Camera Inspection Gear
Camera Inspection Gear | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Charleston
When water backs up without warning or an unexplained foul odor drifts through your Charleston home, chances are the culprit is lurking deep inside the pipes. HEP’s state-of-the-art camera inspection gear gives our technicians a crystal-clear view of cracks, roots, and stubborn grease deposits—even in pitch-black, hard-to-reach spots. Instead of guessing where to dig or cut, we pinpoint the precise location and cause of main line issues, saving you time, money, and a whole lot of mess.
From historic downtown properties to new builds along the Ashley River, every plumbing system can hide surprises. Our high-resolution cameras record and map your entire sewer run in real time, allowing us to share instant footage and recommendations with you on-site. If repairs are needed, we can move straight to trenchless solutions or targeted spot fixes, restoring flow the same day in many cases. Reach out to HEP today and let Charleston’s most trusted inspection team keep your lines clear and your home worry-free.
FAQs
What is a plumbing main line camera inspection and why is it important for Charleston homes?
A camera inspection involves feeding a high-resolution, waterproof camera through your home’s main sewer line to obtain real-time video of the pipe interior. In Charleston, older clay and cast-iron laterals, shifting coastal soils, tree root intrusion, and high groundwater levels can accelerate pipe deterioration. A camera inspection provides a non-invasive way to pinpoint clogs, root penetration, cracks, or collapses before they cause sewage backups or costly emergency repairs.
How does the camera inspection process work?
A technician accesses the main line through a cleanout or a pulled toilet, then pushes a flexible rod with a LED-lit camera head into the pipe. Live footage is transmitted to a monitor where the operator records and notes depth, distance, and problem areas. The tech may pause to clean the lens or flush water for clarity. After reaching the city tap, the system is retracted, the video is saved, and you receive a detailed report with timestamps, still images, and repair recommendations—usually on the same day.
What kinds of issues can a main line camera inspection detect?
High-definition cameras can identify: • Root intrusion and bio-growth • Grease, scale, or foreign object blockages • Pipe off-sets, bellies (sags), or separations • Cracks, fractures, and corrosion • Collapsed or crushed pipe sections from vehicle traffic or settling soil • Illegal cross-connections (e.g., storm drains tied into sewer) Finding the exact location and nature of the defect helps avoid unnecessary digging and speeds up targeted repairs like trenchless lining or spot repairs.
Will the inspection damage my pipes or landscaping?
No. The process is entirely non-destructive. The camera and push rod are engineered with smooth, rounded edges that glide through the line without scratching or stressing the pipe walls. Because the entry point is an existing cleanout or toilet flange, there is no need for excavation, cutting, or breaking surfaces in your home or yard.
How much does a main line camera inspection cost in Charleston, and is it worth it?
In the Charleston area, pricing ranges from $250-$450 for a residential main line (including video and report). If combined with hydro-jetting or drain cleaning, bundled discounts often apply. Considering that a single backup can cause thousands in water damage or that digging up a yard to locate a break can cost $3,000-$7,000, an inspection is a cost-effective diagnostic tool. Many home buyers include it in pre-purchase inspections to avoid inheriting expensive sewer problems.
When should I schedule a camera inspection?
Schedule an inspection when you experience recurring slow drains, gurgling toilets, or foul sewer odors, as these are early signs of main line trouble. It’s also wise to inspect before buying or selling a home, after major plumbing repairs, or every 2-3 years for homes over 25 years old. Charleston properties with large root systems, heavy storm runoff, or previous main line issues benefit from annual check-ups.