- HEP Plumbing
- Video Inspection Cameras

Video Inspection Cameras
Video Inspection Cameras | Main Line Issues | Plumbing | Palmer
When drains gurgle, fixtures back up, or unexplained odors creep through the house, the culprit is often hidden deep underground. HEP’s advanced video inspection cameras slip right into your plumbing, delivering crystal-clear footage of every inch of pipe so we can locate cracks, roots, grease buildups, or other main line issues without guesswork or unnecessary excavation. Homeowners and business owners in Palmer love that they can watch the live feed alongside our technician and understand exactly what’s happening beneath the surface.
Armed with this pinpoint accuracy, our licensed plumbers recommend only the repairs you truly need—saving time, money, and your landscaping. Whether you’re buying a new property, experiencing chronic backups, or planning a remodel, schedule a video inspection with HEP and get ahead of hidden problems before they become costly emergencies.
FAQs
What is a video inspection camera and how is it used to diagnose main-line plumbing issues?
A video inspection camera is a waterproof, high-resolution camera attached to a flexible cable that plumbers feed through a clean-out or other access point. As it travels down the main sewer line, it transmits real-time footage to a monitor, letting the technician see the interior condition of the pipe—everything from joint separations and cracks to roots and blockages—without having to dig. The video can be saved and used as a visual report for homeowners, insurance claims, or future repairs.
Why should I choose a camera inspection instead of traditional "snake and hope" methods?
Traditional augering or snaking can punch a temporary hole through a clog but doesn’t show WHY the blockage occurred or whether bigger issues—like pipe collapse, bellies, or heavy root infiltration—are present. A camera inspection provides a precise, non-destructive diagnosis, so you get: • Pinpoint accuracy: Know the exact location and depth of a problem, which minimizes excavation size and cost. • Cost savings: Repair only the section that needs work instead of replacing the entire line blindly. • Prevention: Catch small cracks or root intrusions before they escalate into backups or property damage. • Peace of mind: A clean bill of health on video is reassurance when buying or selling a home in Palmer.
What problems can a sewer camera inspection typically uncover in Palmer homes?
Palmer’s freeze-thaw cycles, mature trees, and older mixed pipe materials create several common main-line issues, including: • Root intrusion from birch, spruce, and cottonwood trees. • Offset or separated joints caused by ground movement during seasonal freezing. • Pipe bellies (sags) that allow water and waste to pool and create repeat blockages. • Corrosion or scaling in cast-iron lines, reducing flow capacity. • Cracks or fractures from shifting soils or construction activity. • Grease buildup and foreign objects lodged in the line. A camera inspection visually confirms the exact cause so the correct repair method—root cutting, hydro-jetting, pipe lining, or replacement—can be planned.
Will a camera inspection disrupt my yard, driveway, or landscaping?
No. The inspection is performed through an existing clean-out, roof vent, or pulled toilet, so no digging or demolition is necessary just to look. If a clean-out isn’t available, our technician can usually install a small access point with minimal disturbance. All equipment fits through standard doorways, and we lay down protective mats inside the home where needed.
How long does a main-line camera inspection take and what does it cost in Palmer?
Most residential inspections take 45–90 minutes, depending on pipe length, number of turns, and the severity of obstructions. Commercial or multi-unit properties may take longer. In Palmer, prices generally range from $199 to $349 for a stand-alone inspection, which includes a digital video file and written report. Many customers bundle the service with drain cleaning or hydro-jetting at a discounted package rate; call us for today’s pricing.
What happens after the inspection if a problem is found?
The technician will review the footage with you on-site, explain the findings in plain language, and mark the exact depth and location above ground with spray paint or flags. You’ll receive a digital copy of the video and a detailed report outlining repair options, estimated costs, and timelines—whether that’s spot repair, trenchless pipe lining, replacement, or routine maintenance like root cutting. We can schedule repairs immediately or give you the documentation to obtain additional quotes or approval from your insurance company or HOA.