In this article will discuss features, benefits, and the 6 reasons you need a sewer camera for radon mitigation.
Useful Features of a Sewer Camera for Radon Mitigation
We use a Ridgid SeeSnake Video Inspection Camera System and Ridgid NaviTrack Scout Locator. (We receive a commission from items purchased using our links)
Let’s start by explaining some of the features of the sewer camera. First is the reel. It has 100-200 feet of cable that allows us to extend the camera out inside the drain tile or plumbing.
Next, we have the camera head attached to the cable and the display monitor showing us what the camera is seeing.
Finally, we have the locator device, a helpful tool that works with the sewer camera. The camera allows us to find any issues or obstructions in the drain tile or pipe. Then, it enables us to locate exactly where the camera head is underground by scanning the ground.
One of the other helpful features of the locator tool is we are able to see how deep the camera is. For example, if the camera is in the drain tile and we want to core down right on top of the drain tile, there is no guessing. We see the drain tile is 8” down, and we can core a hole right on top of it.
The locator tool also comes in handy when we are doing sub-slab depressurization when the house doesn’t have drain tile. In those homes, we want to find where the settling is and take advantage of that disturbed soil. In this instance, we can run the camera down the plumbing pipe to see exactly where the plumbing pipe is and then core down next to it. Having the location tool gives us the confidence to drill, making the system much more energy-efficient and effective.
Scenarios for Using a Sewer Camera for Radon Mitigation
Let’s look at some scenarios the sewer camera will help us identify and resolve.
Scenario One
The first scenario is when the drain tile is filled with soil and doesn’t allow us to move enough air.
In this instance, we have a couple of options. We might be able to push through a hill of soil with the camera and smooth it out.
In other instances, we can use the locator to locate precisely where that blockage is and then core a 5” hole down on top to clean that blockage out, allowing us to get airflow through.
Scenario Two
The second scenario is when the drain tile has a sock over it to prevent silt from entering the system. In these homes, they have two pieces of drain tile where they stretch the sock over and tie a knot in it. Those two pieces can butt together, which will not allow any air to flow through that drain tile. It would be like having a rag stuffed in the drain tile.
In this instance, we can locate where that obstruction is, core down on top of it, and remove that blockage, and that will allow us to pull air through the drain tile.
Scenario Three
The third scenario is when two pieces of drain tile were not connected. They are just next to each other, and the end of each is full of sand. We are not able to get pressure field extension beyond that point.
Using the sewer camera and the locate tool to locate where that obstruction is.
We are able to core down and clean out the sand.
Finally, we can connect those two pieces of drain tile to get airflow.
Scenario Four
The fourth scenario is when a house has drain tile, and we aren’t getting pressure field extension to the walkout side of the house. In this instance, we often find that the walkout has a lot of settling below the slab. It might be several inches or even a foot. We need to tie into that air to get the pressure field extension we are looking for. The drain tile is often not on the walkout wall and for several feet before that settling occurs.
In this scenario, we can use the sewer camera to find the end of the drain tile and dig a tunnel either by stitching or sometimes we can get away with one core hole. This will allow us to connect the drain tile to the air pathway below the walkout portion of the home.
Scenario Five
The fifth scenario is when a home has water in the drain tile. Some homes have drain tile that does not run level and collects water. As we push the sewer camera through, it will be down in the water, up in the air, and then down in the water again. You can imagine moving air through that type of drain tile system would be hard. In homes with clay, the water does not drain as well as in ones with sand, which can increase this problem.
Knowing what we were working with, we could confidently add a second suction point to get the PFE we needed.
Scenario Six
The sixth scenario is when the drain tile is crushed or blocked.
In this instance, we can use the locate tool to locate where that obstruction is, core down near it, to avoid plumping and bypass that section of drain tile using a stitching method. This will allow us to pull air through the drain tile.
Conclusion: Why You Need a Sewer Camera for Radon Mitigation
Without these tools, we would have needed to add additional suction points, a bigger fan, potentially go back, not be able to get radon levels as low, or possibly even need to install an additional system to avoid blockages.
You can see how invaluable the Rigid SeeSnake Video Inspection Camera System and Rigid NaviTrack Scout Locator can be in identifying issues when installing a radon mitigation system, saving you time and frustration. (We receive a commission from items purchased using our links).
If you have questions about radon mitigation or are looking for an estimate, contact us or give us a call at 612-474-1004.
