Sanitary sewer and storm pipeline systems inevitably degrade over time, and oftentimes clients do not know about the degradation or other defects until after a problem occurs. Replacing large segments of a defective pipeline can be very costly and time-consuming, making it important to identify problematic segments with a Closed Circuit Television Video (CCTV) inspection before defects become disastrous.

Top 5 Benefits of a CCTV Inspection

There are many benefits to CCTV inspections, and we have outlined the top 5 benefits below so clients can understand the value of an inspection.

Prevent Disasters

CCTV inspections allow clients to see the condition of a pipeline firsthand and proactively address defects that may cause costly repairs in the future. We recommend inspecting pipelines every 5 years to ensure there are no defects that will lead to larger problems like sinkholes, groundwater leakage, and sanitary sewer overflows. Repairing pipeline infrastructure after it has failed is always more expensive than proactive inspection and maintenance. Disasters caused by pipeline failures can jeopardize environmental and public health, making proactive CCTV inspections a necessary cost that benefits both clients and communities.

Accurate Data

Using NASSCO’s nationally standardized coding system, a CCTV inspection provides clients with accurate data that can be used by any private company or municipality to conduct repairs if necessary. If an inspection is not conducted per NASSCO standards, then clients risk missing defects and collecting data that is less reliable. There are a wide range of pipeline defects, which include disjointed pipes, sagging, root intrusion, and debris blockage, making accurate inspection data necessary for maintenance and repair projects. Clients equipped with reliable data can make informed decisions when allocating budget towards maintenance and repair projects.

Cost-Effective

Inspection vans can be deployed quickly with a diverse set of equipment that allows crews to inspect pipes large and small. Utilizing the latest CCTV inspection software and technology crews are able to operate quickly and inspect thousands of lineal feet (LF) in one day. Most inspections only require two technicians and a traffic control operator, making it a cost-effective solution for large or small scale inspections. 

Versatility

CCTV inspection technology is very versatile and can be used for large diameter pipes that exist in modern cities, as well as small pipes like residential sewer laterals. Most robotic crawlers used in CCTV inspections have the ability to provide 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilting of a pipeline, providing a complete view of the pipeline regardless of size. Modern inspection equipment is very portable making it easy to inspect multiple locations in one day.

Safety

Safety is always the number one priority during any project, and CCTV inspections are the safest method for assessing a pipeline’s condition. Due to the hazardous nature of entering a confined space such as a pipeline, it is not preferred for workers to enter a pipe when it is not necessary. Robotic inspection crawlers allow technicians to enter a pipe without having to physically be inside, significantly reducing the risk of an accident while also providing valuable visual analysis.

How This Benefits You

There are numerous benefits of a CCTV inspection, which is why this technology has become the primary solution for proactive pipeline maintenance and repair. It is a cost-effective solution that is versatile, safe, and precise. With modern inspection technology and NASSCO’s standardized coding system, the data collected during a CCTV inspection can be used to identify defects before they become problematic and costly. Equipped with large amounts of accurate data, clients are then able to direct maintenance and repair dollars more effectively by focusing on the most problematic pipeline segments.

If your pipelines have never been inspected or you suspect there may be defects, contact Pipe & Plant for a condition assessment.