Camera Inspection
Camera Inspection | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Louisville
When a mystery leak floods your lawn or your water pressure drops overnight, guessing isn’t good enough. HEP’s licensed plumbers snake a high-definition camera through your lines to pinpoint cracks, roots, and corrosion in real time—no digging, no mess, just instant answers. Because we’re based right here in Louisville, we know the city’s aging clay and cast-iron systems inside out, and we can show you the live footage on-site so you can see exactly what’s lurking beneath your slab or yard.
Armed with those crystal-clear images, our team recommends smart, budget-friendly pipe upgrades that stop small flaws from becoming expensive emergencies. Whether you need a single section relined or a whole-home repipe, we handle permits, cleanup, and everything in between, letting you get back to hot showers and worry-free drains faster. Call or click today and see why Louisville homeowners trust HEP to turn underground problems into long-term peace of mind.
FAQs
What is a plumbing camera inspection and how does it work?
A plumbing camera inspection involves feeding a high-resolution, waterproof video camera attached to a flexible cable through your home’s sewer or drain lines. The camera transmits real-time footage to a monitor, allowing our licensed Louisville technicians to see the interior condition of the pipes without excavation. We pinpoint clogs, cracks, root intrusions, corrosion, or misaligned joints with accuracy, then mark the exact depth and location using a built-in transmitter.
Why should I schedule a camera inspection before upgrading my pipes?
A camera inspection gives us a detailed map of your existing system so we can design the most effective upgrade plan. By seeing the pipe size, configuration, and problem areas in advance, we avoid unnecessary digging, choose the right pipe material (PVC, HDPE, copper, etc.), and estimate costs more precisely. It also confirms whether a trenchless solution—such as pipe bursting or cured-in-place lining—is feasible, saving Louisville homeowners time and money.
How long does a typical camera inspection take in Louisville homes?
Most residential inspections take 45–90 minutes from setup to cleanup. The exact time depends on your property’s clean-out access points, pipe length, and the number of problem spots we need to investigate. Larger homes or properties with multiple drain lines may take up to two hours. You receive the recorded video and a written condition report immediately after the service.
What kinds of problems can a camera inspection detect that a regular snake or auger can’t?
Unlike a mechanical snake that only clears blockages, the camera lets us visually confirm hairline cracks, collapsed sections, low (sagging) spots, offset joints, grease buildup, broken or missing pipe walls, and invasive tree roots. We can also identify improper pitch that causes chronic backups. This visual evidence helps us recommend the correct upgrade—spot repair, full replacement, or trenchless lining—rather than repeated short-term fixes.
Is a camera inspection safe for older cast-iron or clay pipes?
Yes. The camera’s cable is flexible and non-abrasive, designed to glide through fragile pipes without scraping or adding stress. We use protective guides and limit insertion pressure to prevent further damage. In fact, for older Louisville homes with 50- to 80-year-old lines, a camera inspection is the safest way to evaluate structural integrity before planning any upgrade work.
How much does a camera inspection cost in the Louisville area, and do I need permits?
Most residential camera inspections in Louisville range from $175 to $325, depending on pipe length and access complexity. If the inspection is bundled with a pipe upgrade project, we often credit part or all of that fee toward the final repair cost. No permit is required for the inspection itself, but if the video reveals issues that call for pipe replacement or trenchless rehabilitation, we will obtain the necessary Louisville Metro Sewer District (MSD) permits on your behalf and schedule any required inspections.