Preventative Inspections
Preventative Inspections | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Old Fort
Keeping water moving smoothly through your Old Fort home starts with vigilant care of the pipes you rarely see. HEP’s preventative inspections combine high-definition camera technology, pressure testing, and decades of local know-how to catch blockages, corrosion, and subtle root intrusions before they erupt into costly main line issues. Our licensed technicians arrive on schedule, respect your property, and leave you with a clear digital report that shows exactly what’s happening beneath your floors and yard.
With early detection, you avoid surprise back-ups, safeguard your foundation, and extend the life of your entire plumbing system—all while boosting resale value and peace of mind. Schedule an inspection today and let HEP keep your home’s most vital pipeline flowing freely, season after season.
FAQs
What is a preventative main line inspection and why is it important for homes in Old Fort?
A preventative main line inspection is a proactive examination of the primary sewer or drain line that carries wastewater away from your property. Using specialized equipment such as high-resolution sewer cameras, a licensed plumber checks for root intrusion, cracks, bellies, buildup, and other early-stage defects. In Old Fort, where some neighborhoods have aging clay or cast-iron piping and a high water table, early detection prevents costly backups, protects your landscaping, and extends the service life of your plumbing system.
How often should I schedule a main line inspection?
For most single-family homes in Old Fort, we recommend an inspection every two to three years. If your property has mature trees near the sewer lateral, a history of backups, or pipes over 40 years old, yearly inspections are wise. Rentals, restaurants, and other high-usage properties also benefit from annual checks to stay compliant with insurance or municipal guidelines.
What signs indicate I may need a main line inspection sooner?
Slow-draining fixtures across the house, frequent toilet clogs, gurgling sounds, foul odors near floor drains, or damp spots in the yard above the sewer line are strong warnings. If you notice these symptoms—or if you experience a sudden spike in water bills—schedule an inspection immediately to locate and fix the underlying issue before a full blockage or break occurs.
What methods and equipment do you use during a preventative inspection?
Our technicians insert a waterproof, self-leveling video camera attached to a flexible rod into an accessible clean-out or pulled toilet. The live feed shows the pipe’s interior condition up to 200 feet. We also use line locators to mark problem areas from the surface, hydrostatic pressure tests for suspected leaks, and low-pressure water jetting to clear minor debris so the camera can pass. Every homeowner receives a digital recording and written report with recommended next steps.
How long does the inspection take and will it disrupt my day?
Most residential main line inspections in Old Fort take 60–90 minutes from arrival to cleanup. Because we enter the line through an exterior clean-out or quickly remove and reset a toilet, there’s minimal disruption, no digging, and you can stay in the home during the process. Water service is interrupted only for a few minutes while the camera is in the line.
What are the long-term benefits and cost savings of preventative inspections?
Catching hairline cracks, root intrusion, or grease buildup early allows for spot repairs or simple jetting rather than full pipe replacement. On average, a preventative inspection costs less than 5% of a major excavation or slab repair. Homeowners also avoid emergency service fees, property damage from sewage backups, and potential health hazards. Documented inspection reports can even boost property value and help during real-estate transactions by proving the main line is in good condition.