When is it a good idea to inspect drainage pipes?
- If problems are detected, such as moisture seeping into the foundation, exterior walls, load-bearing walls, or the basement
- When the yard is being opened up or has been opened up for other reasons, as it would be easier to fix any potential issues in that context
- It is recommended that drainage pipes be inspected at least once every 10 years
- New or renovated drainage pipes should always be photographed as part of quality assurance procedures
What is the best time of year to photograph drainage ditches?
The best times to photograph waterways are in the spring and fall, when the waterways are full of water. At these times, you can also check the functionality of the weirs while photographing. However, culverts can also be inspected well at other times of the year, allowing you to identify, for example, potential blockages, root intrusion into the pipe system, or potential collapses. In new construction projects, underground utilities are generally surveyed as soon as possible after installation, so that repairs can still be made if necessary before the yard is completely finished.
How are drainage pipes described?
The inspection is performed using a pipe or sewer camera through inspection manholes. The camera head is attached to a cable designed for this purpose, which is fed into the pipe system, and the entire inspection is recorded on video. The inspection results in a high-quality report and the videos are also available as-is. Potential fault locations can also be pinpointed underground, if necessary, using a device which uses the camera head’s signal to locate the fault through the soil layer. Based on the survey, you will receive recommendations for corrective action.
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