Oak MI Trusted Choice
Camera Inspections in Royal Oak, MI: Professional Sewer & Drain Video Inspections
Dealing with recurring drain problems in your Royal Oak home? Noticed slow drains in your Vinsetta Park property or backup issues at your Downtown Royal Oak business? Here’s the thing: guessing what’s wrong with your pipes is expensive. That’s where professional camera inspections come in.
My Drain Master brings advanced sewer camera inspection technology to homeowners and businesses throughout Royal Oak, Birmingham, Ferndale, Berkley, and the greater Oakland County area. We’re not just another plumbing contractor. We’re your local drain and sewer specialists who use high-definition video technology to show you exactly what’s happening inside your pipes before recommending any work.
Book Your Free Plumbing Consultation
Got a plumbing issue or need a quote? We’re here to help. Contact Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing today for a no-obligation consultation.
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection (also called video pipe inspection or drain camera service) lets us see inside your pipes without digging up your yard or tearing into walls. We use waterproof, high-definition cameras attached to flexible cable that travels through your drain lines and sewer pipes.
The camera feeds real-time video to a monitor, so you can watch alongside our technician as we examine every inch of your plumbing system. We document everything we find, measure distances, and pinpoint exactly where problems exist. You’ll get a written diagnostic report with video documentation that shows you what we’re seeing.
Think of it like getting an MRI for your plumbing. Instead of making educated guesses about what’s causing your drain issues, we know for sure.
Why Royal Oak Properties Need Camera Inspections
Royal Oak has a unique mix of housing. You’ve got beautiful historic homes in Washington Heights built in the 1920s and 30s, post-war properties throughout the Longfellow neighborhood and Northwood subdivision, and newer construction along the Woodward Avenue corridor. Each era brings different plumbing challenges.
Older Royal Oak Homes (Pre-1990s)
If your home in Sherman Drive, Normandy Oaks, or around the Detroit Zoo area was built before 1990, there’s a good chance you have clay sewer pipes. Clay was the standard material back then, but it doesn’t hold up well over time. These pipes crack at the joints, break apart, or collapse entirely.
We see this constantly in older Royal Oak neighborhoods. A standard home inspection when you bought the property probably didn’t include a sewer scope inspection, so you might not know what’s under your lawn until problems start.
Tree Root Problems
Royal Oak is known for its mature tree canopy. Those beautiful old trees lining 13 Mile Road and throughout the Main Street district? Their roots are actively searching for water sources, and your sewer line is basically a tree root magnet.
Once roots find a tiny crack or loose joint in your pipe, they grow inside and create serious blockages. If you have large trees on your property or nearby, routine camera inspections can catch root intrusion early before it causes a sewage backup in your basement.
Recent Construction or Ground Movement
If you’ve had landscaping done, foundation work, or there’s been construction in your Royal Oak neighborhood, the ground movement can shift or crack your sewer lines. A camera inspection after any major ground disturbance helps you avoid surprise problems down the road.
Signs You Need a Camera Inspection in Royal Oak
Don’t wait for a complete sewer disaster. Watch for these warning signs:
Multiple Slow Drains
One slow drain might just be a simple clog. But if multiple drains in your Royal Oak home are sluggish (especially lower-level drains), that signals a problem in your main sewer line. A camera inspection finds the exact location and cause.
Recurring Clogs
You’ve had the same drain snaked three times this year, and the problem keeps coming back. That’s your pipes telling you something bigger is wrong. Our camera inspection reveals whether you’re dealing with pipe bellies, root infiltration, or deteriorating pipes that keep catching debris.
Sewage Backups
If sewage is backing up into your basement floor drains, bathtub, or toilets, you need a camera inspection immediately. Sewage backups create unsafe conditions and can cause serious property damage. We’ll find out if you’re dealing with a collapsed pipe, major root blockage, or another urgent issue.
