Video Inspection
Video Inspection | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Gatlinburg
Nestled between rushing streams and shifting mountain soil, Gatlinburg’s plumbing systems face a unique set of challenges. HEP’s state-of-the-art video inspection equipment snakes through your lines, revealing every crack, root intrusion, and corrosion spot in real time. There’s no guesswork, no unnecessary digging—just crystal-clear footage that tells our licensed technicians exactly what’s happening beneath your feet.
Armed with that insight, we recommend only the solutions you truly need, from targeted repairs to full pipe upgrades that future-proof your home against the next big freeze or torrential downpour. Because we can pinpoint the problem to the inch, your project is completed faster, cleaner, and more affordably than traditional methods. Ready to see what’s going on underground? Schedule a video inspection today and let HEP keep your Gatlinburg plumbing flowing strong for years to come.
FAQs
What is video pipe inspection and why might I need it in Gatlinburg?
A video pipe inspection involves sending a high-resolution, waterproof camera through your home’s drain or sewer lines to capture real-time images of the pipe interior. In Gatlinburg, many properties are older log cabins or vacation rentals built on steep terrain, where ground movement, tree-root intrusion, and mineral-rich water can all accelerate pipe deterioration. An inspection pinpoints the exact location and cause of clogs, leaks, or corrosion without excavation, giving you a detailed report before any repair or upgrade work begins.
How does your video inspection process work and what equipment do you use?
Our licensed technicians arrive with a self-contained service truck that houses a push-rod camera system, a live-feed monitor, and a pipe-locating transmitter. We start by inserting a 2"–12" compatible color camera head into the cleanout or an access point we create. As the camera travels, we record HD footage, measure pipe depth, and mark surface locations with a sonde locator. You receive a digital copy of the video, still photos of any defects, and a written condition report that outlines repair or upgrade recommendations.
What common pipe problems do you find in Gatlinburg homes and cabins?
The most frequent issues include: • Tree-root intrusion from native hardwoods and pines searching for moisture. • Cast-iron scale buildup and internal rust flaking in pre-1990 homes. • PVC joint separations caused by seasonal freeze-thaw cycles in the Smoky Mountain climate. • Grease and soap scum blockages from high turnover vacation rentals. • Ground shifts or settling on hillside lots that create bellies (low spots) where waste collects.
When should I consider a full pipe upgrade instead of a spot repair?
A complete upgrade is recommended when: • More than 25–30% of the pipe run shows cracks, scale, or offset joints. • The pipe diameter is undersized for current fixture loads (e.g., additions or extra bathrooms). • You have chronic backups despite multiple cleanings. • The existing material (galvanized, Orangeburg, or deteriorated cast iron) is at the end of its service life. Upgrading to modern SDR-35 PVC or trenchless CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) provides a 50-year life expectancy, better flow, and higher resale value.
How much do video inspections and pipe upgrades typically cost in Gatlinburg?
Pricing varies with access and pipe length, but as a rule of thumb: • Video inspection: $199–$325 for up to 150 ft, including digital footage and report. • Spot trench repair: $450–$750 per linear foot (includes excavation, pipe replacement, backfill, and restoration). • Trenchless pipe lining: $90–$140 per linear foot with a 10-year transferable warranty. We provide up-front, no-surprise quotes after the inspection, and we can help you file for possible insurance or short-term rental tax deductions where applicable.
Will the inspection or upgrade damage my landscaping or disrupt my rental schedule?
Our goal is minimal disruption. The inspection itself is entirely non-invasive; it uses existing cleanouts and takes about an hour. For upgrades, we offer trenchless options that require only two small access holes, preserving driveways, flowerbeds, and retaining walls. We also schedule work during low-occupancy windows and can complete most single-line pipe linings in one day. Vacation-rental owners receive a detailed timeline so you can block out as little downtime as possible and maintain 5-star guest reviews.