Professional Sewer Inspection Services in Pinellas County
At I Find Leaks, we specialize in sewer inspections using state-of-the-art RIDGID camera systems, ensuring thorough and accurate results for both residential and commercial properties. With over 15 years of experience, our expert technicians inspect cast iron, grease, and scale buildup inside your sewer lines, preventing potential blockages and costly repairs. We proudly serve cities across Pinellas County, including Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Largo, and Dunedin.
Why Sewer Inspections Are Essential
Over time, sewer systems can experience a buildup of grease, scale, and other debris, particularly in older homes that utilize cast iron pipes. These issues can restrict flow, cause unpleasant odors, and eventually lead to expensive sewer backups. By utilizing advanced camera inspection systems, we can identify these problems before they become serious. Our RIDGID camera systems provide high-resolution visuals of the inside of your sewer pipes, allowing us to pinpoint cracks, blockages, or corrosion that could compromise the integrity of your sewer system. This proactive approach ensures that any potential issues are addressed before they escalate into more costly repairs.
Post-Hurricane Sewer Inspections
In the aftermath of a hurricane or severe storm, sewer systems are especially vulnerable to damage from debris, floodwater, and other environmental factors. Heavy rains and storm surges can introduce foreign objects into your sewer lines, causing blockages and increasing the risk of backups. At I Find Leaks, we recommend scheduling a thorough sewer inspection after any significant storm event to ensure that your system remains clear and functional. Our team uses advanced camera inspection technology to detect any potential issues, helping you avoid more serious, long-term problems.
Our RIDGID camera systems provide high-resolution footage of your sewer pipes, allowing us to locate and address any damage or obstructions caused by the storm. If we find any issues, we can provide you with video evidence for your records. These videos can also be uploaded to the web and shared with your insurance company, which can be invaluable for filing claims related to storm damage. In addition, realtors and homebuyers often request these video inspections during pre-home inspections, especially after a storm, to ensure the property’s plumbing system is in good condition before making a purchase.
Hurricanes can also cause damage that isn’t immediately visible, such as debris buildup or tree roots infiltrating sewer lines. By conducting a post-hurricane inspection, we ensure your sewer system is clear of any debris that may have entered during the storm.
Sewer Inspections for Homebuyers
Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, and a sewer inspection is a crucial part of that process. I Find Leaks works with realtors and prospective homebuyers to ensure that the property’s sewer system is in good condition before closing a deal.
We provide detailed sewer inspection reports and video footage, allowing you to have peace of mind knowing the property’s sewer lines are functioning properly. If you’re purchasing an older home with cast iron pipes, our inspection can help identify any cast iron scale or grease buildup that may need to be addressed.
Quality Equipment, Quality Results
At I Find Leaks, we only use high-quality RIDGID camera systems for our sewer inspections. This ensures clear, accurate footage of your sewer lines, enabling us to detect even the smallest issues. Our camera systems are designed to navigate through various pipe sizes and materials, making them effective for inspecting both modern and older sewer systems across Pinellas County.
Sewer Pipe Materials Over the Decades: Why Sewer Video Inspections Are Essential
At I Find Leaks, we specialize in providing sewer video inspection services in Clearwater and St. Petersburg, helping homeowners and businesses identify problems within their sewer lines before they become costly repairs. Understanding the types of sewer pipes used over the decades and their unique issues underscores why regular inspections are critical.
Sewer Pipe Materials: From the 1950s to Today
Clay Pipes (1940s–1970s)
- Material: Made from terra cotta clay, these pipes were popular for their resistance to chemical corrosion.
- Issues:
- Prone to cracking and breaking under pressure from shifting soil or tree root intrusion.
- Seams between pipe segments can allow roots to infiltrate, causing blockages.
- Why Inspect: Tree roots and soil movement can lead to major blockages or leaks. Sewer video inspections help identify areas where roots or cracks are present.
Cast Iron Pipes (1950s–1970s)
- Material: Durable and strong, cast iron was used in both residential and commercial properties.
- Issues:
- Susceptible to rust and corrosion over time, which can lead to pinhole leaks or complete pipe failure.
- Internal scaling can cause reduced water flow and blockages.
