HYDRO PHYSICS

Out of Sight Out of Mind

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

 

Have you ever wondered where your toddler’s super hero went, it went on a ride down the whirlpool express into oblivion. That of course was after it was dipped in the bowl and reinserted into the little tyke’s mouth. After decades of pipe inspections we have found many toys that either made the complete trip or caused a backup. Big people lose their toys as well, that life support object, the all mighty cell phone. “Can you hear me now?”  Hydro Physics has retrieved many pieces of valuable jewelry, such as diamond rings, that sometimes made the trip by accident, or on purpose.

If you ever need some spare change for the bus just go to a laundry mat and check the drain lines, Hydro Physics has found masses of coins in the drain lines.

Some things you see make sense, but others leave you scratching your head saying “ how did that ever get in here.” We have seen many different pieces of clothing, in fact we found a complete bed sheet one time. No Downey is going to help these out. I know we all have said it, “where are my glasses”? In some cases I can tell you exactly where they are, in the sewer line. And what about silverware you’ve been missing, I can tell you where it is but I would suggest only using it for guest that are unwelcomed.

In some circumstances it is an entomologist dream, 4” defiant albino cockroaches, spiders that can hold their own against the Bronco defense and flies that make Jeff Goldblum look meek.

And then there are the animals we have found. Marlin Perkins could do complete show on these furry friends. Raccoons, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, snakes, rats and mice.

Then there are the inanimate objects, pop cans, water bottles, hair doodads, 2X4’s, rocks, razors, needles, the caps for all of the products we use and various and sundry packaging.

And lastly a poor soul that was found in a chimney deceased. To quote the coroner when she arrived, “please tell me he doesn’t have on a red suit.”

Hydro Physics is the technology leader with 25 years in the pipe inspection industry. We are committed to providing high-quality, camera pipeline inspection videos/reports. We offer highly trained inspection experts for a safe, cost effective, environmentally-responsible service. You benefit from this unbiased, accurate report, perhaps saving you thousands of dollars. We saved our clients over $1,256,000 in unneeded sewer line repairs in 2015. We create value to our customers by supplying high-quality color videos and written reports for better pipe analysis. We offer

  • Pipe inspections
  • Utility locating
  • Odor detection
  • Water leak detection
  • Pressure testing
  • Vac Con service
  • Root maintenance using Vaporooter
  • Consulting service

Our company goal remains the same, to expose fraud in the pipe inspection business estimated to be $20,000,000 (million) a year in Denver alone. Visit our web site at www.hydrophysics.org

Specialties: Sewer pipe inspections of all piping 2” to 48” in diameter that are guaranteed accurate and unbiased. Serving Metro Denver and Fort Collins.  Ideal for home buyers and home owners who want to verify proposed repairs.

 Category: Uncategorized    

Do you qualify who you refer?

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

Price isn’t everything when it comes to selecting a pipe inspection company.

Issues of liability become a huge problem when referring a pipe inspection company. Many articles have been written about the subject but in a nut shell what does it mean to you.

Negligent Referral has become a major issue and can be avoided if you qualify who you refer. You may believe by handing out a couple different names that you are protected but in this sue happy environment don’t be so sure.

  1. Make sure your pipe inspector has Liability insurance for any damages that may occur at the homes they inspect.
  2. Make sure that they have proof of E&O insurance that covers the inspector against claims resulting from negligence.
  3. Make sure they have Workers Compensation insurance. If they don’t and get injured at a home that is being inspected they can go after the seller, not a good ending to a relationship with the seller’s agent or the seller.

Have the company you refer send the insurance certificates to your office manager to have on file for all the agents to use. If the company you refer can’t produce all the necessary proof of insurance they don’t have coverage.

Hydro Physics has the insurance coverage required to conduct business in a professional manner.

Hydro Physics offers:

  1. More experience in the business than any other inspection company
  2. The highest levels of training
  3. Un-biased inspection, we don’t do repairs. So far we have saved clients over $3,000,000 in the past two years on second opinions.
  4. A professional office staff to handle scheduling and answers questions quickly

 Category: Home Inspectors, Home Owners, Realtors, Uncategorized    

“Tell-Tale Signs”

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

Hydro Physics presents….Down- Under Data

“Tell-Tale” Signs”

                                                                                                                             of underground sewer problems.

