Camera Inspections
Camera Inspections | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Oak Ridge
When water backs up or drains slow in your Oak Ridge home, the culprit is often hidden deep below your lawn or slab. HEP’s camera inspections give you a crystal-clear view inside those hard-to-reach pipes, revealing blockages, roots, or corrosion before they turn into expensive emergencies. Our licensed technicians feed a high-resolution camera through your plumbing, streaming real-time video that pinpoints main line issues with precision—no guesswork, no unnecessary digging.
Because we can see the exact problem and its location, you get straightforward solutions and accurate estimates on the spot. Whether you need a simple cleaning, trenchless repair, or full replacement, our team tailors the fix to your budget and timeline, protecting both your property and your peace of mind. Trust HEP to turn mysteries beneath your floors into clear, actionable answers so your plumbing flows freely again.
FAQs
Why are camera inspections important for diagnosing main sewer line issues in Oak Ridge?
Oak Ridge has a mix of older cast-iron, clay, and newer PVC sewer lines. A high-resolution camera inspection lets us see the exact condition of those pipes without digging up your yard. The camera pinpoints blockages, cracks, or root intrusions and records the depth and precise location with a built-in transmitter. This non-invasive approach saves time, prevents unnecessary excavation, and gives you a clear video record to share with insurance companies or for future reference.
What signs indicate I should schedule a camera inspection of my main line?
Call for an inspection if you notice any of the following: • Frequent sewer backups or toilet overflows • Gurgling sounds or air bubbles coming from drains • Slow drainage throughout the house, not just one fixture • Persistent sewer odors indoors or in the yard • Large trees or shifting soil near your sewer path • You’re buying an older Oak Ridge home and want to verify the pipe condition before closing
How does a camera inspection work and will it damage my pipes?
We insert a waterproof, fiber-optic camera attached to a flexible cable through an existing cleanout or vent stack. As the technician feeds the cable, you can watch live HD video showing the interior of the line. A distance counter tells us how far the camera travels, and a sonde transmitter allows us to locate the exact spot of any defect from the surface. The process uses no chemicals or cutting tools, so it’s completely safe for all pipe materials and leaves your plumbing system intact.
What common problems can the camera find in Oak Ridge sewer lines?
Typical issues we uncover include: • Root intrusion from the many mature trees in the area • Pipe offsets or separations caused by ground movement • Corrosion and scaling inside older cast-iron lines • Grease, soap, and mineral buildup restricting flow • Cracked or collapsed clay tiles • Low spots or “bellies” where wastewater collects and causes repeat blockages
How much does a main line camera inspection cost and what is included?
For most Oak Ridge residences the inspection ranges from $225 to $350, which covers up to 150 feet of main line, real-time viewing with the technician, a digital video file or cloud link, and a written condition report with depth and location data. Locating and spray-painting the defect area in your yard is usually included; extended line length or inaccessible cleanouts may add a small surcharge.
What happens after the inspection if a problem is found?
Right after the inspection we review the footage with you, explain the severity of any defects, and outline repair options such as hydro-jetting, trenchless pipe lining, spot repair, or full replacement. You’ll receive a detailed estimate and—because the video is yours—you can seek second opinions or submit it to your homeowner’s insurance. If you choose us for repairs, we can often schedule the work within 24–48 hours and apply the inspection fee toward the final service cost.