Troy MI Trusted Choice
Camera Inspections in Troy, MI | My Drain Master
See What’s Really Happening Inside Your Pipes
Dealing with slow drains in your Troy home? Wondering what’s causing that recurring backup? Here’s the thing: you can’t fix a plumbing problem if you don’t know what you’re dealing with.
That’s where camera inspections come in.
At My Drain Master, we use professional-grade waterproof cameras to look inside your sewer and drain lines. No guessing. No digging up your yard to find the problem. Just clear, real-time video that shows us exactly what’s going on in there.
Most people in Troy are surprised by what we find. Tree roots from those beautiful mature oaks along Big Beaver Road? Check. Cracked cast iron pipes in older Coolidge Highway homes? We see it all the time. Whatever’s causing your plumbing headache, we’ll find it.
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Got a plumbing issue or need a quote? We’re here to help. Contact Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing today for a no-obligation consultation.
Why Troy Homeowners Need Camera Inspections
Troy has some gorgeous tree-lined streets. The problem? Those same trees are wreaking havoc on underground sewer lines across the city.
If your home was built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance you have clay or cast iron pipes. These older materials develop cracks over time. Tree roots sense the moisture and nutrients inside your sewer line and grow straight toward those tiny cracks. Before you know it, roots are filling your pipes and causing major backups.
We’ve worked throughout Troy for years. From the historic neighborhoods near Troy Historic Village to newer developments off Rochester Road, we know the common issues homeowners face. Camera inspections help us pinpoint problems fast so you’re not left wondering what’s wrong or paying for repairs you don’t need.
What Our Camera Inspections Can Find
Think of a camera inspection like an X-ray for your plumbing. It lets us see issues that are completely hidden from view.
Here’s what we typically find in Troy homes:
Tree Root Intrusion: This is huge in Troy. Roots break through cracks and joints, then grow inside the pipe until they block the whole line.
Cracked or Broken Pipes: Temperature changes, ground shifting, and age all take their toll. We find the exact location of cracks so repairs are targeted and cost-effective.
Pipe Bellies: Sometimes pipes sag and create low spots where water pools. This leads to recurring clogs because waste can’t flow properly.
Blockages: Grease buildup, foreign objects, scale accumulation. The camera shows us what’s blocking your drain and where it’s located.
Corroded Pipes: Older cast iron and steel pipes corrode from the inside out. We catch this before a pipe collapses completely.
Misaligned Pipes: Ground movement can shift pipe sections out of alignment, creating gaps where waste gets stuck.
You don’t have to take our word for it. We show you the footage on our monitor so you can see the problem yourself.
When You Should Get a Camera Inspection
Sound familiar? You’re dealing with one of these situations:
Buying a Home in Troy: This one’s critical. That charming 1960s ranch on Wattles Road might have serious sewer issues the home inspector didn’t catch. A camera inspection before closing can save you from inheriting a $10,000 repair bill.
Recurring Drain Problems: If you’re calling a plumber every few months for the same clog, something bigger is going on. Camera inspections find the root cause so you can fix it once and for all.
Slow Drains Throughout Your House: One slow drain? Probably a simple clog. Multiple slow drains? That points to a main sewer line issue. Time for a camera look.
Foul Odors: Sewer smells coming from drains or your yard can mean a crack or break in your sewer line. The camera finds it fast.
Wet Spots in Your Yard: Unexplained soggy areas or extra green patches of grass? You might have a leaking sewer line feeding moisture into your soil.
Before Major Landscaping: Planning to put in that new patio or pool? Get a camera inspection first to map your sewer lines. You don’t want to accidentally build over a pipe that needs repair.
Old Home Maintenance: If your Troy home is over 20 years old and you’ve never had the sewer line inspected, it’s worth doing. Catching small problems early prevents expensive emergencies.
How Our Camera Inspection Process Works
We make this as straightforward as possible. Here’s what happens:
Step 1: We Access Your Sewer Line We typically use your home’s cleanout (that white or black cap sticking out of the ground or basement floor). If your home doesn’t have one or we can’t access it easily, we might go through a roof vent or temporarily remove a toilet. Don’t worry, we protect your floors and put everything back exactly how we found it.
Step 2: We Insert the Camera Our waterproof HD camera is attached to a flexible cable. We feed it into your sewer line while watching the live video feed on our monitor. The camera has bright LED lights so we can see every detail inside the pipe.
Step 3: We Record Everything As the camera moves through your pipes, we’re recording the entire inspection. This gives us documentation of your pipe’s condition. We use locating equipment to track exactly where the camera is underground, so if we find a problem, we know its precise location.
