Camera Inspections
Camera Inspections | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Hixson
When a stubborn clog halts the flow in your Hixson home, the HEP team arrives with more than a plunger. Our plumbers guide a high-definition camera through the line, revealing every twist, offset, and hidden obstruction before we ever pick up a cutting tool. This live video feed turns guesswork into precision, allowing us to diagnose the cause—grease buildup, foreign objects, or invading roots—and choose the fastest, least disruptive solution for reliable drain opening.
Because we see the problem from the inside, you avoid needless digging, extra labor costs, and repeat call-backs. Once the line is clear, we share the footage with you, so you know exactly what was fixed and how to prevent future issues. From first inspection to final flush, HEP’s camera-assisted plumbing service restores peace of mind—and free-flowing pipes—throughout Hixson.
FAQs
What is a plumbing camera inspection and why might I need one?
A plumbing camera inspection uses a high-resolution, waterproof video camera attached to a flexible push rod. Our technician inserts the camera through an existing clean-out or access point and views real-time footage on a monitor. Homeowners in Hixson request camera inspections to locate the exact cause and location of recurring clogs, slow drains, sewer odors, root intrusion, or to verify the condition of pipes before buying or selling a home. Because the process is non-invasive, it eliminates guesswork, prevents unnecessary digging, and allows us to recommend the most effective repair or drain-opening solution.
How does your camera inspection process work?
1. Initial assessment: We ask about any symptoms (backups, foul smells, gurgling sounds) and determine the best access point. 2. Camera insertion: The camera is gently fed into the main sewer or branch line while transmitting live video to the technician’s monitor. 3. On-screen diagnosis: We identify cracks, breaks, bellies, blockages, roots, grease, or foreign objects and note their depth and exact location with a built-in distance counter and locator. 4. Drain opening (if needed): If we encounter an obstruction, we can immediately clear it using mechanical augers or high-pressure hydro-jetting. 5. Report & recommendations: You receive a digital recording, still images, and a written report explaining our findings and any repair options or preventive maintenance suggestions. The entire visit usually takes 60–90 minutes, and you don’t need to be home for the whole time—just available at the start and end.
What types of issues can a camera inspection detect in my Hixson home?
• Root intrusion from nearby trees and shrubs • Cracked, broken, or collapsed clay, cast-iron, or PVC pipes • Offset or misaligned joints caused by ground shifting • Corrosion, scale buildup, or sediment restricting flow • Low spots or “bellies” where water and waste collect • Grease, soap, and debris clogs • Foreign objects accidentally flushed • Early signs of structural failure that could lead to sinkholes Finding these problems early helps avoid emergency backups and costly excavation later.
If a blockage is found, can you open the drain during the same visit?
Yes. Our service trucks are equipped with professional-grade drain snakes, hydro-jetters, and root-cutting heads. After pinpointing the obstruction with the camera, we immediately choose the right tool to clear it. Performing the drain opening right away saves you an extra service call, prevents further damage from backups, and allows us to re-inspect the line afterward to confirm the pipe is completely clean and undamaged.
Will a camera inspection or drain opening damage my pipes or landscaping?
No. The camera itself is non-destructive and travels through the pipe’s interior, so your yard, driveway, and flooring stay untouched. For drain opening, we use the least invasive method that will safely restore flow. Mechanical cabling scrapes only the clog, while hydro-jetting uses water at controlled pressures to avoid pipe damage. If a section of pipe is fragile, we lower the pressure or switch to a gentler tool. Because we know the exact location and depth of any severe damage, targeted repairs or trenchless lining are possible without large-scale excavation.
How much does a camera inspection and drain opening cost in Hixson, and will my insurance cover it?
Camera inspections start at $199 for most single-family homes in the Hixson area. If we need to perform a drain opening during the same visit, prices range from $125 for basic cable snaking to $375+ for extensive hydro-jetting, depending on pipe size and blockage severity. We always provide upfront, flat-rate pricing before any work begins. Most homeowner insurance policies do not cover routine maintenance or wear-and-tear blockages, but they may cover sudden, accidental damage (like a pipe collapse) or water damage resulting from a covered peril. After the inspection, we supply detailed video and written documentation you can submit to your insurer or home warranty provider. We also offer financing options and preventive maintenance plans to keep costs manageable.