 

Sewer problems often leave “Tell-Tale” signs that you can easily identify during a routine walk through inspection of a property. Listed below are some of the most common “Tell-Tale” signs. If you encounter any of them, it would be wise to contact Hydro Physics for a closer look. If there is a real problem, the information we provide will enable you in making an informed decision on the property.

 

Replaced clean-out plugs:

Sewer lines usually have a clean-out access normally situated vertically on the main sewer line in the basement, crawlspace, or occasionally outside. In residential construction, prior to the 1980’s , a brass plug was used. If the original plug has been replaced with one pictured below, some sewer work, usually cleaning has been needed.

Clean-out plugs

Service Stickers:

The presence of these stickers on or near sewer pipes often indicate the sewer has given the owner problems at some point. In addition, they may also indicate that the property is on a preventative maintenance program for regular cleaning to prevent future backups.

ttsigns_sticker

 

Water Staining:

Water stains around the floor drain in the basement are an obvious sign the sewer line is not draining properly. The floor drain is usually the lowest point on the sewer line and it provides the first symptoms of a sewer problem.

ttsigns_staining

 

 

Structural damage:

Walls or floors cracking indicate movement of the foundation. Shifting foundations can be caused from excessive water in the soil which may be coming from a broken underground sewer line.

Structural Cracking

Other signs:

Signs of a broken sewer line can be sink holes, foul odors, water staining on walls or floors or concrete patches over drill holes for mud jacking.

Hydro Physics is the technology leader with more than 25 years in the pipe inspection industry. We are the only company licensed to apply Vaporooter in Colorado. We are committed to providing high-quality, camera pipeline inspection videos/reports. We offer highly trained inspection experts for a safe, cost effective, environmentally-responsible service. You benefit from this unbiased, accurate report, perhaps saving you thousands of dollars. We saved our clients $256,000 in just the first half of 2015 in unneeded sewer line repairs. We create value to our customers by supplying high-quality color videos and written reports for better pipe analysis. We offer

  • Pipe inspection,
  • utility locating,
  • odor detection,
  • leak detection,
  • pressure testing and
  • root removal using Vaporooter.

Our company goal remains the same, to expose fraud in the Pipe inspection business estimated to be $20,000,000 (million) a year in the Denver area. Visit our website at http://www.hydrophysics.org

Specialties: Sewer and pipe video inspections of all piping 2″ to 42” in diameter that are guaranteed accurate and unbiased. Serving Metro Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado. Ideal for home buyers and home owners who want to verify proposed repairs.

 Category: Uncategorized    

Is a Sewer pre-sale inspection money well spent?

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

I receive questions regarding this subject all the time and the following is a little Q & A.

Q: Someone suggested having the sewer “scoped” on a home I am purchasing, in addition to many other fees and inspections I am paying for already, so I am hesitant. I never heard of this. The house was built in the late 40’s. Is this really necessary, and cost –effective?

A: This type of inspection has gained popularity for potential home buyers. Is it worth it? I think it is very cheap insurance for anyone purchasing a home.

Within the past few years, all homeowners-insurance carriers have eliminated the sewer line from coverage, exposing owners and buyers to greater liabilities.

It is typical that you own the sewer from the house or building all the way to the city tap in the street or alley. This means a repair can involve not only digging up the yard, but also the sidewalk and half the street, along with ensuing municipal permits and inspections. In some cases, municipal workers are the only ones allowed to perform the street or sidewalk repair, increasing expenses. A $20,000 repair is not unheard of, and costs can exceed this quite often. Obviously a home inspector cannot see the buried sewer line, and running the water and flushing the toilets do not test the line adequately.

Hydro Physics was the originator of the home purchase sewer inspection. Many companies are out there but none of them are un-biased like Hydro Physics. It’s important to select a company that does not do repairs or one that receives a kick back from an excavator.

Remember Hydro Physics tag line, “We’re Up Front About What’s Down Under.”