- Why Inspect: A sewer video inspection reveals the extent of corrosion or scaling, allowing for precise planning of repairs or replacements.
Orangeburg Pipes (1940s–1970s)
- Material: A composite material made from wood fibers and tar, Orangeburg pipes were inexpensive but lacked durability.
- Issues:
- Highly prone to collapse under pressure.
- Susceptible to deforming, cracking, and disintegration over time.
- Why Inspect: Due to their fragile nature, Orangeburg pipes are notorious for causing sewer backups and need regular monitoring.
PVC Pipes (1970s–Present)
- Material: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, PVC has become the most common sewer pipe material in modern construction.
- Issues:
- Can crack or break under extreme pressure or shifting soil.
- Improper installation can lead to misalignment or sagging (bellying), which disrupts flow.
- Why Inspect: A sewer video inspection ensures proper installation and detects issues like sags, cracks, or joint separations early.
HDPE Pipes (1980s–Present)
- Material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes are flexible, resistant to corrosion, and have fewer joints, making them less prone to leaks.
- Issues:
- Potential for damage during installation.
- Can develop sags in improperly compacted soil.
- Why Inspect: Video inspections confirm structural integrity and detect any potential deformities in the pipe.
Why Sewer Video Inspections Are Crucial
Regardless of the pipe material, sewer lines are subject to wear and tear due to age, ground movement, or root intrusion. A sewer video inspection offers:
- Accurate Diagnosis: Identifies blockages, cracks, and leaks without the need for invasive digging.
- Preventative Maintenance: Early detection of issues can prevent costly emergency repairs.
- Peace of Mind: Ensures your sewer system is functioning as it should, avoiding unexpected disruptions.
At I Find Leaks, we use state-of-the-art video inspection technology to pinpoint problems quickly and efficiently. Whether your home or business is fitted with aging clay or Orangeburg pipes or modern PVC or HDPE lines, our inspection services ensure your sewer system is in top shape.
Contact us today to schedule your sewer video inspection in Clearwater or St. Petersburg and take the first step toward protecting your property’s plumbing system!
(Above) Sewer Video Inspection: Mapping Sewer Lines for Pool Installation
At I Find Leaks, our sewer video inspection services go beyond finding leaks—they help homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and beyond make informed decisions about their property. In this example, we assisted a St. Petersburg homeowner preparing to install a backyard pool. By precisely mapping their sewer lines, we ensured they could dig with confidence, avoiding costly damage to their plumbing system.
Image 1: Sewer Camera Insertion
In the first image, one of our skilled I Find Leaks technicians is shown using a RIDGID battery-operated sewer camera system. The technician carefully feeds the camera into the sewer line through an accessible cleanout point. This advanced equipment provides a clear, real-time view of the pipe’s interior, revealing any potential blockages or structural issues.
Images 2–8: Locating the Sewer Line with Precision
The next six images show Sonny, another of our experienced technicians, using a RIDGID sewer locator to determine the exact position of the camera as it travels underground. This process allows us to create an accurate map of the sewer line layout. By following the transmitted signal from the sewer camera, Sonny can pinpoint the sewer line’s depth and path with precision, ensuring no detail is missed.
Why Sewer Mapping Matters for Pool Installation
In this scenario, the St. Petersburg homeowner needed to know precisely where their sewer lines were located before breaking ground for their new pool. Damaging a sewer line during excavation can lead to:
- Costly repairs
- Project delays
- Potential health hazards
Our sewer video inspection and mapping services eliminate these risks, providing clear, actionable information that allows contractors to plan their work without disrupting the property’s plumbing.
Benefits of Sewer Video Inspections for Homeowners
Whether you’re installing a pool, building an addition, or simply need to understand your property’s plumbing, our sewer video inspection services offer:
- Accurate line mapping to prevent accidental damage.
- Identification of potential problems like cracks, blockages, or root intrusions.
- Peace of mind during major construction projects.
If you’re planning a pool installation or other major landscaping project, trust I Find Leaks to provide the insights you need. Contact us today to schedule your sewer video inspection in Clearwater or St. Petersburg and protect your property’s plumbing system!
