Utica’ Trusted Choice
Video Camera Inspections in Utica, MI
When your drains keep backing up but you don’t know why, guessing is expensive. You could spend hundreds snaking a line that has tree roots. Or hydro jetting when the real problem is a collapsed pipe. Or worse, digging up your yard in the wrong spot.
That’s where video camera inspection changes everything. At Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing, we don’t guess. We look. Our high-definition cameras go inside your pipes and show you exactly what’s wrong, where it is, and how bad it is.
You’ll see the same video feed we’re watching. We’ll point out the problem, explain what you’re looking at, and give you a copy of the video to keep. No mysteries, no assumptions, just facts.
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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.
What Is Video Camera Inspection?
Think of it as an MRI for your plumbing. We insert a waterproof camera attached to a flexible cable into your drain or sewer line. The camera travels through your pipes, sending back real-time video to a monitor that both you and our technician can watch.
The camera has bright LED lights so we can see clearly inside dark pipes. It can navigate around bends and through junctions. And it records everything, so you have permanent documentation of what’s going on in your plumbing system.
Most importantly, the camera tells us exactly where the problem is. We can measure the distance from the access point to the problem area within a few feet. If we need to dig or break concrete, we know exactly where to go.
Why You Need to See Inside Your Pipes
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Sure, we can clear a clog with a snake or hydro jetting. But if we don’t know what caused the clog, it’ll probably come back. Here’s what a camera inspection reveals:
Tree roots growing inside your pipes. This is the number one cause of sewer line problems in older Utica neighborhoods. Roots from mature trees find tiny cracks in your sewer line, work their way in, and grow until they block the whole pipe. The camera shows us exactly where the roots are and how extensive the damage is.
Cracked or broken pipes. Ground settling, freeze-thaw cycles, and age can crack your sewer lines. The camera shows us the exact location and severity of any cracks or breaks.
Collapsed pipe sections. Sometimes old clay or Orangeburg pipes just collapse completely. The camera will find that section so we can replace just the damaged part instead of your entire line.
Separated joints. Where two pipe sections connect, the joint can separate over time. Water and waste leak out, and dirt gets in. The camera spots these separated joints before they become bigger problems.
Bellied or sagging pipes. When ground settles unevenly, sections of your sewer line can sag, creating a low spot where waste collects. The camera reveals these bellies so we can fix them properly.
Grease and scale buildup. We can see how much buildup is coating your pipe walls and whether simple cleaning will fix it or if the buildup is too severe.
Corrosion. Old cast iron and steel pipes corrode from the inside out. The camera shows us how far gone your pipes are and whether they need replacement soon.
Foreign objects. Toys, jewelry, and things that shouldn’t be flushed sometimes lodge in pipes. The camera finds them so we can remove them.
Pipe offset or misalignment. Sometimes pipes weren’t installed correctly or have shifted. The camera catches these alignment issues that cause recurring problems.
Who Needs Camera Inspection in Utica?
Honestly, just about anyone with a plumbing problem can benefit from a camera inspection. But these situations definitely call for one:
Buying a Home in Utica
This is huge. Many homes in Utica were built in the 1950s through 1970s. That means the sewer lines are 50-70 years old. Clay pipes, cast iron, even Orangeburg pipe (which was basically tar paper and is now disintegrating).
A camera inspection during your home inspection period can save you tens of thousands of dollars. If the sewer line is shot, you’ll know before you close on the house. You can negotiate with the seller to fix it or adjust the price.
We’ve done pre-purchase inspections for countless buyers in Utica, Sterling Heights, and Shelby Township. More than once, we’ve found sewer lines that need immediate replacement. That’s information you want before you buy, not after.
Selling Your Home
If you’re selling a home in Utica, especially an older one, getting a camera inspection beforehand is smart. You can fix any problems before they become deal-breakers. Or if your sewer line is in good shape, you’ve got video proof to show potential buyers.
Recurring Drain Problems
If you’re calling a plumber every few months for the same clog, something’s wrong. A camera inspection finds the root cause. Maybe you’ve got roots that need to be cut out. Maybe there’s a belly in your line that’s catching debris. Maybe your cast iron pipe is corroding and rough spots are catching everything that goes down.
Whatever it is, we’ll find it and fix it right instead of just clearing the symptom.
Before Major Plumbing Work
Planning to finish your basement? Add a bathroom? Do a kitchen remodel? Get a camera inspection first. You want to know your drain lines are in good shape before you invest thousands in renovations.
