Clinton Township’ Trusted Choice
Professional Sewer Camera Inspection Services in Clinton Township, MI
Guessing at plumbing problems is expensive. When your drains back up or your sewer line acts weird, you need to see what’s actually happening underground. At Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing, we use high-definition video cameras to inspect your sewer and drain lines throughout Clinton Township. We’ll show you exactly what’s wrong, where the problem is, and what it’ll take to fix it. No guessing, no unnecessary digging, just accurate diagnosis.
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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 Clinton Township Properties Need Video Camera Inspections
Your sewer and drain lines are buried underground where you can’t see them. When problems happen, most plumbing companies just make educated guesses about what’s wrong. They might be right. They might be way off. That uncertainty costs you money.
Clinton Township has homes spanning seven decades of construction. Properties along Moravian Drive and near George George Memorial Park often have original clay or cast iron sewer lines from the 1950s and 60s. Newer subdivisions like Quail Hollow have modern PVC, but they’re not immune to problems. Tree roots don’t care how old your pipes are. Ground settlement happens in new and old neighborhoods. Knowing exactly what you’re dealing with before spending thousands on repairs just makes sense.
Here’s what camera inspection does: we send a waterproof HD camera through your pipes on a flexible cable. The camera shows us everything inside your lines in real time. We see cracks, breaks, root intrusion, blockages, bellied sections, and overall pipe condition. We record the entire inspection so you can watch it with us. Then we give you a detailed report with recommendations and accurate cost estimates.
This isn’t about selling you unnecessary services. It’s about knowing what’s actually wrong so we can fix the right problem the first time.
Common Situations Where Video Inspection Saves Money
Before Buying a Clinton Township Home
You’re about to drop hundreds of thousands on a house. The home inspector checks the roof, foundation, and electrical. But most don’t inspect the sewer line. That’s a huge blind spot. Sewer line replacement can cost $5,000 to $15,000+. Finding out after closing that you need it is a nightmare.
We do pre-purchase sewer inspections all the time for Clinton Township home buyers. The inspection takes 30-60 minutes and costs a few hundred dollars. If we find major problems, you can negotiate with the seller to fix it or reduce the price. If the line is solid, you buy with confidence.
Real estate agents throughout Macomb County recommend sewer camera inspections for older homes. It’s become standard practice for homes built before 1980, especially those with mature trees.
Recurring Drain Problems
Your main sewer line backs up every few months. A plumber comes out, snakes it, charges you $200-300, and it works fine for a while. Then it happens again. Sound familiar?
This pattern usually means there’s an underlying problem the snaking isn’t fixing. Maybe tree roots keep growing back. Maybe you have a bellied section where debris collects. Maybe your cast iron pipe has holes from corrosion. Without camera inspection, you’re just treating symptoms repeatedly.
We’ve had Clinton Township customers who spent thousands over years on repeated drain cleaning. One camera inspection revealed the actual problem. Fixing it permanently cost less than continuing the cycle.
Slow Drains You Can’t Figure Out
All your drains work, but they’re slow. You’ve tried everything. Plungers, drain cleaners, snaking. Nothing helps much. The problem persists.
Camera inspection shows us what’s restricting flow. Sometimes it’s heavy scale buildup coating the inside of pipes. Sometimes it’s partial root intrusion. Sometimes the pipe has collapsed slightly, reducing the diameter. We’ve found foreign objects stuck in lines. Without seeing inside, we’re just guessing.
Before Major Plumbing Work
You’re remodeling your bathroom or finishing your basement. Before you invest in new fixtures and flooring, you should know if your drain lines can handle it. A camera inspection verifies your existing drains are in good shape and identifies any problems to address before you finish the space.
We’ve seen finished basements with beautiful tile work that had to be torn up because nobody checked the old cast iron stack beforehand. The inspection would’ve cost $200. The do-over cost $10,000+.
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.
For Real Estate Sellers
Smart sellers get sewer inspections before listing their Clinton Township home. If there’s a problem, you can fix it on your terms and timeline instead of during negotiation when buyers have leverage. If your line is clean, the inspection report becomes a selling point.
Our HD Video Camera Inspection Process
We use professional-grade equipment and follow a systematic process that gives you complete information.
Equipment We Use
Our cameras are high-definition with LED lighting, self-leveling capability, and recording features. We have multiple camera systems for different applications. Push cameras for residential sewer lines. Crawler cameras for larger commercial pipes. Small-diameter cameras for tight spots.
The camera head is waterproof and chemical-resistant. It attaches to flexible cable marked with footage indicators so we know exactly how far into your system we are. The camera transmits live video to our portable monitor. We record everything digitally for your records.