Step 4: We Explain What We Found After the inspection, we sit down with you and review the footage. We point out any issues, explain what’s causing them, and discuss your repair options. No confusing jargon, just straight talk about what you’re dealing with.
Step 5: You Get a Detailed Report We provide you with a written report and copy of the video inspection. This is helpful for your records, insurance claims, or if you’re in a real estate transaction.
The whole process usually takes about an hour for a standard residential inspection. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what’s happening underground.
Why Choose My Drain Master for Camera Inspections in Troy
We’re not just another plumbing company dropping cameras into pipes. Here’s what makes us different:
We Actually Know Troy: We work in your neighborhood daily. We know the common issues with Troy’s older sewer systems, the clay pipes in historic districts, and the root problems from mature tree canopies.
Professional Equipment: Our cameras aren’t the cheap versions you can rent at a hardware store. We use commercial-grade inspection systems that reach 200-400 feet and provide crystal-clear HD footage.
Honest Assessments: We show you what we find and give you real options. If your pipe just needs cleaning instead of replacement, we’ll tell you that. We’re not here to sell you services you don’t need.
Licensed and Insured: We’re a Michigan licensed plumbing contractor. Fully insured and bonded for your protection.
Same-Day Service Available: Dealing with a backup right now? We offer emergency inspection services to diagnose urgent problems fast.
Upfront Pricing: You’ll know the cost before we start. No surprise charges after the fact.
What Happens After the Inspection?
Here’s where people get nervous. “What if you find something wrong?”
Honestly, finding problems is actually good news. It means we caught an issue before it turned into a complete disaster.
Depending on what the camera shows, your options might include:
Hydro Jetting: High-pressure water cleaning to blast away roots, grease, and buildup. This works great for most blockages and can actually prevent future problems by thoroughly cleaning pipe walls.
Trenchless Pipe Lining: We can reline your existing pipe from the inside without digging up your yard. The epoxy liner creates a new, smooth pipe within your old one. Roots can’t penetrate it and it lasts 30-50 years.
Targeted Pipe Repair: If the camera shows a localized problem like one cracked section, we can dig a small access point just at that spot instead of replacing your entire sewer line.
Full Pipe Replacement: Sometimes pipes are too far gone. In these cases, we discuss both traditional excavation and trenchless replacement options.
We walk you through the pros and cons of each solution so you can make an informed decision. No pressure, just information.
Camera Inspections for Different Troy Properties
Single-Family Homes: Whether you’re in a newer subdivision near Long Lake Road or an older home in Downtown Troy, we inspect residential sewer lines from 2 to 6 inches in diameter. Most homes have 50-100 feet of sewer line from the house to the street.
Multi-Family Properties: Own a duplex or small apartment building? We handle lateral line inspections for each unit and can inspect shared main lines.
Commercial Buildings: From restaurants in the Somerset Collection area to offices along the Big Beaver Corridor, we provide commercial camera inspections. Commercial lines often require larger diameter cameras and more specialized equipment, which we have on our trucks.
Pre-Purchase Inspections: Buying rental property in Troy? Get the sewer lines inspected before closing. It’s one of the smartest investments you can make.
The Real Cost of Skipping a Camera Inspection
People sometimes hesitate because they don’t want to spend money on an inspection. I get it. But here’s what that can cost you:
Replacing a collapsed sewer line under your driveway? $8,000 to $15,000. Repairing foundation damage from a leaking sewer pipe? $10,000 and up. Emergency excavation because your basement flooded with sewage? You don’t want to know.
A camera inspection costs a fraction of what you’ll pay if a hidden problem turns into an emergency. It’s like getting an oil change to prevent engine damage. Spending a little now saves a fortune later.
Troy’s Unique Sewer Challenges
Troy’s beautiful tree canopy and mix of older and newer neighborhoods create specific plumbing challenges. Here’s what we see regularly:
Mature Tree Roots: Those gorgeous maples and oaks that line Troy streets? Their roots can extend 20-30 feet from the trunk, often reaching sewer lines. Camera inspections catch root intrusion early before pipes are completely blocked or crushed.
Aging Infrastructure: Many Troy homes were built in the 1950s-1980s with clay or cast iron pipes. These materials have a lifespan of 50-70 years. If your home hasn’t had the sewer line replaced, a camera inspection shows you what condition it’s in.
Seasonal Ground Movement: Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles cause soil to shift. This can separate pipe joints or create stress cracks. Camera inspections reveal these issues before they cause complete pipe failure.
Mixed Pipe Materials: We often find homes where previous repairs mixed different pipe materials (clay connected to PVC, for example). These transition points are prone to leaks. The camera finds them all.
Frequently Asked Questions?
How much does a camera inspection cost in Troy?
