Camera Inspections
Camera Inspections | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Erwin
When a clog stalls your day in Erwin, HEP’s camera-assisted specialists zero in on the problem fast. Our high-definition scopes travel the full length of your lines, revealing breaks, roots, or grease buildup without tearing up your yard or floors. Armed with real-time video and decades of experience, we pinpoint the exact blockage and perform immediate drain opening that restores smooth flow while protecting your pipes from needless wear.
Customers love how transparent the process feels—you watch the live footage right alongside the technician, see the culprit for yourself, and approve only the work you truly need. From stubborn kitchen backups to mysterious sewer gurgles, HEP delivers clear answers, clean pipes, and a tidy workspace before we leave. Call today and experience Erwin’s most precise, mess-free solution for keeping water where it belongs: moving effortlessly down the drain.
FAQs
What is a plumbing camera inspection and how does it help with drain opening?
A plumbing camera inspection involves inserting a small, waterproof video camera attached to a flexible cable into your drain or sewer line. As the camera travels through the pipe, live video is sent to a monitor above ground. This allows our technician to see blockages, cracks, tree-root intrusions, and other defects without digging. Knowing the exact problem and its location lets us select the most effective drain-opening method, whether that’s mechanical snaking, hydro-jetting, or targeted repairs.
When should I schedule a camera inspection for my drains in Erwin?
You should consider a camera inspection if you experience recurring clogs, slow drains, gurgling sounds, sewage odors, or water backing up in multiple fixtures. It’s also wise to book an inspection before buying a home, after major remodeling, or if your property has mature trees whose roots could invade sewer lines. Regular preventive inspections—about once every two to three years—can catch small problems before they become costly emergencies.
What kinds of issues can a camera inspection detect?
High-resolution cameras can reveal grease buildup, collapsed or offset pipe sections, corrosion, cracks, tree-root intrusion, foreign objects, and poor pipe slope. They also verify whether previous repairs or cleanings were successful. By pinpointing the type and location of each issue, we can recommend the safest, most cost-effective drain opening or repair solution.
Will the camera inspection or drain opening process damage my pipes or yard?
No. Camera inspections are entirely non-invasive; the camera is simply guided through existing access points such as cleanouts or drain openings. When it comes to clearing the line, we select the least aggressive method that will still resolve the clog. Snaking and hydro-jetting are safe for properly installed pipes, and we avoid excavation unless the video evidence shows a structural failure that can’t be fixed any other way.
How long does a typical camera inspection and drain opening take, and do I need to be home?
Most residential inspections in Erwin take 60–90 minutes, including setup, video review, and basic drain opening if necessary. Complex clogs or long sewer laterals may require additional time. We recommend that someone be present to authorize any cleaning or repair work and to review the live video footage, but if that’s not possible we can provide a recorded copy and a written report afterward.
What does a camera inspection and drain opening cost, and what’s included?
Pricing depends on factors such as pipe length, accessibility, and severity of the blockage, but most Erwin homeowners pay between $175 and $350 for a standard inspection with basic drain opening. The fee includes camera setup, real-time video analysis, locating equipment to mark problem spots, and a digital recording or written summary. If more extensive cleaning (like hydro-jetting) or repairs are needed, we’ll provide a clear, upfront estimate before proceeding.