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Plumbing Heating Cooling in Albany Area since 1921

Professional Sewer Camera Inspection

Stop Guessing & See Exactly What’s Wrong With Your Underground Pipes.
Whether you are buying a new home or dealing with recurring sewage backups, E.W. Tompkins Plumbing Heating Cooling utilizes the latest in video diagnostic technology to inspect your main sewer lateral. Our high-definition cameras enter your pipes to reveal the “unseen” issues that traditional snaking simply cannot fix.


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Drain Cleaning

Signs You Need a Sewer Camera Inspection

Don’t wait for a total backup to see what’s happening underground. You should schedule a professional “scope” if you notice:

  • Frequent or Recurring Clogs: If you have to snake your drains more than once a year, there is a structural issue the camera will find.
  • Foul “Sewer Gas” Odors: Persistent smells in the yard or basement often indicate a cracked or “venting” sewer line.
  • Lush, Greener Patches of Grass: If one area of your lawn is significantly greener than the rest, it may be “fertilized” by a leaking underground sewer pipe.
  • Gurgling Toilets: Air bubbles trapped by a distant blockage often cause toilets to gurgle when other sinks are draining.
  • Slow Drains Across the Whole House: When multiple fixtures are slow, the problem is almost always in the main line leading to the street.

What Our Technology Can Identify

    • Root Intrusion: We can see exactly where tree roots have pierced the pipe joints.
    • Crushed or Collapsed Pipes: Identify structural failures caused by ground shifting or corrosion.
    • Bellied Pipes: Detection of sagging sections where standing water and debris collect.
    • Foreign Objects: Clear identification of blockages, whether they are hardened grease deposits or accidentally flushed items.


    SEE WHAT’S IN YOUR PIPES

    Drain Cleaning

    Why Our “No-Dig” Diagnostic Saves You Money

    Before this technology existed, plumbers had to dig up entire yards just to find a leak. With our Radio Transmitter Locating, we remove the guesswork:

    1. Pinpoint Accuracy: We mark the exact location on your lawn where the pipe is damaged.
    2. Minimal Yard Damage: If a repair is needed, we only dig exactly where the problem is.
    3. Real Estate Protection: Buying a house? Our video inspection confirms you aren’t inheriting a $10,000 sewer problem.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    How far can your cameras reach?

    Our specialized push-rod cameras can inspect up to 100 feet of pipe, which covers the distance from most Albany homes to the city sewer main.

    Can the camera clear the clog?

    The camera is a diagnostic tool, not a cleaning tool. However, we often use the camera after a drain cleaning to confirm the line is 100% clear.

    Is the inspection messy?

    No. We access your sewer through an existing “clean-out” or by temporarily removing a toilet. Our technicians wear blue shoe covers and use “red runners” to protect your floors throughout the process.

    Is a sewer camera inspection only for older homes?

    No. While older homes are more prone to sewer issues, newer homes can also have problems due to construction debris, poor pipe alignment, or root intrusion.

    What happens if you find a problem?

    If an issue is detected, we explain your repair options clearly. Thanks to our locating technology, we can recommend targeted repairs instead of unnecessary digging.

    Ready for a Clear View?

    Don’t pay for unnecessary digging. Get a professional video confirmation first.