Camera Inspections
Camera Inspections | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Chattanooga
When Chattanooga’s aging lines start groaning or slow drains hint at deeper trouble, HEP’s high-definition camera inspections bring the underground into clear view. Our technicians thread compact, lighted lenses through your plumbing, capturing real-time video that pinpoints cracks, corrosion, and blockages without guesswork or messy digging. Homeowners and property managers can watch the live feed, gaining total confidence in the diagnosis before any work begins.
Armed with this crystal-clear intel, we tailor cost-effective pipe upgrades that restore steady flow and safeguard your water quality for years to come. From targeted sectional replacements to full system modernizations, every solution is mapped out from the footage, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum value. With HEP, you’ll see exactly what’s wrong, know precisely how we’ll fix it, and feel the relief of reliable plumbing beneath your feet.
FAQs
What is a plumbing camera inspection and how does it work?
A plumbing camera inspection is a non-invasive way to look inside your sewer or drain lines without digging. A waterproof, high-resolution camera is attached to a flexible rod and inserted through an existing clean-out or a small access point. As the technician feeds the rod through the pipe, real-time video is transmitted to a monitor above ground, allowing our Chattanooga plumbers to see the pipe’s interior condition, identify blockages, cracks, root intrusions, and measure the exact distance to any defect. After the inspection you receive a digital recording and a written report with repair or upgrade recommendations.
Why should I schedule a camera inspection before upgrading my pipes?
Upgrading a plumbing system is a significant investment. A camera inspection gives you a precise map of your existing piping so you only replace what’s truly defective. In many Chattanooga homes—especially those built before 1980—sections of the system may still be in good shape, while cast-iron, Orangeburg, or galvanized steel segments are deteriorating. The inspection verifies pipe size, slope, and layout, helping us design an upgrade that meets current IPC codes and Hamilton County permitting requirements, saves unnecessary excavation, and eliminates guesswork costs.
How much does a sewer camera inspection cost in Chattanooga?
Prices vary with pipe length and accessibility, but most residential inspections in the greater Chattanooga area range from $175 to $350. This typically includes up to 100 feet of line, a digital video file, a written condition report, and basic locating services to mark the pipe path on the lawn. If you choose to proceed with a pipe replacement or trenchless rehabilitation through our company, we credit the inspection fee toward the project cost.
What kinds of problems can a camera inspection detect?
The high-definition camera can spot: • Root intrusion through joints or cracks • Pipe corrosion, scaling, and tuberculation • Off-set or collapsed joints from soil movement or heavy vehicle loads • Bellied (sagging) sections that hold water and cause frequent clogs • Foreign objects stuck in the line • Grease buildup or calcification • Improper pitch or illegal fittings. Detecting these issues early helps determine whether a simple cleaning, spot repair, or full pipe upgrade is the smartest solution.
Will a camera inspection damage my pipes or landscaping?
No. The process is entirely non-destructive. The camera and push rod are smooth and flexible, designed to travel gently through 1½-inch to 8-inch lines without scratching or stressing the pipe walls. Because we use existing clean-outs or remove a toilet and reinstall it with a new wax ring, there is zero digging or landscaping impact for an inspection alone. If the video shows defects that require repair, we’ll discuss minimally invasive options such as trenchless pipe bursting or cured-in-place lining before any excavation is considered.
After the camera inspection, how will I know if a pipe upgrade is necessary?
Once the inspection is complete, our licensed technician reviews the footage with you frame by frame. We grade each section of pipe according to NASSCO standards, outlining the severity of cracks, root ingress, or structural failure. If upgrades are recommended, you’ll receive: 1) a detailed scope of work (material choices like PVC SDR-35, HDPE, or trenchless liner), 2) a fixed-price estimate, 3) timeline, and 4) permit and inspection requirements for the City of Chattanooga. We also compare repair vs. replacement costs and life expectancy so you can make an informed decision based on budget, property value, and long-term performance.