Plumbing Camera Inspections in Essex, MD, Baltimore & 60-Mile Radius
Fast, Accurate Diagnosis Without Digging or Guesswork
Office located in Essex, MD and proudly serving homeowners within a 60-mile radius. Licensed Maryland plumbing professionals with nearly two decades of experience.Schedule Your Plumbing Camera Inspection Today
Call (410) 559-9514 to Speak With a Licensed Plumber
Are you dealing with slow drains, backups, or strange plumbing noises? It might be time to schedule a plumbing camera inspection to get a clear diagnosis without any intrusive digging or guesswork.
Most plumbing problems—such as a slow drain, leak, or burst pipe—can be difficult to identify without the right tools.
That’s where our plumbing camera inspections come in. Our licensed plumbers at SM Mechanical use advanced camera technology to perform a non-invasive inspection, allowing us to get to the root cause of your concern quickly.
With this modern plumbing inspection approach, we save you time, avoid unnecessary excavation, and provide fast and accurate solutions for what’s happening inside your pipes.
Schedule Your Plumbing Camera Inspection Today
Serving Essex, MD & the Greater Baltimore Area (60-Mile Radius)
What Is a Plumbing Camera Inspection?
Instead of invasive and costly digging to assess your pipes, a plumbing camera inspection allows us to minimize disruption, save time, and deliver fast answers.
We use low-light cameras with advanced sensor technology to perform a thorough assessment of your plumbing system. Our plumbing video camera inspections evaluate the interior of your pipes and provide real-time footage, which our technicians review to quickly identify the cause of your plumbing problem.
Benefits of Plumbing Camera Inspections
Plumbing camera inspections offer a fast, accurate way to diagnose problems without tearing into walls, floors, or landscaping. One of the biggest advantages is early detection, helping identify blockages, cracks, corrosion, and leaks before they become costly problems.
Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons of water each year, increase water bills, and put strain on your plumbing system. According to the EPA’s Fix a Leak resource.
household leaks are common and costly, making early detection extremely important.
Key Benefits Include:
• Accurate Diagnosis – Identify plumbing problems in real time and get straight to the source
• Cost Effective – Avoid trial-and-error repairs or costly excavation
• Time-Saving – Quickly locate sewer line blockages and other issues
• Non-Invasive – No need to tear up your yard, floors, or walls
• Preventative – Detect issues before they escalate into major repairs
• Supports All Pipe Types – Effective for PVC, cast iron, and other materials
What Our Customers Say
“Anthony was excellent when he checked my HVAC because he answered my questions, suggested ways to maintain my HVAC,
and provided additional information and options for my system. Thank you Anthony at SM Mechanical!”
Patricia Norris
Baltimore homeowner
Common Plumbing Problems We Detect
Plumbing camera inspections can help identify a wide range of plumbing issues, including:
Water Backups & Clogged Sewer Lines
Water backups and clogged sewer lines can be diagnosed using a plumbing camera. Common signs include slow-draining tubs or showers, bubbling drains, unpleasant odors, and gurgling noises. When structural damage is identified, sewer line repair services may be required.
Rust & Corrosion
Discolored water, stains in sinks or tubs, visible rust on exposed pipes, or unusual tastes and smells may indicate corrosion. A plumbing camera inspection helps locate the source and determine repair options.
Collapsed or Cracked Pipes
Slow drainage, sewage odors, and gurgling sounds can indicate cracked or collapsed pipes. Advanced camera inspections accurately identify these structural issues before major failures occur.
Septic System Issues
Plumbing video camera inspections provide an efficient way to assess septic pipes, detect existing issues, and identify potential problems before they become more costly.
Strange Plumbing Noises
Banging, gurgling, or bubbling noises can signal drain or sewer line issues. A plumbing camera helps pinpoint the exact cause.
Locating Sewer Lines for Construction or Landscaping
Before construction or landscaping projects, plumbing cameras allow sewer lines to be located accurately without any costly digging.
Preventative Maintenance
Routine plumbing camera inspections help identify small clogs or pipe issues before they turn into major repairs, supporting long-term plumbing system health.
How Does a Plumbing Camera Inspection Work?
A flexible rod with a high-resolution camera is inserted into the main sewer line or problem area. The camera provides clear, detailed images of the interior of your pipes.
This real-time footage allows plumbers to identify leaks, cracks, blockages, and other issues with precision. After the inspection, we provide a clear explanation of the findings along with recommended solutions, which may include targeted plumbing repairs.
This service is ideal for:
• Real estate home inspections
• Homes built before 1970 with older pipes
• Recurring drain or sewer clogs
• Renovation and construction projects
When Should You Schedule a Plumbing Camera Inspection?
Homeowners and businesses should consider scheduling a video camera inspection if they notice:
- Slow-draining sinks, tubs, or showers
- Unusual odors
- Water pooling in the yard
- Lush or unusually green patches of grass
- Unexplained high water bills
- Gurgling, banging, or bubbling pipe noises
A professional sewer camera inspection can identify the source of the problem and prevent small issues from becoming major repairs. Regular inspections are especially recommended for older homes or before starting a renovation.
What Happens After a Plumbing Camera Inspection?
Once your plumbing issue is identified, the next step is prompt repair. Addressing the problem early helps prevent escalation and reduces long-term damage and repair costs. Our licensed plumbers will review all findings with you and recommend appropriate next steps.
Why Choose SM Mechanical for a Plumbing Camera Inspection?
With nearly two decades of experience serving Essex, MD and the surrounding Baltimore metro area, SM Mechanical plumbing services have built a strong reputation for reliable, expert solutions.
When you choose us, you’re working with a locally owned and trusted company, backed by 16 years in business and hundreds of satisfied homeowners and business owners throughout the Baltimore area.
Plumbing Camera Inspections – FAQs
What types of plumbing issues can a camera inspection detect?
Camera inspections can detect clogs, tree root intrusions, pipe corrosion, leaks, cracked or collapsed pipes, misaligned joints, and even locate lost items in drains.
Is a camera inspection safe for older pipes or fragile plumbing systems?
Yes. Plumbing camera inspections are non-invasive and safe for older or fragile pipes. The flexible, waterproof camera navigates gently without causing damage.
How long does a plumbing camera inspection take?
Most residential plumbing camera inspections take 30 minutes to one hour, depending on pipe length and system complexity.
Schedule Your Plumbing Camera Inspection Today
Don’t wait for a minor plumbing issue to turn into a major headache. Our plumbing camera inspections help you get clear answers quickly and fix problems efficiently.
Call today to schedule your inspection with SM Mechanical
This content has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by Purcell Oxendine, Plumbing Manager at SM Mechanical, LLC, who brings more than 18 years of hands-on industry experience. Last reviewed March 1, 2026.




