- HEP Plumbing
- In-line Video Inspection

In-line Video Inspection
In-line Video Inspection | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Lenoir City
Picture a crystal-clear view inside your pipes—right from your smartphone screen—while a seasoned HEP technician pinpoints exactly where the blockage lurks. Our in-line video inspection plumbing service in Lenoir City threads a high-definition camera through your drains, mapping every twist, turn, and trouble spot without guesswork. We show you live footage, explain what you’re seeing in plain English, and recommend the fastest fix so you’re never left wondering what’s happening beneath your floors.
Once the culprit is exposed, our experts move straight to precise drain opening and thorough cleanup, restoring smooth flow before problems can cascade into bigger, costlier headaches. No messy excavations, no surprise invoices—just transparent insights, locally trusted craftsmanship, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home’s plumbing is running like new. Call HEP today and see why Lenoir City homeowners turn to us first when they want real answers and rapid results.
FAQs
What is an in-line video inspection and why might I need one for my Lenoir City home?
An in-line video inspection is a non-invasive method of sending a high-resolution, waterproof camera through your drain or sewer line to see its interior condition in real time. The live video lets our licensed technicians locate blockages, breaks, root intrusions, and corrosion without digging or guessing. For Lenoir City homeowners, it eliminates unnecessary excavation, accurately pinpoints the problem area, and provides a visual record you can keep for insurance claims or future reference.
How does your video drain inspection and opening service work from start to finish?
1. Initial assessment – We discuss your symptoms (slow drains, sewer smell, backups) and pull any city utility maps for the property. 2. Access point – A cleanout, toilet flange, or small access hole is used to insert the camera; no major demolition required. 3. Live camera feed – A push-rod cable streams video to a monitor. We record depth, slope, and distance so we know exactly where issues are located under the lawn, slab, or street. 4. Diagnosis – If we spot obstructions (roots, grease, collapsed pipe), we switch to the appropriate opening method—mechanical auger, hydro-jetting, or cutting head. 5. Post-clearing verification – We run the camera a second time to confirm the line is clear and structurally sound. 6. Digital report – You receive a USB or cloud link with footage, still images, and our written recommendations for any repairs.
What kinds of plumbing problems can the camera detect that traditional methods might miss?
• Tree-root intrusion and cracked pipe joints hidden beneath landscaping • Offset or bellied sections where the pipe has sunk and is holding water • Grease buildup, hard scale, or foreign objects lodged deep in the line • Corrosion or pipe wall thinning in older cast-iron and galvanized systems • Unknown tie-ins from remodels, illegal connections, or abandoned lines • Early signs of pipe collapse or severe misalignment that could cause future backups
Will the inspection or drain opening damage my pipes, yard, or flooring?
No. The camera itself is only about an inch in diameter and travels through the existing pipe. When we open the drain, we use the least aggressive tool necessary—starting with cable snaking and progressing to hydro-jetting only if the pipe material can handle higher pressure. Because the location of any defect is precisely marked with a surface locator, repairs (if needed) can be surgically performed in a small area, preserving your landscaping, driveway, or slab.
How long does the entire process take, and do I need to be home?
Most residential inspections in Lenoir City take 60–90 minutes, including the post-clearing verification. Complex systems or long sewer laterals (over 100 ft) can take up to three hours. We prefer the homeowner or a decision-maker be on-site so we can explain findings in real time, but if you can’t be there, we can email the video, mark problem spots with paint flags, and review the results over a phone or video call afterward.
What does an in-line video inspection cost in Lenoir City, and is it covered by insurance?
For a single residential line up to 125 ft, our flat rate is typically $225, which includes the inspection, digital recording, and written report. If drain opening is needed, cable snaking starts at $125, and hydro-jetting ranges from $275–$450 depending on the pipe diameter and severity of buildup. Homeowners insurance generally does not pay for routine maintenance or inspections, but it may cover repairs to a damaged sewer line if the damage was sudden and accidental (for example, a collapse caused by a shifting foundation). Your video report provides the documentation insurers require when filing a claim.