The Reality of Sewer Inspections—Everything You Need to Know

The Reality of Sewer Inspections - Everything You Need to Know

Sewer inspections are a critical part of maintaining both residential and municipal wastewater systems. Whether it's in your home or beneath the streets of a city, these inspections help prevent major issues before they escalate into costly emergencies.

Sewer inspections are an essential part of maintaining sewer systems, whether for homes or cities. These inspections help identify problems early, ensuring that sewage flows smoothly and safely.

As you might have experienced, a small issue in a sewer line can quickly turn into a major problem. Water or even raw sewage can suddenly flood areas where it doesn't belong due to broken pipes or blockages. This is why timely inspections are so important.

City sewer inspections play a vital role in preventing such emergencies. Trained inspectors enter large pipes and other infrastructure to locate and fix the root cause of a problem. However, with advancements in technology, drones are now often used instead of human inspectors in certain situations.

Drones like the Elios 3 are designed for confined spaces and can replace humans in dangerous environments. They provide high-quality visual data, helping inspectors understand the condition of the pipes without risking their safety.

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This article explores the key aspects of sewer inspections, including their purpose, the differences between home and city inspections, common techniques, and how indoor drones are transforming the industry. Whether you're a homeowner or a city planner, understanding sewer inspections is crucial for maintaining safe and functional systems.

Two Reasons for Conducting Sewer Inspections

Sewer inspections typically involve collecting visual data to assess the condition of pipes and other parts of the wastewater system. There are two main reasons why these inspections are conducted:

1) To address sudden emergencies caused by pipe damage or blockages. 2) As part of regular maintenance to prevent future issues.

Reason 1: To Fix a Sudden Sewer Problem That Has Created an Emergency

This type of inspection is often necessary when there’s a clear sign of a problem, such as water backing up in a sink or sewage appearing in public areas. In homes, this could mean a clogged drain or a broken pipe. In cities, it could lead to larger-scale issues, like pollution in rivers or lakes.

In either case, immediate action is needed. A sewer inspection helps determine the cause and allows for quick repairs to prevent further damage.

Reason 2: To Identify Potential Problems Through Routine Maintenance

Many cities conduct regular sewer inspections to monitor aging infrastructure and detect potential issues before they become serious. As sewer systems age, the risk of failure increases, making proactive inspections essential.

Regular inspections, combined with cleaning, help ensure the long-term functionality of the system. Cities around the world rely on these practices to maintain public health and environmental safety.

Watch this video to see how a routine sewer inspection is conducted using a drone:

Want to know how frequently cities in the U.S. conduct maintenance on their wastewater systems? The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) provides detailed guidelines on this.

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Home vs. City Sewer Inspections

While the goal of a sewer inspection is the same—collecting visual data about the condition of the system—the methods and scale differ significantly between home and city inspections.

Home Sewer Inspections

Home sewer inspections usually involve a camera attached to a snake-like device called a sewer scope. This tool is inserted into the pipes to capture footage of the interior. Homeowners may request an inspection if there's a backup or if they want to check for potential issues before they worsen.

These inspections are often done for emergency repairs or as part of a pre-purchase home inspection.

City Sewer Inspections

City sewer inspections are more complex and involve larger infrastructure. Pipes can be too big for a person to enter, making traditional methods less practical. Drones are increasingly being used to inspect these areas safely and efficiently.

Historically, inspectors had to enter pipes manually, which was time-consuming and risky. Today, technology allows them to gather detailed data remotely, improving both safety and accuracy.

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City Sewer Inspection Techniques

There are several methods used in city sewer inspections, each with its own advantages and applications:

  • Visual inspections
  • CCTV inspections
  • Camera inspections
  • Lamping inspections

Visual Inspections

Inspectors physically enter pipes to examine them using a flashlight. This method is still widely used for smaller or accessible pipes. It also includes examining the surrounding areas of the sewer system for signs of damage or wear.

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CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) Inspections

CCTV is commonly used for narrower pipes, typically between 4 and 48 inches in diameter. A remotely controlled camera and lights are placed on a raft or sled and moved through the pipe. This allows inspectors to view the entire length of the pipe and collect detailed visual data.

Advanced CCTV systems offer features like automatic focus, manual zoom, and directional lighting to improve image quality and coverage.


Camera Inspections

Similar to CCTV inspections, camera inspections use a camera mounted on a sled or raft to navigate through the pipe. This method is useful for capturing images and videos of the pipe’s interior, allowing for detailed analysis after the inspection.


Lamping Inspections

Lamping inspections involve lowering a camera into a manhole and positioning it at the junction of the sewer line and the opening. While this method is simpler, it produces lower-quality visuals and is typically used for newer or less critical pipes.

Three Ways Indoor Drones Help with City Sewer Inspections

Indoor drones are changing the way sewer inspections are conducted. They enhance safety, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in the field. Here are three key benefits:

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1. Safety

Drones like the Elios 3 eliminate the need for inspectors to enter hazardous environments. By flying into confined spaces, they protect workers from exposure to harmful gases and physical dangers, making the process much safer.

2. Savings

Using drones reduces the time and cost associated with traditional inspections. According to Péter Kövessi from Flind, drone inspections in Barcelona are twice as efficient and 40% cheaper per meter compared to manual inspections.

3. Better Data

Modern drones create real-time 3D models of sewer systems, providing detailed and accurate data for future reference. For example, the Elios 3 helps the City of Lausanne precisely locate defects, making it easier to monitor and repair issues over time.

The Future of Sewer Inspections: Drones

Sewer inspections are no longer just about fixing problems—they’re about preventing them. With the advancement of drone technology and LiDAR scans, inspections can now be done remotely, reducing risks and improving outcomes.

As more cities adopt these tools, the future of sewer inspections looks brighter. Drones not only make the work safer and more efficient but also make it more engaging for inspectors. If you're interested in learning more about the future of this field, explore the Elios 3, a powerful tool currently in use worldwide.

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