Q: What kind of things do you find?

A: Pre 1975 clay pipe was used which can have root infiltration through the joints. Additionally you can find separated joints, breaks and low areas. Post 1975, plastic piping was used which can have separated joints, breaks, and low areas.

If a repair is needed Hydro Physics can pinpoint the exact spot using an electronic locator eliminating the need to replace the entire line.

Q: What is the inspection process?

A: Hydro Physics comes to the property, reviews the plumbing, and determines the best way to insert a camera into the line. The camera then passes through the line from the house or building to the city main and back. The inspection is recorded from start to finish and documented. You receive a full color DVD or email upload and a detailed inspection report with any recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

Hydro Physics is the technology leader with more than 24 years in the pipe inspection industry. We are the only company licensed to apply Vaporooter in Colorado. We are committed to providing high-quality, camera pipeline inspection videos/reports. We offer highly trained inspection experts for a safe, cost effective, environmentally-responsible service. You benefit from this unbiased accurate information perhaps saving you thousands of dollars. In 2014 we saved our clients $1,256,000 in unneeded sewer line repairs. We create value to our customers by supplying high-quality color videos and written reports for better pipe analysis. Hydro Physics

  • Pipe inspection,
  • Utility locating,
  • Odor detection,
  • Leak detection,
  • Pressure testing
  • Root removal using Vaporooter

Our company goal remains the same; to offer excellent; trustworthy pipe inspections. This in turn continues to expose fraud in the pipe inspection business estimated to be over $20,000,000 (million) a year in Denver alone.

 Category: Uncategorized    

Common Problems with sewer lines-Low Areas

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

 Category: Uncategorized    

Common Problems in sewer lines-Pipe offset problems

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

Underground pipes are installed in sections or segments ranging from 2′ to 20′ or more. When connected sections do not line up perfectly with one another, they are referred to as being “off-set.”

Sewer lines built from the 1800’s up to the mid 1980’s were constructed using a large number of short sections, typically 2′ to 4′ in length, of VCT (vitreous clay tile) pipe. These sewer lines are particularly subject to off-sets due to their large number of joints. During construction, the joints were sealed with products such as concrete, coal tar, oakum, rubber gaskets, and on occasion, nothing at all. Over time, these sealants erode away, allowing the pipe to then settle down into the “hub” of a connected pipe creating a slight offset. In most clay pipe, off-sets will not exceed 1/4″ unless the pipe is broken at the hub. However, this only applied to pipes running in a straight line.

Most sewer camera systems will have a very difficult (if not impossible) time passing over a 1/4″ off-set. If a sewer line is being video inspected and the technician passes over what he is calling a “severe off-set” and suggests excavation work is needed…beware. Compare his evaluation to those controlled models pictured here.

Common Problems in sewer lines-Pipe offset problems

Common Problems in sewer lines-Pipe offset problems

Hydro Physics recently did a re-inspection after a well-known drain cleaning company “documented” four 1″ off-sets with an accompanying $14,800 repair estimate. We found these off-sets to actually be 1/8″, well within the acceptable range, and that no repair work was needed.

Hydro Physics is the technology leader with more than 20 years in the pipe inspection industry. We are the only company licensed to apply Vaporooter in Colorado. We are committed to providing high-quality, camera pipeline inspection videos/reports. We offer highly trained inspection experts for a safe, cost effective, environmentally-responsible service. You benefit from this unbiased, accurate report, perhaps saving you thousands of dollars. We saved our clients $253,000 in just the first half of 2015 in unneeded sewer line repairs. We create value to our customers by supplying high-quality color videos and written reports for better pipe analysis. We offer
• Pipe inspection,
• utility locating,
• odor detection,
• leak detection,
• pressure testing and
• root removal using Vaporooter.

Our company goal remains the same, to expose fraud in the pipe inspection business estimated to be $20,000,000 (million) a year in the Denver area. Visit our website at hydrophysics.org

Specialties: Sewer and pipe video inspections of all piping 2″ to 60″ in diameter that are guaranteed accurate and unbiased. Serving Metro Denver and Fort Collins, Colorado. Ideal for home buyers and home owners who want to verify proposed repairs.