If we find problems, it’s way cheaper to fix them now than after you’ve installed new tile, walls, and fixtures.
Multiple Drains Acting Up
When more than one drain is slow or backing up, the problem is usually in your main line. A camera inspection pinpoints exactly what’s blocking the shared drain.
Foul Odors or Sewage Smells
If you smell sewer gas but can’t find the source, the camera can. We’ll find cracks, separated joints, or other damage that’s letting sewer gases escape.
High Water Bills
An unexplained spike in your water bill might mean a leak in your sewer line. The camera can find leaks that are wasting water underground where you can’t see them.
Older Homes
If your Utica home was built before 1980 and you’ve never had your sewer line inspected, it’s time. Those original pipes are at the end of their lifespan. Better to know what you’re dealing with now than to face an emergency later.
How Our Camera Inspection Works
We’ve done thousands of camera inspections throughout Utica and Macomb County. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: We Find the Best Access Point
Usually, we access your sewer line through an outdoor cleanout (that capped pipe sticking out of the ground in your yard). If you don’t have a cleanout, we might use a roof vent, remove a toilet, or go through a basement drain.
Step 2: We Insert the Camera
Our camera is mounted on a flexible cable that we feed into your pipe. The cable has distance markings so we know exactly how far in the camera has traveled.
Step 3: You Watch Along With Us
The video feed goes to a portable monitor. You’ll see the inside of your pipes in real-time, right along with us. We’ll explain what you’re looking at as we go.
The inside of a healthy pipe is smooth and round. You’ll see water flowing, and that’s normal. What we’re looking for are roots, cracks, buildup, sagging sections, or anything that shouldn’t be there.
Step 4: We Record Everything
The entire inspection is recorded. We’ll note the location of any problems (measured in feet from the access point) and capture still images of significant issues.
Step 5: We Explain Our Findings
After the inspection, we’ll review what we found. We’ll show you the problem areas again, explain what caused them, and recommend solutions. Maybe you need hydro jetting to remove roots. Maybe a section of pipe needs replacement. Maybe your pipes are fine and you just needed a good cleaning.
Step 6: You Get a Copy
We’ll give you a copy of the inspection video on a USB drive or send it to you digitally. You’ll also get a written report summarizing our findings and recommendations.
This documentation is yours to keep. It’s useful for insurance claims, real estate transactions, or just for your own records.
What Our Cameras Can’t Do
We believe in being straight with you. Camera inspections are amazing, but they have limits:
We can’t see through standing water. If your pipe is full of water, the camera can’t see through it. We might need to clear the line first before we can do a meaningful inspection.
We can’t see into damaged pipes that are completely blocked. If your pipe has collapsed and is totally blocked, the camera can’t get past that point. But at least we’ll know exactly where the problem is.
We can only inspect from access point to access point. If we start at a cleanout in your basement and your line runs 100 feet to the street, we can inspect that 100 feet. But we can’t see around corners into branch lines unless we access those separately.
We can’t see the outside of pipes. The camera shows us the inside condition. If you’ve got a leak on the outside of the pipe from external damage, we might not see it unless water is coming in.
That said, these limitations rarely prevent us from finding the information you need. And when they do, we’ll tell you and recommend next steps.
How Much Does Camera Inspection Cost?
We charge by the inspection, not by what we find. The cost depends on what we’re inspecting:
Basic sewer line inspection: This covers your main line from the house to the street. For most Utica homes, this runs $200-$350.
Multiple line inspection: If you want us to check your main sewer line plus branch lines (like your kitchen drain, bathroom drains, etc.), that costs more because it takes longer.
Pre-purchase inspection: If you’re buying a home and want a thorough inspection for peace of mind, we’ll typically spend more time and document everything in detail. These run $300-$500.
Many times, if you hire us to do other work (like hydro jetting or a repair), we’ll include the camera inspection at a reduced rate or even free. After all, we need to see what we’re dealing with anyway.
Some companies advertise crazy-cheap inspection prices, then pressure you into expensive repairs. That’s not us. The inspection stands on its own. If your pipes are fine, we’ll tell you. If they need work, we’ll give you honest options with fair pricing.
The Drain Masters Difference
Plenty of plumbers in Utica have sewer cameras. Here’s what makes us different:
Professional-grade equipment. We use high-definition cameras with excellent lighting. Some guys show up with grainy, cheap cameras where you can barely see anything. Our video is crystal clear.
You watch the inspection live. We don’t take the camera away and come back later to tell you what we found. You see it in real-time and can ask questions as we go.
