- HEP Plumbing
- Camera Inspection Gear

Camera Inspection Gear
Camera Inspection Gear | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Hillsboro
When your sinks gurgle and your showers stall, HEP’s licensed plumbers in Hillsboro bring clarity to the chaos with state-of-the-art camera inspection gear. We snake high-resolution lenses deep into your pipes, pinpointing buildup, cracks, or lost jewelry without guesswork or messy excavation. The result? Fast, precise drain opening that restores full flow while protecting your landscaping, walls, and wallet.
Homeowners and businesses alike trust us for transparent footage, upfront pricing, and courteous pros who leave the workspace cleaner than they found it. Whether you’re facing a stubborn clog, planning a remodel, or just want peace of mind, schedule your camera inspection and drain opening with HEP today—so your plumbing can keep working as hard as you do.
FAQs
What is a plumbing camera inspection and why should I consider one for my Hillsboro home?
A plumbing camera inspection is a non-invasive service in which a high-resolution, waterproof camera is fed through your drain or sewer line to capture real-time video of the pipe’s interior. The footage lets our licensed technicians see blockages, cracks, root intrusions, corrosion, or misaligned joints without digging or removing fixtures. In Hillsboro, where older clay and concrete lines are common, a camera inspection provides quick, accurate diagnostics, helps prioritize repairs, and often prevents unnecessary excavation costs.
How does your camera inspection and drain-opening process work?
1. Access point: We locate or create a cleanout opening to insert the camera and any drain-opening tools. 2. Initial pass: The camera is pushed through the drain while transmitting footage to a monitor. We note depth and pipe condition in real time. 3. Locating trouble spots: If the video shows a blockage or defect, we use an electronic locator above ground to mark the exact spot and depth. 4. Clearing the line: Depending on what we find, we employ hydro-jetting, cable snaking, or cutting heads to remove roots, grease, or debris. 5. Final verification: We run the camera a second time to confirm the line is clear and document any remaining structural issues. 6. Report: You receive a digital video file and written report with recommendations for preventive maintenance or repair.
What kinds of problems can your sewer camera detect that other methods might miss?
Our HD cameras reveal: • Tree-root intrusions that squeeze through joints and cause recurring clogs. • Cracks, fractures, or sections of collapsed pipe often hidden until a major backup occurs. • Offset or separated joints caused by settling soil. • Corrosion or scaling common in cast-iron pipes that narrows the flow path. • Grease buildup, foreign objects, and construction debris. • Bellied (sagging) sections where wastewater pools. By viewing the actual pipe interior, we can distinguish between a simple clog and a structural failure, ensuring the correct fix the first time.
Will the camera or cleaning equipment damage my pipes?
No. The cameras are designed with smooth, rounded heads and flexible push rods that glide through drain lines without scratching or scraping. For clearing, we choose the gentlest effective method: hydro-jetting for grease and sludge, or a properly sized cable for roots and hard obstructions. Our technicians assess pipe material and condition before starting, so we avoid excessive pressure or torque that could harm older lines.
How long does a typical camera inspection and drain opening take?
For a single residential main line in good condition, the inspection alone usually takes 30–45 minutes. If minor clogs are present, add another 30 minutes for snaking or jetting. Complex issues, multiple branch lines, or severe root invasions may extend the visit to 2–3 hours. We schedule two-hour arrival windows in Hillsboro and keep you updated if additional time is needed.
What does a camera inspection cost in Hillsboro and what factors affect the price?
Our standard residential camera inspection starts at $199, which includes the video file and written report. Drain opening with cable snaking adds $125–$175, while hydro-jetting starts at $350 due to equipment and water usage. Pricing may vary based on pipe length, number of cleanouts, severity of blockage, or if the sewer line runs beneath a slab requiring specialized access. We provide a clear, upfront quote before any work begins.