 Category: Home Inspectors, Home Owners, Realtors      Tags: , ,

Common Sewer Line Problems

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

report_treeroots

Common Problems in Sewer Lines – Tree root problems

Tree roots are a very common problem for sewer lines constructed prior to the early 1980’s. This is because these sewer lines were built using VCT (vitreous clay tile) pipe.  Clay tile pipe is a ceramic product dating back to the Roman aqueducts and is an ideal material for transporting water since it is inert. Clay tile pipe is also an ideal material for use in difficult environments since it is amazingly strong, has nearly a 3/4″ thickness, and is virtually impervious to deterioration from normal use. We have documented hundred-year-old clay pipe that looks as if it were installed last month. However, it does have a downside, namely … the joints. Clay tile pipe tends to leak water at the joints, making a wonderful water source for thirsty trees and shrubs.

With the advent of indoor plumbing in the late 1800’s, clay tile pipe in 2-foot lengths was immediately adopted for use by plumbers to construct the new sewer lines. These 2-foot lengths continued to be used until about 1930 when they were replaced by 3-foot or 4-foot lengths. These longer lengths continued to be used into the early 1980’s when they were replaced by PVC or SDR plastic pipe and superior joint sealing systems.

When originally installed, plumbers “sealed” the numerous joints in the clay tile sewer line with materials such as concrete, coal tar, oakum, or rubber gaskets. Unfortunately, all these sealing materials deteriorate over time, allowing water to escape, beginning an underground “drip system” attracting tree roots. Once tree roots get between the joints, they continue to grow, spreading the joint. As the joint spreads, it leaks more water. If tree roots are allowed to grow large enough, they will eventually break the clay tile pipe. Inside the clay tile pipe joint, tree roots initially act as a filter, allowing water to pass through while straining out other products sent through the line. As soon as the roots have trapped enough material, all water flow is stopped, resulting in sewage backup.

If you are having a tree root problem, you can have the line properly “snaked” out for around $125-175 dollars. Also, choose a company that uses a 4″ blade on the snake machine. By using the same size blade as the inner diameter of the sewer line, you will et the maximum root removal for your money. Research whether Vaporooter is a better answer for your tree root problem. Hydro Physics is the only authorized company to provide Vaporooter in Colorado.

In addition, many drain companies give a 90-day warranty on the cleaning work versus the industry standard of 30 days. If they don’t offer a 90-day guarantee without an additional charge, call somebody else. Finally, keep in mind that many sewer and drain companies pay their employees on a commission basis, usually 25-40 on all additional sewer line repair or replacement work sold. If they tell you the sewer line must be replaced because of tree roots alone, we highly recommend that you get a second opinion.

 

Hydro Physics is the technology leader with more than 20 years in the pipe inspection industry. We are  the only company licensed to apply Vaporooter in Colorado. We are committed to providing high-quality, camera pipeline inspection videos/reports. We offer highly trained inspection experts for a safe, cost effective, environmentally-responsible service. You benefit from this unbiased, accurate report, perhaps saving you thousands of dollars. We saved our clients $257,000 in just the first half of 2014 in unneeded sewer line repairs. We create value to our customers by supplying high-quality color videos and written reports for better pipe analysis. We offer

  • Pipe inspection,
  • utility locating,
  • odor detection,
  • leak detection,
  • pressure testing and
  • root removal using Vaporooter.

Our company goal remains the same, to expose fraud in the pipe inspection business estimated to be $20,000,000 (million) a year in the Denver area.

 Category: Home Owners      Tags: , ,

How to choose a sewer contractor

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

All is running smoothly when your plumbing is functioning. Problems can come up in new homes as well as older homes. If you don’t tackle the problem, it can accelerate to bigger problems. You need to call a professional.

But, wait. More than $20 Million in sewer line repair fraud is happening right here in Colorado. You need to first have an impartial company inspect your sewer lines to pinpoint the problems. Then you can start shopping for a reputable company to repair them. Use this check list to make sure you are not the next victim.

