Nothing disrupts home or business function faster than a blocked drain. Sudden backups and overflowing sinks quickly create costly water damage and unhealthy conditions. While drain issues clearly need addressing, it’s important not to jump straight into drain cleaning without a professional inspection first.

This article covers key reasons a comprehensive blocked drain inspection by experts like The Relining Company should be your first move when dealing with a clogged or slow-flowing drain.

Gain Insights on the Blockage Source

Professional drain inspections using specialized camera scopes provide visibility inside your drain system. This allows identifying what and where the blockage is situated – critical insights before attempting to clear the line. An inspection reveals if the clog stems from grease, hair, roots, collapsed pipes, or other specific issues. You can then tailor the clearing solution accordingly.

Assess the Extent of Built-Up Debris

Inspections also quantify the extent of the blockage. A scattered clump of hair may warrant a quick snaking, while years of extensive buildup indicates a more thorough cleaning is needed.

Attempting to simply snake small clogs can further wedge and compact debris down the line. Inspecting first prevents this.

Check for Problematic Drain Damage

An experienced technician can use the camera imagery to spot underlying drain defects like cracked pipes, misalignments, and intruding roots. This damage can undermine clearing attempts and require repairs. Identifying existing drain wear helps avoid wasting time and money on temporary snaking solutions if replacement is truly needed.

Ensure the Right Equipment is Dispatched

Knowing the nature and location of the clog allows dispatching drain technicians with the ideal equipment the first time. Specialty tools may be required for distant main line clogs, grease blockages, or obstructions in tricky floor drain configurations. Inspection details ensure the proper equipment arrives.

Provide Photo/Video Proof for Diagnosis

Documenting the visual evidence of the clog is useful for diagnosis. Photos and videos clearly show clients the issue and justify recommended solutions. Tangible camera images also help crew supervisors coordinate appropriate equipment dispatch and staffing needs.

Avoid Unnecessary Property Damage

Blind snaking and hydro-jetting risks property damage if crews are unaware of pipe layouts and clog locations. Thorough inspection minimizes this damage by mapping the drain system first.

Inspection ensures clearing efforts stay focused just on the problem areas.

Determine if Buried Clogs Require Excavation

For obstructed exterior drainage lines, inspections reveal if outdoor excavation is required for access. Interior camera scopes often can’t reach buried backyard or pool drain pipes to identify blockages.

Provide an Accurate Fix Cost Estimate

Finally, a drain inspection allows technicians to provide accurate quotes for clearing based on the specifics of your clog. Vague quotes without scoping waste the client’s time and money.

Informed quotes result in faster repairs and happier customers.

Conclusion 

Acting fast is wise when dealing with blocked drains, but immediate camera inspection should come first. This critical first step provides visibility to deliver the right solution in the shortest time. The precaution of inspecting first can prevent wasted efforts, property damage, and future blockage recurrence.