- HEP Plumbing
- HD Camera Inspections

HD Camera Inspections
HD Camera Inspections | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Bristol
When mysterious blockages slow your drains or foul odours start drifting up from beneath your Bristol property, HEP’s HD camera inspections offer a crystal-clear answer. Our state-of-the-art equipment glides through your plumbing, streaming real-time, high-definition footage that pinpoints cracks, root intrusions, grease build-ups and other hidden threats without the mess of excavation. Within minutes, you’ll see exactly what we see, complete with time-stamped video evidence and expert recommendations that help you make informed, cost-effective decisions.
From Georgian townhouses in Clifton to modern flats on Harbourside, we’ve saved countless Bristol homeowners from unexpected floods and costly call-backs by catching main line issues before they turn catastrophic. Trust HEP’s friendly, qualified technicians to arrive on time, respect your home, and leave you with nothing but confidence in the health of your plumbing system.
FAQs
What is an HD camera inspection of my main sewer line, and how does it work?
An HD camera inspection involves feeding a specially designed, waterproof camera head into your home’s main sewer line through an existing clean-out or a small access point we create. The high-definition camera transmits real-time, colour video to a monitor at ground level, allowing our Bristol technicians to see the exact interior condition of the pipe. We can pan, tilt and zoom the lens, take still photos, and record the footage for later review. Because the camera is attached to a flexible push rod with distance markers, we can pinpoint the precise location and depth of any defect without excavating.
How can a camera inspection benefit Bristol homeowners experiencing recurring drain issues?
If you suffer from frequent backups, slow drains or foul odours, a camera inspection provides a fast, non-invasive way to identify the root cause. Instead of guessing, we see the problem directly—whether it’s a tree-root intrusion common in Bristol’s mature neighbourhoods, an offset joint caused by ground movement, or a build-up of flushed wipes. Knowing the exact issue means we can recommend a targeted, cost-effective repair rather than carrying out repeated, temporary rodding or blindly digging up your garden.
What types of problems can your HD cameras detect in the main line?
Our high-resolution equipment picks up a wide range of defects, including: • Tree-root penetrations and growth patterns • Cracked, fractured, or collapsed pipe sections • Sagging or bellied pipes where waste collects • Offset or separated joints • Corrosion or scaling in older cast-iron lines • Grease, sludge, or foreign object blockages • Evidence of vermin activity Because the images are in full colour and high definition, even hairline cracks or minor gradient issues are visible, enabling preventive maintenance before a major failure occurs.
Will digging be required if an issue is found during the camera inspection?
In many cases, no. The biggest advantage of an HD inspection is that it lets us locate the exact spot and depth of the fault. With that information, we can often offer trenchless solutions such as pipe relining or spot patching, which require only small access pits rather than a full excavation. If a dig is unavoidable—such as when the pipe has completely collapsed—we can confine the excavation to the precise location, minimising disruption to your driveway, patio or landscaping.
How long does a typical main line camera inspection take, and will it disrupt my water service?
For most Bristol residential properties, a complete inspection of the main line takes between 45 minutes and 1½ hours. During that time you can still use your water sparingly; short toilet flushes or hand-washing won’t interfere with the video quality. We may ask you to avoid heavy water use (e.g., running the washing machine) until the survey is finished to keep the view clear. Once the inspection is complete, all services return to normal immediately.
How much does a main line HD camera inspection cost in Bristol, and do you provide a video report?
Prices vary with pipe length and the location of accessible clean-outs, but most Bristol homeowners pay between £120 and £180 for a full HD sewer camera survey. The fee is all-inclusive: it covers technician time, pipe tracing to mark any problem areas, and a digital video file with annotated still images. Within 24 hours you’ll receive a written report explaining our findings, the exact pipe condition, and any repair options with transparent, fixed-price quotations.