  • Use a reputable company to have your sewer line inspected. They will be able to report that all is well down under or pinpoint exactly where a problem exists. This will reduce the repair costs since you will be able to see exactly where the problem exists. Use an impartial inspection company that doesn’t offer or sell repairs. Check their insurance and workman’s comp.
  • Check on the experience level of the inspectors employed by the sewer inspector. Are they trained to use equipment that lets them look inside utility pipes, water drains, and septic tanks to find debris and holes that may prevent the smooth flow of sewage?
  • Determine the best solution for the problem. Does your line need sewer rodding or is it better to use Vaporooter to clear the roots and deter further growth? Check on both options before you make a decision.
  • If the sewer inspector determines that there are problems, be sure to shop around for estimates from at least three contractors before you decide which one to choose for repairs. Talk to your friends, relatives, and neighbors for recommendations. You also can view contractors’ websites to get an overview of each business.
  • Your plumber needs to be qualified, experienced, and licensed. Be sure to get proof of insurance before selecting your contractor.
  • Check with your sewer contractor about the materials that will be used.
  • Ask for a guarantee. It covers expenses to perform corrective work. Look for a garantee that covers both material and labor.

Hydro Physics is dedicated to providing unbiased inspections of pipeline systems. So… is being “unbiased” really that important? Absolutely! Many companies use so called “low cost” or even “FREE” inspections to get in your door. Don’t be fooled – once there, they make huge money by selling repair and replacement work (including full sewer replacements), which 9 out of 10 times we have found are completely unnecessary.

 Category: Home Owners      Tags: , ,

SAVED FROM MISTAKE OR FRAUD?

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

Dear Potential Customer of Hydro Physics,

Not too long ago I had my sewer drainage pipe roto-rooted and scoped by a plumber in town.  He said we had a breach in the line and that we would need to have the line replaced sometime soon, and they would be happy do do the work. Since there have been several other people in our neighborhood who have had that kind of work done recently, I thought it was to be expected, and that we would have to bite the bullet and get it done.  The estimated costs were $5,000 to $10,000.  We decided we would take care of the “problem” this summer.

Because of the expected costs, I wanted to get a second opinion. This time, I had the pipe inspected by Hydro Physics. The people at Hydro Physics were very professional in their services, and objective in their evaluation of the pipe-line. The technician who inspected our pipe told me and showed me video images and pictures of the pipe, and that it was actually in very good condition. We did not need to have the pipe replaced or repaired, as suggested by the other plumber.  We were very thankful to hear that news!

Apparently, there are plumbers in the area who either mistakenly or fraudulently diagnose pipe problems in order to get additional business. Fortunately, Hydro Physics saved us from paying several thousands of dollars for unnecessary work. In addition, because they do not do excavation work to replace plumbing lines, they don’t have any conflicts of interest in the same. I highly recommend Hydro Physics to you!

Chuck Longtine, a grateful customer.

 Category: Home Owners      Tags: , ,

Sewer Camera Inspection – The Easiest Way to Locate Sewer Line Problems

  Posted on by Hydro-Physics Video Pipeline Inspection

When you are buying a home, selling your home, or just have sewer issues, this is the perfect time to bring in the professionals to assess your sewer system. These camera inspections can pinpoint and determine the problem.

The traditional sewer line diagnostics is a treasure hunt at best. It is done manually and destructively in your landscape or driveway. However, the camera inspection finds all the problems that your lines have such as cracks caused by tree roots, faulty installations, or total chaos on your sewer system. The sewer camera inspection can be done using a flexible wire with a tiny, water-proof camera at the end. Using this state-of-the-art technology, the sewer expert can pinpoint any damage in your sewer lines. It speeds the process of finding the cause of your problems and if there are none, assures the new owner or seller that they have good pipes. If there are problems, this report can save thousands of dollars in repairs knowing exactly the extent of the damage and where it is located.

Compare these methods of locating sewer issues and you will always choose the camera inspection for accuracy and dependability. Read More

 Category: Home Inspectors, Home Owners, Realtors      Tags: , , , , , , ,

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Hours & Info
Metro Denver and Ft. Collins, Colorado
303.806.0622
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturdays by appointment only