Foul Odors
Sewer gas smell coming from your drains? That might mean a crack in your pipe, a dry trap, or a more serious problem. Camera inspection helps us locate the source.
Gurgling Sounds
Hearing gurgling from your toilet when you run the washing machine? That’s trapped air in your pipes, often caused by a partial blockage or venting issue. We’ll use our camera to see what’s happening.
Buying or Selling a Home in Royal Oak
Smart buyers in Royal Oak, Ferndale, Clawson, and Troy are adding sewer scope inspections to their pre-purchase checklist. For the cost of a camera inspection (way less than sewer line replacement), you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into.
Sellers benefit too. Having a recent camera inspection report shows potential buyers that you’ve maintained your property and there aren’t hidden sewer problems waiting to surface after closing.
What Our Camera Inspections Detect
Our high-definition sewer cameras and LED lighting systems capture crystal-clear video of your pipe’s interior. Here’s what we find:
Tree Root Infiltration
Roots show up clearly on camera. We can see if you have minor root hair intrusion that we can clear with hydro jetting, or major roots that require more extensive repair.
Pipe Deterioration and Corrosion
Cast iron pipes corrode from the inside out. Clay pipes develop cracks. We document the condition of your pipes so you know if you’re looking at a repair or full replacement.
Bellied or Sagging Pipes
When soil settles or shifts, pipes can develop low spots where waste collects. These “pipe bellies” cause recurring clogs. Our camera shows us exactly where the belly is and how severe it is.
Cracks, Fractures, and Collapsed Sections
From hairline cracks to completely collapsed pipes, our camera catches it all. We measure and document everything for your records and any insurance claims.
Offset Joints and Separated Pipes
When pipe sections separate or shift, they create catching points for debris and roots. Camera inspection reveals these problem areas that traditional snaking misses.
Blockages and Their Cause
We don’t just see the blockage. We see what caused it: grease buildup, scale accumulation, foreign objects, or channeling in the pipe. That helps us recommend the right solution.
Problems with PVC, ABS, Concrete, and Other Materials
Different pipe materials have different failure points. We know what to look for in each type, whether you have modern PVC, older Orangeburg pipes, or a mix of materials common in Royal Oak properties.
Our Camera Inspection Process
Here’s what happens when My Drain Master performs your video pipe inspection:
- Access Point Location
We locate the best access point for the camera. This might be a cleanout in your basement, an exterior cleanout, a floor drain, or sometimes through a toilet or vent stack. We use existing access whenever possible to avoid any property disruption.
- Camera Insertion and Inspection
We carefully insert our waterproof inspection camera into your drain line. The camera travels through your pipes while we watch the live feed. As the cable extends, we track exactly how far the camera has traveled, which helps us pinpoint problem locations for any needed repairs.
- Real-Time Viewing
You’re welcome to watch the inspection on our monitor. We’ll explain what you’re seeing and point out any issues. Most Royal Oak homeowners find it fascinating (and a little gross) to see inside their own pipes.
- Video Recording
We record the entire inspection. This gives you a permanent record of your pipe condition, which is useful for insurance documentation, pre-purchase records, or planning future repairs.
- Detailed Reporting
After the inspection, we provide a written diagnostic report that includes timestamps, distances, and descriptions of any problems found. We’ll recommend solutions based on what we found, from simple drain cleaning to trenchless sewer repair if needed.
Beyond Inspection: Complete Solutions
Finding the problem is just the first step. My Drain Master offers complete solutions for whatever our camera inspection reveals:
- Hydro Jetting: For root intrusion, grease, and stubborn blockages
- Drain Cleaning & Clearing: Professional-grade equipment that handles what store-bought tools can’t
- Trenchless Sewer Repair: Modern pipe lining that fixes problems without excavating your Royal Oak yard
- Sewer Line Replacement: When pipes are beyond repair, we handle complete replacements
- Root Intrusion Removal: Specialized equipment that clears roots and cleans pipe walls
- Pipe Locating Services: GPS technology that maps your entire sewer system
What Makes My Drain Master Different
Advanced Technology
We invest in the best equipment: high-definition cameras, LED lighting systems, GPS pipe locating, and digital recording. This isn’t your grandfather’s plumbing snake. We’re using technology that shows you exactly what’s happening in your pipes.
