Push cameras and dye testing help find Nashville restaurant’s sewer problems
Initial inspections in the dishwasher room and parking garage showed no obstructions or anomalies, and multiple complementary methodologies were required.
GPRS VPI Service Resolves Sewer Backup Issue for Nashville Restaurant
GPRS Resolves Sewer Backup Issue for Nashville Restaurant
A Nashville restaurant experienced repeated sewer backups, but lacked existing sewer system maps, which prevented effective troubleshooting. Given the health risks and regulatory concerns, swift resolution was essential. The restaurant engaged GPRS to locate the problem and provide actionable insights.
System Inspection and Initial Findings
GPRS Video Pipe Inspection Project Manager Alec Bacon began the investigation at the restaurant’s interior cleanouts. The backups occurred in multiple locations, prompting concerns about improper sewer connections.
GPRS Video Pipe Inspection Manager Alec Bacon, used multiple sewer inspection methods to uncover the source of a potentially hazardous sewer back-up for a Nashville area restaurant.
“They suspected that during the building process, someone had mistakenly tied the sewer into the storm drain,” Bacon explained.
Using a push camera—essential for inspecting pipes too small for a CCTV crawler—Bacon visually examined the sewer lines and mapped their routes. Initial inspections in the dishwasher room and parking garage showed no obstructions or anomalies, so he shifted focus to the office area.
“The dishwasher cleanout and parking garage were clear. The real discovery came when we checked the office cleanout,” Bacon noted.
Identifying the Problem
As the push camera navigated the PVC sewer line from the office, Bacon observed that it emptied into a concrete storm drain outside the restaurant—an uncommon and problematic configuration. To confirm the finding, he deployed a CCTV crawler camera into the storm drain to check for visual proof of the sewer line connecting to it.
“I guided the crawler camera into the storm drain and, sure enough, there was the push camera extending into it,” Bacon said.
A screenshot from the CCTV crawler camera inside the storm drain.
For further verification, Bacon conducted a dye test. A green dye introduced into the office cleanout appeared in the storm drain’s CCTV feed, unequivocally proving the sanitary sewer’s illegal tie-in to the storm system.
What is a Push Camera?
A push camera is a smaller, lightweight CCTV camera system that is a great tool for situations in which the pipes or sewers being inspected are too small for the robotic crawler. Push cameras are fed into a pipe manually, and can be easily manipulated through the line. GPRS push cameras are equipped with sondes for accurate mapping and real-time video recording, allowing instant diagnosis and easy playback, so you can quickly and easily locate and repair any sewer problems.
How are Dye Tests Conducted?
Bacon used the office cleanout to conduct a dye test, which he was then able to follow through the sewer with the crawler camera.
Dye tracing, or dye testing, identifies sewer line types (combined or separated), maps flow direction, detects illicit discharges, and flags potential contamination. To conduct a dye test, a biodegradable dye is introduced into a line, then it is traced to its end points to determine flow and find blockages. The dye used is safe for wildlife, infrastructure, and waterways.
Providing Actionable Solutions
Despite the absence of as-built drawings and the complexity of multiple cleanouts, GPRS swiftly mapped the sewer system and identified the issue. Their work extended beyond diagnostics:
- Ground markings illustrated sewer cleanout routes.
- A digital map was created and shared through SiteMap® for the customer’s use
By providing accurate sewer system visualization, GPRS empowered restaurant owners to address the improper connection and prevent future disruptions.
Expert Solutions for Retail & Restaurant Properties
Effective sewer mapping and inspection are critical for maintaining operational efficiency in retail and restaurant environments. Whether diagnosing backups, identifying unexpected connections, or performing routine inspections, GPRS delivers precise, reliable results.
With industry-leading expertise and advanced technology, GPRS Intelligently Visualizes The Built World®, helping property managers keep facilities compliant, functional, and safe.
What can we help you visualize?