While booking a drain inspection may not be your favorite home service call, it could be one of the most informative.

Unlike surface-level home inspections, a comprehensive drain inspection gives your drainage expert visibility into the hundreds of feet of critical plumbing and pipes that lie just below the surface of your yard.

Whether you’re buying a new home or experiencing a plumbing issue, your drain inspection can reveal areas of corrosion in your plumbing, blockages caused by clogs or tree roots, and busted pipes that could be leaking wastewater into your yard—long before these small issues become major problems.

What happens during a professional inspection and drain service?

A typical drain inspection starts with a thorough viewing of your home’s underground drainage system. We may use cameras to get a better view of the state of the pipes, or other specialized equipment designed to reveal clogs, tree roots, and obstructions.

If your inspection includes a drain service, like a drain clearing or opening, we’ll also use high-powered water jets, blades, and other tools to remove the obstruction and restore your flow.

Regardless of the type of drain inspection you book, if you call Burton here in Omaha, you’ll also get a comprehensive set of maintenance tips and recommendations for long-lasting drain system health.

So you’ve booked your drain service… Now what?

To get the most out of your professional drain inspection and service, follow these four tips:

1. Clear the area around your drain

Before your drain service, clear the area around your drain so your plumbing pro has easy access to the area.

If you’re having your main drainline inspected, pull any yard debris, grass, rocks, and dirt away from your drain cover.

If the inspection is focusing on indoor drains and plumbing, make sure no furniture, appliances, boxes, or toiletries are obstructing the drain area.

Creating space around your drains not only makes your plumbing pro’s job easier (and faster!), it protects your belongings from the splashing that can occur during an inspection.

2. Make a list of your plumbing concerns and symptoms

Notice any funny noises when you run the shower? Toilet draining slowly? Odd smell coming from your backyard?

To expedite your drain inspection and service, be prepared to give your plumbing pro a recap of any suspicious signs—which could indicate a more serious plumbing problem. It can also be helpful to snap a picture of any issues that occur occasionally, like backyard flooding.

3. Avoid using water until the inspection is complete

During your drain inspection and service, we recommend avoiding running water through your drainage system. This helps our team get an accurate view of your drainage system—and quickly locate any problems.

In some cases, your drainage inspector may turn off the main water supply to your home during the inspection and drain service. You can also ask your plumbing service if you should proactively shut off your water before their arrival to give your drainage system ample time to clear.

4. Ask questions!

After your inspection and drain service, don’t be afraid to talk to your plumbing pro about your drainage system health, potential concerns, and maintenance tips. If you don’t understand their recommendations, or want a closer look at their findings, ask away. After all, your inspector is here for your peace of mind!

Looking for a professional drain inspection or service here in Omaha? Just Call Burton!

Did you know our local plumbing experts are trained to provide both plumbing inspections and drain cleaning services? Because of the advanced knowledge and specialized tools needed to complete both types of services, many local technician teams focus on one or the other. But at Burton, when we say we’re your whole home experts, we mean it!

To schedule your inspection or drain service in the Greater Omaha area, Just Call Burton at (402) 343-0011, or send us a message here.