Video Inspection
Video Inspection | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Dandridge
Cracked pipes, invasive tree roots, and stubborn blockages can lurk deep beneath your yard, hiding from sight until disaster strikes. HEP’s advanced video inspection equipment lets our technicians glide a high-resolution camera through your sewer line, revealing every detail in real time so we can pinpoint main line issues before they turn into costly emergencies. You’ll see the footage yourself, gain clear answers instead of guesses, and receive a tailored plan that targets the exact trouble spot—no unnecessary digging, no surprise bills.
Serving homeowners and businesses throughout Dandridge, our licensed plumbers arrive fast, respect your property, and back every repair with the HEP Happiness Guarantee. Whether you’re buying a new home, noticing slow drains, or smelling something you shouldn’t, schedule your video inspection today and keep your plumbing flowing worry-free tomorrow.
FAQs
What is a video inspection of a main sewer line and why is it important for Dandridge homeowners?
A video inspection involves feeding a high-resolution, waterproof camera through your home’s main sewer line. The camera transmits real-time images to a monitor, allowing technicians to see blockages, cracks, root intrusions, corrosion, or pipe sagging without excavating. In Dandridge—where many homes still rely on older clay or cast-iron sewer laterals—camera inspections are the fastest, least invasive way to evaluate pipe health, confirm the exact cause of chronic backups, and document conditions for insurance or real-estate transactions.
Which warning signs suggest I should schedule a main-line camera inspection?
Persistent slow drains or backups in multiple fixtures, unexplained gurgling noises, foul sewer odors in the yard or basement, wet or unusually green patches on the lawn, and repeat visits for drain snaking all point to a possible main-line problem. If you’re buying an older Dandridge property or planning a major remodel that adds plumbing fixtures, a preventive video inspection is also strongly recommended.
How does the inspection process work and how long does it take?
Our technician locates or installs a cleanout, inserts a flexible cable with a camera head, and advances it through the entire main line toward the city sewer tap. We record high-definition footage, mark footage counter readings, and use a radio transmitter to pinpoint the camera’s depth and position from the surface. Most residential inspections take 30–60 minutes, and you can watch the monitor live. You’ll receive a digital video file, still photos of any defects, and a written condition report before we leave.
Can a video inspection pinpoint the exact cause and location of my sewer issue?
Yes. The camera’s on-screen footage counter measures how far the lens has traveled, and an above-ground locator identifies the precise spot and depth of the camera head. This tells us whether the obstruction is grease, roots, an offset joint, a collapsed pipe, or a belly (sag), and exactly where it is under your yard, driveway, or street. Accurate locating means we can quote trenchless repairs or targeted excavations, eliminating guesswork and unnecessary digging.
Will my yard or driveway need to be dug up during the inspection itself?
In almost all cases, no. Camera inspections are non-destructive. We use your existing cleanout access. If the home lacks a cleanout, we can often perform the inspection through a roof vent or by installing a small, above-grade cleanout with minimal disturbance. Excavation is only needed later if repairs such as pipe bursting or spot replacement are chosen.
How much does a main-line video inspection cost in Dandridge and is it worth it?
A stand-alone inspection typically ranges from $225 to $350, depending on pipe length and ease of access. That fee includes the video file, written report, and on-site consultation. Considering that an undetected sewer failure can cost $4,000–$15,000 in emergency excavation and property damage, the modest upfront investment often pays for itself many times over. If you hire us to perform any recommended repairs, we credit a portion—or sometimes all—of the inspection cost toward the work.