Professional Video Camera Pipe Inspection in Roseville, MI

Why Roseville Homeowners Need Camera Inspections

Many homes in Roseville were built in the 1950s through 1970s. If you own one of these homes, your drain and sewer pipes are probably original. That’s 50 to 70 years old.

Clay Sewer Pipes

Most older Roseville homes have clay sewer pipes. These pipes work fine for decades, but eventually they crack, separate at joints, or allow tree roots to grow inside. You can’t see this damage from ground level because pipes are buried 4 to 6 feet underground.

A camera inspection shows exactly what’s happening inside these pipes before you spend money on repairs.

Cast Iron Drain Lines

Homes from this era often have cast iron drain pipes. Cast iron corrodes from the inside over time. By the time you notice problems (backups, slow drains, sewage odors), significant damage has already occurred.

Camera inspection reveals corrosion, rust buildup, and deterioration that you can’t detect any other way.

Common Reasons for Camera Inspections

Recurring Drain Clogs

If you’re calling for drain cleaning every few months, something more than simple clogs is going on. Camera inspection shows whether you have root intrusion, deteriorated pipes, or severe buildup causing repeated problems.

Knowing the real cause helps you fix the problem permanently instead of treating symptoms.

Slow Drains Throughout the House

When multiple drains empty slowly, the problem is usually in your main sewer line. Camera inspection locates the blockage or identifies structural problems causing poor drainage.

After Plumbing Repairs

You paid for sewer line repair or cleaning. How do you know it was done right? Camera inspection provides proof. We inspect after our own work to verify quality and give you documentation. If another company did work and you want verification, we’ll inspect and give you an honest assessment.

Our Camera Inspection Process

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We’ll discuss your plumbing concerns and what you want to learn from the inspection. Different situations require different approaches, and we’ll plan accordingly.

Step 2: Locate Access Points

We need entry points to get cameras into your pipes. Usually, this is through cleanout access points (those white or black caps you might see in your yard or basement). Sometimes we access through roof vents, floor drains, or by temporarily removing a toilet.

Most Roseville homes have at least one cleanout. If yours doesn’t, we might recommend installing one for future maintenance.

Step 3: Camera Inspection

We insert the camera and feed it through your pipe. The camera cable has distance markers, so we know exactly how far we’ve traveled. As we move through your pipes, we’re watching on a high-definition monitor.

We record the entire inspection. When we find problems, we take additional time to document them from multiple angles and use zoom features for close-ups.

If needed, we use locating equipment to mark problem locations on the ground above. This is especially helpful if repairs require excavation.

Step 4: Real-Time Review

You’re welcome to watch the inspection on our monitor as it happens. Most customers find this fascinating. We’ll explain what you’re seeing and point out any issues.

Seeing inside your pipes helps you understand why we’re recommending certain repairs or solutions.

Step 5: Report and Recommendations

After the inspection, we’ll review our findings with you. We’ll explain any problems we found, their severity, and what should be done about them.

You’ll get:

• A copy of the full video inspection (USB or DVD)
• Still photos of key findings
• A written report describing pipe conditions
• Our professional recommendations
• Repair estimates if you want them

The video is yours to keep. Use it for getting repair quotes, insurance claims, or just for your records.

What Our Cameras Can See

Modern pipe inspection cameras are remarkably good at identifying problems:

Structural Damage

• Cracks (even small hairline cracks)
• Breaks and fractures
• Collapsed sections
• Crushed pipes
• Separated joints (where pipe sections have pulled apart)
• Offset joints (where sections don’t line up properly)
• Bellied pipes (sagging sections where water pools)

Blockages and Buildup

• Tree root masses
• Grease accumulation
• Scale and mineral deposits
• Debris and foreign objects
• Soap scum layers
• Sludge buildup

Pipe Deterioration

• Corrosion (especially in cast iron)
• Rust perforation
• Channeling (bottom of pipe eroded away)
• General pipe deterioration
• Material breakdown

Installation Problems

• Improper pipe slope (causing drainage issues)
• Wrong pipe sizes
• Poor connections
• Missing cleanouts
• Code violations from previous repairs

We also document pipe materials (clay, cast iron, PVC, etc.), pipe diameter, and overall condition. This information helps with planning repairs or replacement.

Types of Pipes We Inspect

Our camera equipment works in various pipe sizes and materials:

Residential Applications:

• Main sewer lines (typically 4 to 6 inches)
• Kitchen and bathroom drain lines (1.5 to 3 inches)
• Floor drains
• Storm drains
• Under-slab pipes
• Lateral sewer lines (from house to street)

Commercial Applications:

• Commercial kitchen drains
• Large diameter sewer mains
• Floor drains and catch basins
• Storm water systems
• Municipal connections

We have different camera systems for different situations. Smaller pipes require smaller cameras. Longer runs need specialized equipment. We bring the right tools for your specific needs.

Camera Inspections for Real Estate Transactions

Buying an older home in Roseville without checking the sewer line is risky. Sewer problems are expensive, and they’re not always obvious during standard home inspections.

