CCTV and robotic crawlers are game changers for the maintenance and service of plumbing systems.
Adelaide is resplendent with grand old homes, many which still retain extremely dated plumbing infrastructure.
Port Adelaide, North Adelaide and inner suburbs in all directions including Norwood, Unley, Goodwood, Wayville, Mile End and Medindie, are adorned with heritage builds from a bygone era.
But behind and beneath the historic facades often lies a myriad of challenges.
Many retain clay and cast iron pipes that have long since passed their use by dates.
Woven into the problem is an abundance of thirsty and at times malevolent trees, some older than the dwellings themselves.
These trees possess roots that seek water during Adelaide’s long hot summers, infiltrating dated pipes in the process, causing leaks and blockages with often extremely undesirable outcomes including sewage backup.
But the 21st century has delivered an affordable and reliable solution.
How robotic crawlers work
That solution is a robotic crawler with CCTV (closed-circuit television).
Without them, finding the exact point of a blockage can be extremely time-consuming and expensive.
But a robotic crawler uses motorised tracks or wheels to crawl through narrow pipes searching for the root of the problem.
They are remote controlled via tethered cable and armed with CCTV that provides a high-definition visual and data on its journey.
The robotic crawler reveals the condition of your underground pipes, mapping blockages, cracks and corrosion, allowing your plumber to advise the best course of action.
The most desirable solution is instantaneous.
Hydro jetting is when the robotic crawler blasts a high pressure stream of water to clear any blockage of dirt, calcium, concrete, tree roots and other debris.
The latest robotic crawlers act as a mechanical plumber inside your pipe and can also cut and remove stubborn materials as well as make spot repairs.
When more significant damage is present, pipes may need to be relined or replaced which comes at much greater expense.
Relining involves creating a more durable pipe within the old one to last for several decades.
Or it may be recommended that old terracotta pipes are replaced with tougher PVC piping.
Benefits of robotic crawlers for pipe inspections
Robotic crawlers are the best course of action for a number of reasons.
Cost effectiveness – The crawlers identify and address pipe issues quickly and effectively, saving you time and money.
Non-invasive – They traverse your pipes, entering from a vantage point at the extremity of your property, meaning there are no unsightly digs or excavations required, leaving gardens and driveways undisturbed.
Accurate diagnoses – Robotic crawlers offer state-of-the-art technology, accurately diagnosing issues within pipes via high-definition cameras and making repairs with surgical precision.
Safety – They avoid the need for humans to put themselves in danger by working in confined underground spaces, risking injuries and accidents. It makes the entire process safer for both plumbers and homeowners.
Uses for robotic crawlers
Robotic crawlers make such great sense because they take out the guesswork, avoid misdiagnoses and the risk of greater, more expensive damage if leaks or blockages are ignored.
They should be considered for regular use by:
Homeowners – allows owners of all types of properties but particularly older ones to identify leaks and blockages within their plumbing systems.
Builders – older homes are among the most common to undergo extensions, renovations and improvements. Using crawlers to assess the health of underground pipes is the most cost-effective way for builders to plan ahead with confidence and avoid the need for costly repair work.
Residential property managers – many apartment complexes were built nearly a century ago and have ageing infrastructure. When issues arise, multiple tenants are affected. The crawlers can identify and redress problems quickly and effectively and with minimum inconvenience to tenants.
Commercial property managers – crawlers can survey large-scale plumbing systems with ease to ensure business operations can continue without disruption to staff or operations. Even a day or two of forced closure can put a small business under enormous financial hardship.
Local councils – robotic crawlers can be engaged to inspect sewer networks which are also vulnerable to blockages. They offer inexpensive and effective solutions in the interests of public health and safety.
When you should consider using a robotic crawler
Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to ensure the longevity and high performance of any plumbing system.
It is recommended that older properties with dated plumbing systems should consider robotic crawlers for their underground pipes every 12-18 months, even if no warning signs are detected.
Rental property or those with frequent and heavy drain use could justify using crawlers every 12 months.
If you notice any of the following signs in your plumbing system, regardless of its age, call a licensed plumber at once for an underground pipe inspection using robotic crawlers:
- slow draining water including sinks, tubs and toilets
- outlets that suffers recurring blockages
- reduced water pressure
- unusual gurgling sounds
- sewage smells inside your home
- damp areas, soft patches or sinkholes outdoors
- unexpectedly high water bills
Get expert plumbing support today
Don’t ignore your plumbing system when it is trying to send you a message.
Call James Smith Plumbing for all your plumbing maintenance and emergency service needs.
JSP is one of South Australia’s most dependable and trusted plumbing companies and sits at the very cutting edge among Adelaide plumbers.
They are fully equipped with high-tech tools to provide the most economic solutions for the maintenance and repair of your underground pipes.
JSP will carefully analyse and explain the crawler’s findings and suggest the best solution if any further action needs to be taken.
Remember, regular maintenance is the smartest and most inexpensive course of action for your plumbing system because it significantly reduces the likelihood of expensive, emergency callouts and more serious damage.
But in the event of a plumbing emergency, JSP is on hand 24/7.
Call James Smith Plumbing today on 0411 206 046 at the first sign of a problem and for all your residential and commercial plumbing maintenance needs.
You can rely on JSP for the highest standards of workmanship and a minimum of fuss.