Camera Inspections
Camera Inspections | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Tellico Plains
When surprise leaks or stubborn clogs disrupt life in Tellico Plains, HEP’s team brings clarity—literally. Our high-definition camera inspections travel deep into your lines, revealing hidden breaks, invading roots, and early signs of corrosion without a single shovel of dirt. You see the same live footage we do, so every decision about repairs or pipe upgrades feels informed and stress-free.
Once the diagnosis is crystal clear, our licensed plumbers pivot seamlessly to action. Whether you need a targeted section replaced or a full system refresh, we use durable materials and trenchless techniques whenever possible, protecting both your yard and your budget. Trust HEP to turn underground mysteries into straightforward solutions, keeping your home’s water flowing safely for years to come.
FAQs
What is a sewer camera inspection and how does it work?
A sewer camera inspection involves inserting a high-resolution, waterproof camera attached to a flexible rod into your home’s drain or sewer line. As the camera is guided through the pipe, it transmits real-time video to a monitor, allowing our licensed plumber to see the interior condition of the pipe without digging. We can locate cracks, root intrusions, bellies, collapsed sections, and other defects with pinpoint accuracy. This non-invasive method saves time, prevents unnecessary excavation, and provides visual proof of what repairs—if any—are needed.
Why might homes and businesses in Tellico Plains need pipe upgrades?
Many Tellico Plains properties rely on older clay, cast-iron, or thin-walled PVC piping installed decades ago. Over time, these materials become susceptible to corrosion, root intrusion from nearby trees, and shifting soils caused by the region’s freeze-thaw cycles. Upgrading to modern SDR or HDPE piping increases flow capacity, resists chemical and root damage, and can last 50+ years. In addition, newer low-flow plumbing fixtures require smoother, properly sized piping to avoid clogs and backups.
How do I know if I need a camera inspection or pipe upgrade?
Persistent slow drains, recurring sewer backups, foul odors in the yard, soggy spots above buried lines, or unusually lush grass all signal potential pipe issues. If your home is over 30 years old and has never had the sewer line inspected, scheduling a camera inspection is the best first step. The video footage will reveal whether a simple cleaning, spot repair, or full pipe replacement is the most cost-effective solution.
Will a camera inspection damage my plumbing system?
No. The camera and its flexible push rod are specifically designed to glide through household drains and main sewer lines without scratching or stressing the pipe. We insert the camera through existing cleanouts or a removed fixture, meaning there’s no cutting into walls or floors. Once the inspection is complete, everything is re-sealed, leaving your plumbing exactly as we found it—just better understood.
What pipe upgrade options do you offer, and which is best for my property?
We install trenchless pipe bursting, cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining, and traditional open-cut replacements. The best approach depends on pipe depth, layout, and damage severity: • Pipe Bursting: Ideal when the existing line is heavily collapsed; a bursting head fractures the old pipe while pulling in a new HDPE pipe. • CIPP Lining: Perfect for structurally sound pipes with cracks or small gaps; we install an epoxy-saturated liner that cures in place, creating a seamless, joint-free pipe within a pipe. • Open-Cut Replacement: Recommended when the line is shallow, easily accessible, or local codes prohibit trenchless methods. Our technician will review the video footage with you and outline the pros, cons, and costs of each option before work begins.
How much does a camera inspection and pipe upgrade cost in Tellico Plains, and how long will it take?
A stand-alone camera inspection typically costs between $200 and $350, which includes a digital copy of the video and a written report. If repairs are required, trenchless pipe lining generally runs $90–$150 per foot, while pipe bursting ranges from $60–$100 per foot. Traditional open-cut replacement may be less per foot but involves additional restoration costs. Most camera inspections are completed within an hour. Pipe lining or bursting for an average 50- to 60-foot residential line can often be finished in a single day, whereas open-cut projects may take two to three days, including excavation and site restoration.