We also have locating equipment. A transmitter in the camera head lets us pinpoint its exact location underground and measure depth. This is critical when we find problems. We can mark the exact spot on your property, so if digging is needed, we know precisely where to go.
How the Inspection Works
We start by discussing your concerns. What symptoms are you experiencing? When do they happen? Any history we should know about? This context helps us focus the inspection.
Next, we locate the best access point. Usually that’s an exterior cleanout, a cleanout in your basement, or an accessible floor drain. If your Clinton Township home doesn’t have a cleanout, we might need to remove a toilet or recommend cleanout installation for future access.
We insert the camera into the access point and push it through your sewer line. The flexible cable follows the pipe path. As the camera travels, we watch the live feed carefully. We note every feature, connection, and problem area.
You can watch with us if you want. Many Clinton Township homeowners appreciate seeing their pipes firsthand. It’s eye-opening to see what’s actually down there. We explain what you’re looking at and answer questions as we go.
When we find problems, we document them with video and still images. We note the location using footage markers. We assess severity. Tree roots might be minor or severe depending on extent. A crack might be small or a complete break.
The entire inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on line length and what we find. For a typical Clinton Township home, that’s usually 80-120 feet from the house to the street connection.
What We’re Looking For
We inspect for structural problems like cracks, breaks, collapsed sections, offset joints, and bellied or sagging pipe sections. We check for blockages including tree root intrusion, grease buildup, scale deposits, and foreign objects. We assess pipe degradation such as corrosion, deterioration, and channeling. We examine connections, verify proper pitch and grade, and evaluate overall pipe condition.
For homes built before 1975 in Clinton Township, we often find clay pipe or Orangeburg (compressed wood fiber pipe). These materials have limited lifespans. Clay cracks and separates at joints. Orangeburg deteriorates completely. Knowing what you have helps plan for eventual replacement.
Your Detailed Inspection Report
After completing the inspection, we prepare a comprehensive report. You get a digital copy of the full video inspection, key still images highlighting important findings, a written description of all observations, location information for any problems found, our assessment of severity and urgency, clear repair recommendations with options, and accurate cost estimates for recommended work.
We deliver reports via email, USB drive, or DVD depending on your preference. The video and report are yours to keep. Share them with contractors if you want additional quotes. Use them for insurance claims if applicable. Keep them as documentation of your property’s condition.
Benefits of Professional Sewer Camera Inspection
Avoid Unnecessary Digging and Costs
Before camera technology, finding sewer problems meant digging exploratory holes. Sometimes multiple holes. That’s expensive and tears up your property. With camera inspection, we pinpoint problems exactly. If digging is needed, we know precisely where to dig.
We’ve saved Clinton Township homeowners thousands by avoiding unnecessary excavation and identifying less invasive repair options like spot repairs instead of full replacement.
Accurate Diagnosis Leads to Proper Repairs
Fixing the wrong problem wastes money. If you have recurring backups from tree roots but someone just keeps snaking without addressing the roots properly, you’re throwing money away. Accurate diagnosis from camera inspection means fixing the actual problem.
We’ve inspected lines where previous contractors recommended complete replacement when only spot repair was needed. We’ve also found situations where homeowners tried DIY fixes on problems that needed professional intervention. The camera shows the truth.
Negotiate Power in Real Estate
For home buyers, a sewer inspection report gives you negotiating leverage. Finding a $8,000 sewer problem before closing means you can request the seller fix it or reduce the price. Without inspection, you discover it after closing and eat the entire cost.
For sellers, having a clean inspection report preemptively answers buyer concerns and speeds transactions. We work with real estate agents throughout Clinton Township who require sewer inspections for older properties.
Plan for Future Repairs
Maybe your sewer line has minor issues that don’t require immediate repair but will need attention in a few years. The inspection documents current condition so you can budget and plan. You’re not blindsided by emergency situations.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your underground plumbing is in good shape provides real peace of mind. You’re not wondering if that slow drain is a minor annoyance or the start of a major problem. The camera shows you exactly what you have.
Video Inspection for Different Property Types
Residential Sewer Line Inspections
Most Clinton Township homes have 4-inch sewer lines running from the house to the street connection. The typical depth is 4-6 feet. Our residential inspection services cover main sewer lines, sewer laterals, drain lines, cast iron stacks, floor drains, and overall plumbing system evaluation.
For older homes in established neighborhoods like those near George George Memorial Park or along Moravian Drive, we often find clay pipe with tree root intrusion, cast iron pipes with corrosion, offset joints from ground settlement, and bellied sections from poor original installation.
For newer homes in subdivisions like Quail Hollow, issues are less common but still occur. We find improper installation from original builders, settlement in new construction, and occasionally foreign objects left during construction.
