Professional Video Camera Inspection Services in Eastpointe, MI

Why Video Inspections Matter in Eastpointe

Here’s the thing about Eastpointe plumbing. Most homes were built in the 1950s and 60s. Those original cast iron and clay sewer lines are now 60-70 years old.

You can’t see what’s happening underground. A line might look fine from the outside while it’s completely corroded on the inside. Or roots might be packed in there without causing obvious symptoms yet.

Camera inspection takes the guesswork out. Instead of assuming what’s wrong or trying different repairs hoping something works, we know exactly what we’re dealing with.

For older homes in neighborhoods like Gratiot Avenue, Kelly Road, Eight Mile Road, and Schroeder Park, camera inspections often reveal problems before they become emergencies.

Recurring Drain Problems

If you’re constantly calling plumbers for the same clog, something’s wrong beyond just buildup. Camera inspection shows whether you have root intrusion, pipe damage, or a bellied line that keeps collecting debris.

Fixing the underlying problem stops the cycle of repeated clogs and service calls.

Slow Drains Throughout the House

When multiple drains are slow, the problem is usually in your main line. Camera inspection pinpoints exactly what’s causing the restriction. Grease buildup, roots, scale, pipe collapse. Each requires a different solution.

Before Major Repairs

Never let a plumber break your floor, excavate your yard, or replace your sewer line without a camera inspection first. You need to see the problem yourself and verify that the proposed repair is actually necessary.

Insurance Claims

Some insurance claims require video documentation of pipe damage. Camera inspection provides the proof you need.

Selling Your Home

Smart sellers get a pre-sale sewer inspection. If problems exist, you can address them before listing. If the line is fine, you have documentation to show buyers.

What Our Camera Inspections Show

Our high-definition cameras reveal everything happening inside your pipes:

Root Intrusion
We see exactly where roots have entered your line, how extensive they are, and how much they’re blocking the pipe. This tells us whether hydro jetting will clear them or if you need pipe repair.

Pipe Cracks and Breaks
Cracks show up clearly on camera. We can see if they’re minor surface cracks or complete breaks. This determines whether pipe lining will work or if you need excavation.

Corrosion and Deterioration
Cast iron pipes corrode from the inside. The camera shows how much corrosion exists and whether the pipe is close to failure. This is critical information for older Eastpointe homes.

Collapsed Sections
Sometimes pipes collapse completely. The camera can’t pass through, but we’ll see the collapse and know exactly where it’s located.

Grease Buildup
Heavy grease coating narrows your pipe diameter and catches debris. The camera shows how thick the buildup is and whether hydro jetting will solve the problem.

Bellied Pipe
A “belly” is a low spot where pipe has sagged. Water and debris collect there, causing repeated clogs. The camera clearly shows bellies and how severe they are.

Offset or Separated Joints
When pipe sections separate or shift out of alignment, the camera shows the gap. This usually requires excavation to reconnect properly.

Foreign Objects
We’ve found all sorts of things stuck in pipes. Toys, construction debris, broken pipe sections, even old repair attempts gone wrong.

Scale and Mineral Deposits
Hard water leaves mineral deposits that narrow pipes over time. The camera shows the extent of scaling.

Improper Slope
Pipes need proper downward slope to drain correctly. The camera (with distance measurement) helps us identify sections with inadequate or reverse slope.

Previous Repairs
We can see where pipe has been repaired before, how those repairs are holding up, and whether they were done correctly.

Our Camera Inspection Process

Step 1: Consultation
We discuss what problems you’re experiencing or why you want the inspection. This helps us focus on the areas of concern.

Step 2: Access Point
We need an access point to insert the camera. Usually this is a cleanout, floor drain, or toilet. Most inspections start at the house and go toward the street.

Step 3: Camera Inspection
We feed the camera through your line, recording everything. You watch the monitor with us. We point out anything significant and explain what you’re seeing.

The camera measures distance automatically. So when we see a problem, we know it’s exactly 37 feet from the access point, for example. This precision matters for repairs.

Step 4: Video Recording
We record the entire inspection digitally. You’ll get a copy on a USB drive or via email. This gives you documentation for insurance, contractors, or future reference.

Step 5: Analysis and Recommendations
After the inspection, we review what we found. We’ll explain which issues need immediate attention, which can wait, and what your repair options are.

We give you honest recommendations. If your line is fine, we’ll tell you. If it needs work, we’ll explain exactly what and why.

Step 6: Written Report
You’ll get a written report summarizing our findings, including problem locations, severity assessments, and recommended actions.

Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspections

Buying a home in Eastpointe? Get a sewer camera inspection during your due diligence period.

Most home inspectors don’t include sewer line inspection. They check the visible plumbing but can’t see what’s underground. That’s a problem in a city where most homes have 60+ year old sewer lines.

