- HEP Plumbing
- Camera Scopes

Camera Scopes
Camera Scopes | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Oak Ridge
When mystery blockages slow your sinks, tubs, or toilets, HEP’s state-of-the-art camera scopes zero in on the problem without guesswork or messy excavation. Our licensed Oak Ridge plumbers snake a high-definition lens through your lines, giving you a real-time look at cracks, roots, buildup, or collapsed sections so we can recommend the fastest, most cost-effective fix. From preventative inspections to urgent drain opening, we bring clarity to the hidden parts of your home.
Homeowners across Anderson and Roane counties trust HEP for honest footage, upfront pricing, and repairs that last. We arrive on time, respect your property, and back every service with a satisfaction guarantee—because clear pipes mean peace of mind. Schedule your camera scope today and see why Oak Ridge counts on HEP to keep the water flowing and the worry gone.
FAQs
What is a plumbing camera scope inspection and how does it help with drain opening?
A plumbing camera scope inspection involves feeding a small, waterproof video camera attached to a flexible cable through your drain or sewer line. As the camera travels through the pipe, it sends real-time images to a monitor so our technician can see exactly what is causing the blockage—roots, grease, collapsed pipe, sediment, or a foreign object. By identifying the precise nature and location of the problem, we select the most effective drain-opening method (hydro-jetting, augering, root cutting, or spot repair) and avoid unnecessary digging or guesswork.
When should I schedule a camera inspection for my drains in Oak Ridge?
Schedule a camera scope when you experience recurring clogs, slow drains in multiple fixtures, sewer odors, gurgling sounds, or after flooding from heavy Oak Ridge storms. It is also recommended before buying a home, after a major remodel, or if your property has large trees whose roots may invade lines. Early detection prevents small issues from turning into expensive emergencies.
Will a video inspection damage my pipes?
No. The camera head is smooth, rounded, and designed to glide through PVC, cast-iron, clay, and even older Orangeburg lines without scratching or stressing the pipe walls. Because the inspection is non-invasive and uses only water for lubrication, it is safer than many traditional diagnostic methods that require cutting into walls or excavating soil.
Can you locate the exact spot and depth of the clog or break with your camera equipment?
Yes. Our cameras are equipped with a built-in sonde (radio transmitter). While the camera is positioned at the blockage, we use a surface locator to pick up the sonde’s signal. This tells us the depth and horizontal position within a few inches, allowing precise spot repairs or targeted drain-opening techniques that minimize yard or slab disruption.
How much does camera scoping and drain opening cost in Oak Ridge?
Pricing varies with pipe length, accessibility, and the severity of the clog, but most residential camera inspections in Oak Ridge start around $199 and include a digital recording and written report. If drain opening is needed, simple augering can add $100–$150, while hydro-jetting or root removal may range from $300–$600. We provide upfront, flat-rate quotes after the inspection so there are no billing surprises.
What happens after the inspection – do you offer same-day drain cleaning or repairs?
Absolutely. In most cases we can move directly from camera inspection to drain opening during the same visit. Our trucks are stocked with mechanical snakes, high-pressure jetting equipment, pipe patching kits, and root-cutting blades. If a major structural issue is discovered, we give you a written estimate and, when possible, provide trenchless repair options to restore flow quickly without extensive excavation.