Commercial Property Inspections
Commercial properties have larger diameter pipes and more complex systems. Restaurants on Hall Road deal with grease despite having grease traps. Retail buildings at Macomb Mall have heavy usage. Office buildings along Metro Parkway need documentation for property management.
We have equipment for commercial applications. Our crawler cameras handle 8-inch to 36-inch pipes. We inspect main lines, branch lines, storm drains, and entire building plumbing systems.
Commercial inspections often serve preventative maintenance programs. Regular inspection catches problems before they disrupt business operations.
Multi-Family Property Inspections
Apartment buildings and condominiums in Clinton Township share common sewer lines. Problems affect multiple units. Property managers use regular camera inspections to maintain systems proactively and avoid tenant complaints.
We work with several property management companies in Macomb County to inspect buildings on annual or bi-annual schedules. Documentation helps budget for future repairs and provides proof of maintenance when issues arise.
Pre-Purchase Sewer Inspections for Home Buyers
If you’re buying a home in Clinton Township, especially one built before 1980, get a sewer inspection. Here’s why it matters.
What You Need to Know Before Closing
The sewer lateral from the house to the street connection is your responsibility as the homeowner, not the city’s. If it fails after you close, you pay for repairs or replacement. Costs range from $3,000 for spot repairs to $15,000+ for complete replacement.
Most home inspectors don’t inspect sewer lines. It’s not typically included in standard home inspections. You have to request it specifically. The inspection costs $200-400 typically. That’s cheap insurance against discovering major sewer problems after spending your savings on a down payment.
Common Problems in Clinton Township’s Older Homes
Homes built 1950s-1970s commonly have clay or Orangeburg sewer pipes. These materials have 40-70 year lifespans. If original pipes haven’t been replaced, they’re at or past end of life. We often find separated joints in clay pipe, collapsed Orangeburg pipe, root-filled lines in both, and corrosion in older cast iron.
Using Inspection Results in Negotiations
Finding problems gives you options. You can request the seller repair the sewer line before closing, ask for a price reduction to cover repair costs, or walk away if problems are severe. Without inspection, you have no leverage.
We’ve worked with buyers and their real estate agents throughout Clinton Township. The inspection often pays for itself many times over through negotiated repairs or price reductions.
Video Inspection Technology and Capabilities
High-Definition Clarity
Our cameras capture HD video, not grainy footage you can’t interpret. You’ll see clearly what’s inside your pipes. LED lights illuminate everything. Color video shows actual pipe conditions accurately.
Distance and Access
We can inspect 300+ feet of sewer line in most cases. That covers the distance from a typical Clinton Township home to the street connection and beyond. If your line is unusually long or has difficult access, we have equipment to handle it.
Locating Technology
The transmitter in our camera head sends a signal to our above-ground locator. This pinpoints the camera’s exact position and measures depth. When we find problems, we mark the spot on your property. If repair is needed, we know exactly where to access the pipe.
Recording and Documentation
We record every inspection digitally. You get a copy for your records. The footage includes date/time stamps and footage markers. This documentation is acceptable for insurance claims, real estate transactions, and legal purposes if needed.
Cost of Sewer Camera Inspection in Clinton Township
Video camera inspection costs vary based on several factors.
Typical Residential Inspection Pricing
For most Clinton Township homes, sewer camera inspection costs $200-400. This includes the inspection itself, a recorded copy of the video, and a written report with findings and recommendations.
Factors affecting cost include the length of line inspected, accessibility of entry points, complexity of the system, and whether you need additional services like locating or detailed written reports for real estate transactions.
Commercial Inspection Pricing
Commercial properties cost more due to larger diameter pipes, longer line lengths, more complex systems, and more detailed reporting requirements. Costs typically range $400-800+ depending on scope.
Value Proposition
Compare the inspection cost to potential savings. A $300 inspection that prevents a $8,000 surprise sewer replacement is money well spent. It’s cheap compared to doing exploratory digging. And it ensures accurate diagnosis before spending on repairs.
We’ve had Clinton Township customers thank us for saving them thousands through accurate inspection that prevented unnecessary work.
Reviews
What Our Clients Say
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 Sewer Camera Inspections
Q1. How long does a sewer camera inspection take?
Most residential inspections take 30-60 minutes from start to finish. This includes setup, the actual camera inspection, discussing findings with you, and providing your video copy. Very short lines might take less time. Longer or more complex systems take longer.
We don’t rush inspections. We work methodically to document everything thoroughly. You’re paying for accurate information, not speed.
Q2. What can a sewer camera see?
