

photo by osseous