Most residential camera inspections in Troy run between $250 and $500, depending on your pipe length and accessibility. We provide upfront pricing before we start. If we’re already at your home for another service like drain cleaning, we can often add a camera inspection at a reduced rate. The investment is worth it considering the thousands you could save by catching problems early.
Will the camera damage my pipes?
Not at all. The camera is designed specifically for plumbing systems. It’s waterproof, flexible, and moves smoothly through pipes without causing any damage. We don’t need to dig, break walls, or tear up your yard. The camera goes in through existing access points like your sewer cleanout.
How long does an inspection take?
A standard residential inspection takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If you have a longer sewer line or we find issues that need closer examination, it might take up to 90 minutes. We’re thorough because we want to catch everything the first time.
Can you inspect pipes of any size?
Our equipment handles pipes from 2 inches to 36 inches in diameter. Most Troy residential sewer lines are 4-6 inches, which is perfect for our cameras. If you have an unusually large commercial line, give us a call and we’ll confirm we have the right equipment.
What if you find tree roots in my pipes?
Tree roots are super common in Troy. If we find them, we’ll show you exactly where they are and how extensive the intrusion is. For minor root growth, hydro jetting usually clears them out. For heavier root intrusion, we might recommend pipe lining to prevent roots from coming back. If the pipe is badly damaged by roots, we’ll discuss repair options.
Do I get a copy of the inspection video?
Yes. We provide you with a digital copy of the inspection video and a written report detailing what we found. This is helpful for your records, if you’re selling your home, or if you need documentation for insurance purposes. Some homebuyers request this documentation during real estate transactions.
How often should I get a camera inspection?
For most Troy homeowners, we recommend an inspection every 3-5 years as preventive maintenance, especially if your home is over 20 years old or you have mature trees nearby. If you’ve had recurring drain problems or previous sewer issues, annual inspections make sense. Think of it like a regular checkup that keeps small problems from becoming big ones.
Ready to See What’s Happening in Your Pipes?
Don’t wait for a complete sewer line failure to find out what’s wrong. Camera inspections give you answers now so you can address problems on your schedule, not during an emergency.
We serve Troy homeowners throughout Oakland County, from the Big Beaver corridor to the neighborhoods around Troy Community Center. Whether you’re dealing with a current plumbing problem or just want peace of mind about your older home’s sewer system, we’re here to help.
Call My Drain Master today to schedule your camera inspection. Let’s find out exactly what’s going on underground.
My Drain Master Professional Camera Inspection Services Serving Troy, MI and Oakland County Licensed, Insured, and Ready to Help
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Location
33044 Mound Rd
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Phone
586-942-3330
Our Services
Our Plumbing Services in Sterling Heights
Drain Cleaning
Clogged drains are more than just an inconvenience—they can lead to costly damage if left untreated. Our expert plumbers use advanced tools to quickly and effectively remove blockages in sinks, tubs, and toilets. With routine drain cleaning, you can avoid backups and ensure your system flows smoothly year-round.
Jetting
When standard cleaning isn’t enough, high-pressure jetting gets the job done. We use state-of-the-art equipment to blast away grease, sludge, roots, and debris from inside your pipes. This powerful method not only clears current blockages but also helps prevent future clogs, making it an ideal solution for long-term plumbing health.
Plumbing
From leak repairs to repiping, our licensed plumbers provide reliable solutions tailored to your home or business needs. We offer a full spectrum of services, including drain cleaning, water heater installation, and emergency repairs, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably. Trust our experienced team for professional, high-quality plumbing work every time.
Sewer Repairs & Replacement
Sewer problems can disrupt your property and pose serious health risks if not handled quickly. At Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing, we specialize in repairing and replacing damaged sewer lines using both traditional and trenchless methods. Whether it’s root intrusion, cracked pipes, or a collapsed line, our team diagnoses the issue with precision and provides the most cost-effective, long-term solution.
Floor Breaks
Some plumbing problems hide beneath concrete floors and require specialized access. Our expert floor break services provide safe, controlled openings to reach underground pipes without unnecessary damage. Using professional-grade cutting equipment, we minimize dust, debris, and disruption while exposing only the exact area that needs repair.
Camera Inspections with Video
When it comes to plumbing problems, seeing is believing. Our advanced camera inspections provide a real-time, high-definition look inside your pipes, allowing us to identify clogs, cracks, leaks, or root intrusions with pinpoint accuracy. This non-invasive technology eliminates guesswork and prevents unnecessary digging or costly trial-and-error repairs.
Leak Detection
Leaks often remain hidden until they cause expensive water damage, mold growth, or high utility bills. Our leak detection service uses state-of-the-art technology—including electronic listening devices, moisture meters, and thermal imaging—to pinpoint leaks quickly without tearing into walls, floors, or ceilings.
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