We’ve inspected hundreds of sewer lines for home buyers in Eastpointe. Here’s what we commonly find:

• Cast iron lines corroded to the point of near failure
• Clay pipes with separated joints
• Orangeburg pipe that’s collapsing
• Sewer lines completely packed with tree roots
• Improper repairs from previous owners
• Lines that are too shallow or have wrong slope

Any of these problems can cost $5,000-15,000+ to repair. A $250-350 camera inspection tells you exactly what you’re buying.

If the inspection reveals major problems, you have options. Ask the seller to repair before closing. Negotiate a price reduction to cover future repairs. Or walk away from the deal if the problems are too severe.

Don’t skip this step. We’ve seen too many buyers get hit with massive sewer bills within months of closing because they didn’t inspect the line first.

Technology We Use

We invest in professional camera inspection equipment because accuracy matters.

Our cameras provide high-definition color video with excellent clarity. Cheap cameras produce grainy, hard-to-interpret footage. Professional systems show sharp, clear images so we can spot problems other cameras miss.

Self-leveling camera heads stay oriented correctly as they move through pipes. This gives consistent, easy-to-interpret video.

Powerful LED lighting illuminates the pipe interior. Some pipes are surprisingly dark. Quality lighting makes all the difference in what we can see.

Distance counters tell us exactly how far the camera has traveled. When we see a problem, we know its precise location.

Locating transmitters allow us to pinpoint the camera’s position from above ground. This is crucial when we need to know exactly where to excavate.

Digital recording captures the entire inspection in high resolution. We can review footage frame by frame to analyze problems closely.

We maintain our equipment properly. Clean cameras, well-maintained cables, and calibrated distance counters. Professional equipment only works well when it’s taken care of.

What Camera Inspections Can’t Do

Let’s be honest about limitations.

Cameras can’t inspect through complete blockages. If your line is 100% blocked, the camera can’t pass through. We’ll see the blockage, but we can’t inspect beyond it until we clear it.

Cameras can’t see the outside of pipes. We see the interior condition but can’t assess the soil around the pipe or detect problems on the exterior surface.

Cameras can’t tell you how long a pipe will last. We can show you current condition, but predicting exactly when a deteriorated pipe will fail is impossible.

Cameras work best in 3-inch or larger pipes. Very small lines (like from a sink) are harder to inspect with standard equipment.

Camera inspection is diagnostic, not a repair. It tells you what’s wrong but doesn’t fix anything. Think of it like an X-ray. It shows the problem, but you still need treatment.

Cost of Camera Inspection in Eastpointe

Camera inspections typically cost $200-400 for residential sewer lines in Eastpointe. Cost depends on the length of line inspected and complexity of access.

Many plumbers offer free camera inspection when you hire them for repairs. We do this too. If we’re clearing your drain or fixing your sewer line, we’ll camera inspect at no charge to verify the work was done correctly.

For pre-purchase inspections or standalone diagnostic work, there’s a fee. But it’s money well spent. A $300 inspection can save you thousands in unnecessary repairs or protect you from buying a house with a failing sewer line.

Serving All of Eastpointe and Macomb County

We provide video camera inspection services throughout Eastpointe, including:

• Gratiot Avenue corridor
• Eight Mile Road area
• Nine Mile Road district
• Ten Mile Road region
• Kelly Road neighborhood
• Hayes Road area
• Toepfer Road district
• Stephens Road area
• Schroeder Park
• Kennedy Park
• All of the 48021 zip code

We also serve Roseville, St. Clair Shores, Warren, Harper Woods, Fraser, Clinton Township, Center Line, Sterling Heights, Mount Clemens, and all of Macomb County.

Why Choose Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing for Camera Inspections?

Professional Equipment
We use high-definition camera systems with self-leveling heads, powerful lighting, distance measurement, and locating capability. Not consumer-grade equipment from the hardware store.

Experienced Camera Operators
Camera inspection requires skill to navigate pipes, interpret what you’re seeing, and analyze footage correctly. Our plumbers have years of experience with camera inspections.

You Get a Copy
We provide a digital copy of your inspection video on USB drive or via email. It’s your documentation to keep.

Honest Analysis
We explain what we find in plain language. If your pipes are fine, we’ll tell you. If they need work, we’ll explain exactly what and why, without pressure.

Licensed Plumbers
We’re licensed plumbing contractors, not just camera operators. We understand plumbing systems and can recommend appropriate repairs based on what we find.

Real Estate Friendly
We work with home buyers, sellers, and real estate agents regularly. We understand inspection timelines and provide reports quickly.

Same-Day Service Available
For urgent situations or tight real estate closing timelines, we often provide same-day camera inspection.

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