Video Camera Inspections
Video Camera Inspections | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Oneida
When the drains in your Oneida home start gurgling or backing up, the culprit is often hidden deep underground. HEP’s video camera inspections plunge past sinks and branch lines to pinpoint main line issues with crystal-clear accuracy. Our waterproof, high-resolution cameras glide through every foot of pipe, broadcasting real-time footage to our technicians—and to you—so you can see exactly what’s happening beneath your lawn or slab.
Because we can spot cracks, root intrusions, and blockages without excavation, you get answers in minutes and solutions that target the real problem, not guesswork. From historic houses on Broad Street to brand-new builds along the lake, HEP delivers fast diagnostics, upfront pricing, and repairs that last, restoring your plumbing system’s flow and your peace of mind.
FAQs
What is a video camera inspection of a main sewer line, and why is it recommended for Oneida homes?
A video camera inspection involves feeding a waterproof, high-resolution camera on a flexible rod through the clean-out or a small access point to visually examine the entire length of your main sewer line. For Oneida homeowners, it is especially helpful because many of the city’s neighborhoods have older clay or cast-iron pipes as well as maturing tree roots that can penetrate joints. The live footage lets our licensed plumbers pinpoint blockages, cracks, root intrusions, or sagging (belly) sections without digging up your yard, ensuring we identify the exact cause and location of the problem before recommending repairs.
What signs indicate I should schedule a camera inspection of my main line?
Persistent drain backups, gurgling toilets, foul odors emanating from floor drains, soggy patches or unusually green spots in the yard, and repeated need for snaking are all red flags that something is wrong deeper in the system. If you have recently purchased an older Oneida property or are planning a major renovation, a proactive inspection can uncover hidden defects before they turn into costly emergencies.
How does the inspection process work from start to finish?
1. We locate or create a suitable access point, usually the home’s clean-out. 2. The camera is slowly guided through the main sewer line while transmitting video to a monitor in real time. 3. Our technician narrates the findings and records the footage for your records. 4. Once the entire line is inspected, we mark the depth and location of any issues with a radio transmitter on the camera head, allowing precise surface mapping. 5. We provide a written report and video link, along with repair or maintenance options—ranging from hydro-jetting to spot repairs or full trenchless replacement if necessary.
What problems can a video inspection detect that other methods might miss?
Besides obvious solid clogs, the camera reveals hairline cracks, offset joints, corrosion, root infiltration, grease buildup, pipe belly (where water pools), and even objects that were accidentally flushed. Traditional snaking can clear a path but won’t show you whether the pipe walls are deteriorating or if multiple trouble spots exist. The detailed visuals allow us to recommend targeted solutions and prevent repeat issues.
How much does a main line camera inspection cost in the Oneida area, and is it worth it?
Our standard residential main line inspection in Oneida typically ranges from $185 to $275, depending on ease of access and pipe length. Considering that an undiagnosed sewer collapse can exceed $5,000–$15,000 in emergency excavation costs, the inspection is a cost-effective preventive measure. You also receive a digital copy of the video that can be useful for insurance claims or future property disclosures.
Will the inspection damage my plumbing or landscaping?
No. The procedure is non-invasive—the camera and cable enter through an existing clean-out, eliminating the need for digging. If your home lacks an exterior clean-out, we can often use an interior access point such as a basement floor drain or toilet flange and reinstall the fixture afterward. Landscaping, driveways, and floors remain untouched, making it a safe diagnostic tool for both homeowners and businesses in Oneida.