Honest analysis. If your pipes look good, we’ll tell you. We’re not going to invent problems to sell you services you don’t need. And if there are issues, we’ll explain all your options, including the most affordable ones.
You keep the video. It’s your property, your pipes, and your video. We give you a copy with no strings attached.
We’re plumbers first. Some inspection companies just do inspections, then refer you to someone else for repairs. We’re full-service plumbers. If we find a problem, we can fix it. One company, one warranty.
Fast turnaround. We can usually do an inspection same-day or next-day. For pre-purchase inspections, we understand you’re working on a timeline and we’ll prioritize getting you answers quickly.
Serving Utica and All of Macomb County
We work throughout the greater Utica area, including:
- All Utica neighborhoods
- Sterling Heights
- Shelby Township
- Macomb Township
- Washington Township
- Clinton Township
- Rochester Hills
- Fraser
- Warren
- Roseville
Whether you’re in an older home near Downtown Utica with original clay pipes, or a newer home in Shelby Township, we’ve got the experience to inspect your plumbing system and give you straight answers.
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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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camera Inspections In Utica
Q1. How long does a camera inspection take?
Most inspections take 30-60 minutes. A simple main line inspection might only take 20-30 minutes. A more thorough inspection of multiple lines could take up to 90 minutes.
The actual camera work is pretty quick. Most of the time is spent setting up, discussing what we’re looking for, and reviewing the findings with you afterward.
Q2. Can I really watch the inspection myself?
Absolutely. The monitor is right there, and you’re welcome to watch the whole thing. In fact, we encourage it.
Most homeowners find it really interesting. You’re seeing parts of your house you’ve never seen before. And when we point out a problem, you can see it for yourself instead of just taking our word for it.
Some people don’t want to watch the whole thing, and that’s fine too. But we’ll definitely show you any issues we find.
Q3. What if you find a problem?
We’ll explain what we found, what caused it, what needs to be done to fix it, and what it’ll cost. You’ll have time to think about it and decide what you want to do.
Sometimes the fix is simple. Maybe we need to hydro jet some roots out. Maybe a section of pipe needs to be replaced. Sometimes the problem is more extensive and you’ll need to plan for a larger repair.
Either way, you’ll have all the information you need to make a good decision. And you’ll have the video evidence to show to your insurance company, a home buyer, or get second opinions if you want.
Q4. Will the camera damage my pipes?
No. The camera is designed to move through pipes without damaging them. It’s on a smooth, flexible cable that slides through easily.
The only time we might cause minor issues is if a pipe is already so damaged that it’s ready to collapse anyway. In that case, you definitely needed to know about it.
Q5. How often should I have my sewer line inspected?
If you’re not having any problems and your pipes are relatively new (less than 30 years old), you probably don’t need regular inspections.
But if your home is older (built before 1980), we recommend having an inspection every 5-10 years, especially if you have large trees near your sewer line.
If you’ve had recurring problems in the past, an inspection every 2-3 years can catch issues before they become emergencies.
And definitely get an inspection if you’re buying or selling a home.
Q6. Do I need to prepare anything before the inspection?
Not really. We just need access to wherever the camera is going in. If we’re using an outdoor cleanout, make sure we can get to it (clear any snow, move planters, etc.).
If we need to remove a toilet to access the line, we’ll let you know ahead of time. That’s pretty rare though.
Q7. What format do I get the video in?
We typically provide the video on a USB drive in MP4 format, which plays on just about any device. We can also email it to you or upload it to cloud storage if you prefer.
The video includes distance markers showing how far into the line we are, and we’ll add notes or voice-over explaining what you’re seeing.
Q8. Can you inspect my whole house plumbing?
The camera is designed for drain and sewer lines. We can inspect your main sewer line, branch drains, and any pipe that’s at least 2 inches in diameter.
We can’t inspect water supply lines (they’re too small and under pressure) or vent pipes (wrong angle of access).
But for 95% of what homeowners need to know about their plumbing, a drain and sewer inspection covers it.
Don’t Make Expensive Decisions Based on Guesswork
Whether you’re buying a home in Utica, dealing with ongoing drain problems, or just want to know the condition of your aging plumbing system, a camera inspection gives you facts instead of assumptions.
You’ll see exactly what’s going on, get honest recommendations, and keep a permanent record of your plumbing’s condition.
Call Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing today to schedule your video camera inspection in Utica, MI. Professional equipment, honest analysis, and you get to keep the video. That’s how plumbing diagnosis should work.
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