Transparent Pricing
No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch. We tell you upfront what the camera inspection costs. If we find problems, we provide written estimates before starting any additional work. You’re in control of the decisions.
Licensed and Experienced
Our technicians are Michigan Licensed Master Plumbers and Oakland County Licensed Plumbers. We’re insured and bonded, and we know the plumbing challenges specific to Royal Oak properties.
Same-Day Service Available
When you’re dealing with a backup or urgent drainage issue, waiting days for service isn’t an option. We offer same-day camera inspections throughout Royal Oak, the 48067, 48068, and 48073 zip codes, and surrounding Oakland County communities.
Written Documentation You Can Trust
Our diagnostic reports with video documentation give you proof of your pipe condition. This is valuable for insurance claims, real estate transactions, or just knowing the state of your plumbing system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camera Inspections in Royal Oak?
How much does a camera inspection cost in Royal Oak?
Camera inspection pricing depends on your specific situation. A standard residential inspection typically ranges from $150-$400. We offer free camera inspection estimates, and some situations (like when paired with other services) may include the inspection at no additional charge. Call us for exact pricing based on your property and needs.
Will the camera damage my pipes?
No. Our cameras are specifically designed for pipe inspection. They’re waterproof, flexible, and small enough to navigate standard drain lines without causing any damage. The camera simply travels through your existing plumbing.
How long does a camera inspection take?
Most residential camera inspections in Royal Oak take 30-90 minutes, depending on your property’s layout and what we’re inspecting. We’ll give you a clear timeframe when you schedule.
Do I need to be home during the inspection?
Yes, we prefer you’re present. We want to show you the live video feed and explain what we’re finding. This helps you understand any recommended repairs and make informed decisions about your plumbing.
Can you inspect my entire sewer line?
In most cases, yes. Our cameras can travel from your home’s interior plumbing through your main sewer line to where it connects with the municipal system. We’ll document the entire length of your Royal Oak property’s sewer system. The only limitations are severe blockages (which we can still locate) or unusual pipe configurations.
Will my homeowner’s insurance cover camera inspection costs?
Some insurance policies cover camera inspections when you’re documenting damage for a claim. Others don’t. Check your specific policy. Many Royal Oak homeowners find the inspection cost worthwhile even without insurance coverage because it prevents much more expensive surprise repairs.
What if you find a serious problem?
We’ll explain exactly what we found, show you the video evidence, and provide detailed recommendations. You’ll get a written estimate for any repairs before we do additional work. Some problems need immediate attention (like collapsed pipes causing backups), while others can be monitored or planned for future repair. We’ll help you understand your options and timeframe.
Serving Royal Oak and Surrounding Communities
My Drain Master proudly serves residential and commercial properties throughout:
- Royal Oak (Downtown, Vinsetta Park, Northwood, Washington Heights, Longfellow, Sherman Drive, Normandy Oaks)
- Oakland County
- Birmingham
- Ferndale
- Berkley
- Clawson
- Troy
- Madison Heights
We understand the unique plumbing challenges in this area, from Royal Oak’s aging infrastructure to the mix of historic and modern properties throughout Metro Detroit.
Schedule Your Camera Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a complete sewer disaster. Whether you’re dealing with recurring drain problems, buying a home in Royal Oak, or just want peace of mind about your property’s plumbing, a professional camera inspection gives you answers.
Call My Drain Master for 24/7 emergency service or to schedule your camera inspection. We’ll show you exactly what’s happening in your pipes and provide honest recommendations for any repairs. No pressure, no surprises—just straight answers backed by video evidence you can see for yourself.
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Contact Info
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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