Camera Inspection
Camera Inspection | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Tazewell
When Tazewell homeowners call HEP for camera inspection plumbing, they’re looking for clarity—literally. Our high-resolution sewer cameras snake through drains and main lines, revealing every crack, root intrusion, or hidden obstruction in real time. By seeing exactly what’s happening beneath your floors and yard, we eliminate guesswork, offer transparent footage you can review yourself, and give precise recommendations that save time, money, and mess.
Armed with those crystal-clear images, our licensed technicians can move straight into targeted repairs or full pipe upgrades, replacing outdated or damaged sections with modern, durable materials that keep water flowing smoothly for decades. From the first on-site consultation to the final camera confirmation that everything is pristine, HEP delivers a hassle-free experience that keeps Tazewell homes healthier and homeowners worry-free.
FAQs
What exactly is a plumbing camera inspection and why should I schedule one before a pipe upgrade in Tazewell?
A plumbing camera inspection involves feeding a high-resolution, waterproof video camera through your home’s drain or sewer lines. Real-time footage lets our licensed technicians see the exact condition, material, diameter, slope, and problem spots inside each pipe. In Tazewell’s older housing stock, many lines are cast iron, orangeburg, or early PVC, all of which can develop cracks, root intrusion, or scale build-up. By inspecting first, we can pinpoint the sections that truly need replacement, determine the best upgrade material (e.g., PVC SDR-35 or HDPE), and give you an accurate, transparent quote—eliminating guesswork and unnecessary excavation.
How is the camera inspection performed on my property? Will you need to dig?
In most Tazewell homes we access the line through an existing clean-out or remove a toilet to reach the main stack. The small, flexible camera head is guided through the pipe while our technician monitors a color monitor aboveground. We record depth, distance, and location using a built-in sonde and surface locator. Because we enter through existing openings, no digging is required for the inspection itself. If the camera finds a break or blockage, we mark the spot at the surface so any future excavation is limited to the exact area, saving your landscaping and concrete surfaces.
What kinds of problems can a camera inspection reveal?
• Cracked, offset, or collapsed pipe sections • Root intrusion through joints or fractures • Corrosion, scaling, or interior buildup that restricts flow • Low spots or “bellies” that trap waste and water • Illegal or deteriorated connections (e.g., storm water tied to sewer) • Lost items or blockages such as grease, wipes, or toys • Material identification (cast iron, clay, PVC, orangeburg) and remaining wall thickness. Knowing these details lets us tailor your pipe upgrade—whether that’s spot repairs, full replacement, or trenchless lining.
Will the camera inspection and subsequent pipe upgrade damage my yard, driveway, or foundation?
The inspection itself is completely non-invasive. For upgrades, we always propose the least invasive solution first: pipe bursting or cured-in-place lining (CIPP) when conditions allow, which uses small entry and exit pits instead of an open trench. If traditional excavation is required, our crew uses precise locator data from the camera to confine digging to the damaged section. We place protective mats on grass, cut and later patch concrete neatly, and haul away all spoil. After the job, we backfill, compact, and seed disturbed areas so your property looks as close to its original condition as possible.
How long will a camera inspection and pipe upgrade project take in the Tazewell area?
• Camera inspection: 45–90 minutes for most single-family homes, including on-site video review and recommendations. • Pipe upgrade: 1–2 days for trenchless lining up to 100 ft; 2–4 days for open-cut replacement depending on depth, soil type, and weather. Because Tazewell’s clay soils can be hard on equipment, we schedule adequate time for safe digging and backfilling. We pull all required town or county permits in advance so there are no delays.
How much does a camera inspection cost and can it actually save me money on pipe upgrades?
Our standard residential camera inspection in Tazewell is $199, which includes a digital video file, written condition report, and on-site cost estimate for any repairs. Identifying the exact problem area often reduces upgrade costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars, because we avoid exploratory digging and only replace the pipe segments that need it. Many homeowners recoup the inspection fee through the savings on targeted repairs and the prevention of future water damage or emergency backups.