For Buyers:

A pre-purchase sewer inspection costs $200 to $400 but can save you thousands. If the camera reveals a failing sewer line, you can:

• Negotiate for the seller to fix it
• Request a price reduction to cover repairs
• Walk away from a bad deal

We’ve inspected sewer lines that looked fine from the outside but had massive root intrusion, collapsed sections, or severe deterioration. Better to discover this before you own the home.

For Sellers:

Getting your sewer inspected before listing your home lets you address problems proactively or at least disclose them honestly. Some sellers use clean inspection videos as selling points, especially for older homes where buyers worry about plumbing.

For Real Estate Agents:

We work with real estate professionals throughout Roseville. We understand transaction timelines and provide reports quickly. We’re happy to attend inspections or communicate directly with your clients.

How Much Does Camera Inspection Cost?

Basic residential sewer camera inspections typically cost $200 to $400 in the Roseville area. This includes:

• Complete video inspection of your main sewer line
• Digital recording provided to you
• Written report
• Problem identification
• Location marking if needed

More extensive inspections (longer runs, multiple access points, commercial properties) cost more.

Many plumbing companies, including ours, include free camera inspections when you’re getting other work done. For example, if you hire us for drain cleaning or sewer repair, we might include camera inspection at no extra charge.

Think of camera inspection as diagnostic work. You’re paying for accurate information that prevents wasted money on wrong solutions.

Camera Inspection vs. Guesswork

Here’s what usually happens without camera inspection:

You call a plumber for recurring clogs. They snake your drain. It works temporarily, then clogs again a few months later. You call again. They snake it again. This cycle repeats until you finally pay for camera inspection.

The camera reveals massive tree root intrusion or collapsed pipe sections. You needed different solutions from the start. All those drain cleaning calls were temporary fixes that never addressed the real problem.

Camera inspection up front would have saved money and frustration.

Or consider this scenario: You’re told you need complete sewer line replacement ($8,000 to $15,000). But camera inspection shows the damage is limited to one 10-foot section. Spot repair costs $2,000 instead.

The camera saves you thousands by showing exactly what needs repair and what doesn’t.

What Happens After the Inspection

We explain our findings in plain language. If we found problems, we’ll tell you:

• What’s wrong
• How severe it is
• What needs to be done
• What happens if you don’t fix it
• What different solutions cost

Some problems need immediate attention (collapsed pipes, severe blockages). Others can be monitored and addressed later (minor root intrusion, early deterioration).

We give you honest recommendations. If your pipes are in good shape, we’ll tell you. If problems exist but aren’t urgent, we’ll explain that too.

You’re never pressured to make immediate decisions. Take your video and report home, get other opinions if you want, and decide what makes sense for your situation.

Technology We Use

We invest in professional camera equipment because it provides better results:

High-Definition Cameras

Our cameras capture clear, detailed video even in difficult conditions. You’ll see exactly what we’re seeing, not grainy, unclear images that leave you guessing.

Self-Leveling Camera Heads

These keep the image upright as the camera moves through pipes. You see a normal view instead of disorienting spinning images.

Powerful LED Lighting

Built-in lights illuminate pipes completely. Proper lighting reveals cracks, corrosion, and other damage that dim cameras miss.

Distance Markers

We know exactly how far into your pipe we’ve traveled. This tells us where problems are located so repairs can be precisely targeted.

Location Equipment

When needed, we use transmitters in the camera that send signals to above-ground receivers. This marks exact problem locations on the ground, which is critical if excavation is required.

Digital Recording

Everything is recorded in high-definition digital format. No more VHS tapes that degrade over time. Your video stays clear for years.

Why Choose Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing?

Experienced Camera Operators

Our technicians are licensed plumbers who’ve completed hundreds of camera inspections. They recognize problems quickly and understand what they mean for your plumbing system.

No Pressure, Just Information

We provide information and recommendations. We never pressure you into repairs or replacement. The video and report are yours to use however you choose.

Clear Explanations

We explain what you’re seeing in terms anyone can understand. No technical jargon unless you want it.

Complete Documentation

You get the full video, not just clips. You get written reports explaining findings. You get still photos of important issues. Everything is documented thoroughly.

Professional Equipment

We use commercial-grade camera systems, not consumer equipment. This matters for image quality, reliability, and the ability to handle challenging situations.

Same-Day Service Available

Many camera inspections can be scheduled quickly. If you need fast answers (like during real estate transactions), we’ll work with your timeline.

Honest Assessments

If your pipes are fine, we’ll tell you. If problems exist, we’ll explain them honestly without exaggerating for bigger repair jobs.

Serving All of Roseville and Macomb County

We inspect pipes throughout Roseville, from older neighborhoods near Gratiot Avenue to newer areas throughout the city. We also serve:

• Fraser
• Eastpointe
• St. Clair Shores
• Warren
• Clinton Township
• Sterling Heights
• Mount Clemens

Wherever you are in Macomb County, we can inspect your pipes and provide the documentation you need.

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