Our cameras show the inside of your pipes in detail. We see cracks, breaks, holes, tree roots, blockages, joint separation, bellied or sagging sections, corrosion and deterioration, scale buildup, grease accumulation, proper or improper pitch, pipe material and diameter, and connections to other lines.
Cameras can’t see through solid blockages. If your line is completely blocked, we might need to clear it first before inspecting beyond the blockage. Cameras also can’t see outside the pipe or through pipe walls to assess external soil conditions.
Q3. Do you need to access my home for the inspection?
Usually no. Most inspections use exterior cleanouts or yard access points. If your Clinton Township home doesn’t have an exterior cleanout, we might need basement access or might recommend toilet removal for access. We discuss access options during scheduling.
Q4. Can camera inspection damage my pipes?
No. The camera is designed specifically for pipe inspection. It’s smooth, waterproof, and moves gently through your lines. The flexible cable follows the pipe path without forcing. We’ve inspected thousands of sewer lines without causing damage.
The only pipes we can’t inspect are those already collapsed or so severely deteriorated they’re barely intact. In those cases, the pipe was already failed before inspection.
Q5. What if you find problems during the inspection?
We explain findings in plain English while you watch. We assess severity. Some problems need immediate attention. Others can wait. We provide honest recommendations and accurate cost estimates for repairs.
You’re never pressured to hire us for repairs. The inspection report is yours to use however you choose. Get multiple quotes if you want. Use the video to show other contractors exactly what needs fixing.
Q6. How often should I have my sewer line inspected?
For most homeowners, there’s no need for regular inspection unless you’re experiencing problems. However, we recommend inspection in these situations: before buying a home (especially pre-1980 construction), if you have recurring drain problems, every 3-5 years for homes with previous root problems, before major plumbing renovations, and after major repairs to verify quality.
For commercial properties or multi-family buildings, annual or bi-annual inspection as part of preventative maintenance makes sense.
Q7. Can you inspect other plumbing besides the main sewer line?
Yes. We can inspect any accessible drain or pipe that our cameras fit. This includes floor drains, cleanout lines, vent stacks, storm drains, lateral drain lines, and interior plumbing systems. If there’s a pipe we can access, we can probably inspect it.
Why Clinton Township Chooses Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing
Professional-Grade Equipment
We invest in quality camera systems because accuracy matters. Our HD cameras provide clear footage. Our locating equipment pinpoints problems precisely. Our reporting tools create professional documentation. You’re getting professional results, not amateur video.
Experienced, Licensed Plumbers
Our technicians are licensed master plumbers, not just camera operators. They understand plumbing systems. They interpret what the camera shows accurately. They provide realistic repair recommendations based on years of experience.
We’ve inspected hundreds of sewer lines throughout Clinton Township and Macomb County. We know common problems in different neighborhoods. We know how different pipe materials fail. This experience ensures accurate diagnosis.
Honest Assessment
We don’t exaggerate problems to sell repairs. If your line is fine, we’ll tell you. If it needs work, we’ll explain why and give you accurate costs. Our reputation depends on honesty. Many customers return to us years later because they trust our assessment.
Comprehensive Reporting
You get everything documented. Full video recording, still images of important findings, written report explaining observations, location information for problems, severity assessment, repair recommendations with options, and accurate cost estimates.
The report is yours. Use it however you need. We’ve provided reports for insurance claims, real estate transactions, legal matters, and simple peace of mind.
Same-Day Service Available
Need inspection quickly for a pending real estate closing? We offer same-day service in most cases. We understand timing matters for property transactions. We work with real estate agents and home buyers regularly to meet closing deadlines.
Schedule Your Sewer Camera Inspection Today
Whether you’re buying a Clinton Township home, dealing with drain problems, or just want peace of mind about your underground plumbing, video camera inspection provides answers. Stop guessing at what’s wrong and see the actual problem.
Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing has been inspecting sewer lines throughout Clinton Township and Macomb County for years. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners avoid expensive surprises, negotiate better real estate deals, and fix problems accurately the first time.
Our HD video inspection shows you exactly what’s happening in your pipes. You’ll see what we see. We’ll explain everything in plain English and provide honest recommendations. There’s no pressure, no exaggeration, just accurate information you can use to make informed decisions.
Call us today to schedule your sewer camera inspection. We typically schedule within 24-48 hours. Same-day service is available when needed. For real estate transactions with tight timelines, we’ll work with your schedule.
Don’t buy a Clinton Township home without knowing the condition of the sewer line. Don’t keep paying for repeated drain cleaning without knowing why the problem keeps returning. Don’t start major renovation without verifying your drains can handle it.
Contact Drain Masters Rooter Plumbing now for professional video camera inspection. Let us show you what’s really going on underground. Your pipes will tell us their story, and we’ll help you understand what needs to be done.
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