If you’ve ever been told you need a full sewer line replacement without seeing the problem yourself, you’re not alone. At The Pine Plumbing, we’ve seen too many commercial property owners, restaurant contractors, and general contractors fall victim to rushed diagnoses—some that could have cost tens of thousands. One of our most important tools to stop that? A camera inspection.
Let’s break down what a real drain camera inspection looks like, how it works, and what we’ve uncovered hiding in drains across Van Nuys, Hollywood, and throughout Los Angeles.
Why You Should Always Ask for a Camera Inspection
Before you dig, break concrete, or tear up landscaping, know what you’re dealing with. We once took over a job in Van Nuys where the previous plumber claimed the customer needed an $18,000 sewer replacement. Their explanation? “The line is old.”
That didn’t sit right with the property owner—and it didn’t sit right with us. We rolled in, ran our camera, and within minutes found the truth. A single root intrusion near a coupling, just a few feet from the property line. The rest of the pipe was intact. Our repair? Under $2,000.
What a Real Drain Camera Inspection Looks Like
A proper inspection starts with access. Our techs use an entry point like a cleanout or pulled toilet to run a flexible, waterproof camera through your drain line. The camera sends a live feed to a monitor, letting both our technician and the customer see exactly what’s happening in real time.
You’ll see:
- Buildup and debris
- Root intrusion
- Bellies (sags in the pipe)
- Cracks or separations
- Grease blockages
Each issue is flagged with distance markers, so we know how far down the line it is and how deep.
Transparency matters. At The Pine Plumbing, we don’t just tell you what we see—we show you. You’ll get access to the footage and a clear explanation of what’s going on.
What We Found in a 75-Year-Old Hollywood Property
Age doesn’t always equal disaster. In a recent job in Hollywood, a contractor called us in for a second opinion. The original plumber wrote up a quote for full pipe replacement due to “old clay lines.”
We ran a camera. What we found shocked even the building manager: those clay pipes? Still solid. The only problem was grease buildup and minor scaling—issues we cleared with hydro-jetting.
The savings? Over $22,000.
Real Problems vs. Scare Tactics
Some plumbers rely on fear. They might:
- Refuse to show footage
- Claim old material must be replaced without evidence
- Use vague terms like “your system is failing”
We don’t operate that way. Every recommendation we make is backed by video. If we say it’s broken, we’ll show you.
Don’t Skip Diagnostics on Big Jobs
If you manage a restaurant, oversee a commercial buildout, or handle multi-unit properties, you already know how fast plumbing issues can stall progress. Whether it’s trenching across a parking lot or rerouting under a kitchen slab, you don’t want surprises mid-project.
That’s why we make camera inspections standard before major repairs. One look can change the whole scope of work—and prevent unnecessary costs.
How We Helped a Restaurant Contractor in Van Nuys
A restaurant build-out was behind schedule because of a supposed sewer collapse under the foundation. The contractor called us to confirm.
We scoped the line. The break wasn’t under the slab at all—it was outside the building, under soft soil. That shifted the job from a 3-week delay to a 3-day dig.
We saved them time, money, and stress.
We Handle It All—Big or Small
Whether it’s a full lateral line replacement or a simple inspection to rule out clogs, The Pine Plumbing has the crew and equipment ready. We work with general contractors, restaurant contractors, commercial managers, and property owners across Los Angeles County.
Don’t greenlight a sewer project without calling us first.
Contact The Pine Plumbing Today
Call us at (323) 346-4472 or fill out our quick form to schedule a camera inspection.
You could be one inspection away from saving thousands.
