Sewer Camera Inspection in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Nelson Bros. Plumbing & Sewer offers professional pipe inspection services to homeowners in Bloomfield Hills, MI, and the surrounding communities of Oakland County. If slow drains, recurring backups, or unexplained wet spots in your yard are giving you trouble, a sewer camera inspection may reveal the root cause without a single shovel in the ground. Call Nelson Bros. at (248) 541-0819 to schedule your inspection today.

Technician lowering a sewer camera cable into an open manhole next to a monitor reel unit.

Why Bloomfield Hills Homes Often Need a Sewer Camera Inspection

Bloomfield Hills properties present a distinct set of underground challenges. Many established estates and mid-century homes along the Woodward Corridor were built before modern pipe materials became standard. Homes near the Cranbrook Educational Community and throughout Bloomfield Township may still carry original clay or cast iron sewer lines that are decades old.



Mature oak and maple trees common in the area have root systems that seek out moisture inside aging pipe joints. Michigan's freeze-thaw cycles compound the problem: when the ground shifts through a hard winter and thaws unevenly each spring, a minor joint gap can widen into a significant crack. The deep clay soil also expands and contracts with moisture changes, placing ongoing external pressure on underground lines. These local conditions make a sewer camera inspection a practical diagnostic step for any homeowner, whether dealing with an active problem or simply wanting to understand their pipe's current condition.

How the Inspection Process Works

The inspection is non-invasive and typically completed in a single visit. Here is what to expect:

1. Our technician identifies the best access point, such as a cleanout or basement floor drain.

2. A waterproof camera is inserted and advanced through the line while transmitting real-time footage to a monitor.

3. The technician notes the location and nature of any defects, root intrusion, buildup, or structural issues observed.

4. Findings are reviewed with you on-site in plain terms.

5. If a problem is found, the team explains your repair options, including sewer and drain maintenance or pipe repair, before any work begins.

No excavation is required to get a clear diagnosis.

When to Schedule a Sewer Camera Inspection

Consider scheduling a camera inspection in Bloomfield Hills, MI if you notice any of the following:


▸Multiple drains are slow or backing up at the same time.

▸You hear gurgling from basement floor drains after running water elsewhere.

▸Soft, wet patches appear in your yard that do not dry out normally after rain.

▸You are purchasing a home in an established Bloomfield Hills neighborhood and want to verify pipe condition before closing.

▸Your home was built before 1980 and the sewer line has never been inspected.


Standard home inspections do not typically include the sewer line, making a camera inspection especially valuable for buyers. Nelson Bros. Plumbing & Sewer has served Southern Oakland County since 1925, bringing over a century of local experience to every call.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Long Does a Sewer Camera Inspection Take?

    Most residential inspections are completed in a single visit. Time on-site varies based on line length and access conditions, but many inspections wrap up within a couple of hours.

  • Is a Camera Inspection Worth It Before Buying a Home?

    A pre-purchase inspection is one of the most practical steps a buyer can take. Standard home inspections do not always include the sewer line, and older Bloomfield Hills homes may have original pipes nearing the end of their service life. Knowing the pipe condition before closing can inform negotiations and prevent costly surprises.

  • Will the Inspection Damage My Pipes or Yard?

    No. The process is non-invasive and safe for all common pipe materials. The camera is inserted through an existing access point, so no digging is required. Your yard, driveway, and landscaping remain undisturbed.

  • What Happens If the Camera Finds a Problem?

    The technician will explain the findings clearly and walk you through your repair options. Nelson Bros. offers sewer and drain maintenance and general plumbing repairs, so the team can often address identified problems without requiring a separate contractor.

  • How Do I Get a Quote for a Sewer Camera Inspection Near Bloomfield Hills, MI?

    Contact Nelson Bros. directly to request a quote. Pricing is discussed with no hidden fees. Call (248) 541-0819 or visit the contact page to schedule service.

Schedule Your Sewer Camera Inspection in Bloomfield Hills

Nelson Bros. Plumbing & Sewer has served Southern Oakland County homeowners for over 100 years and is fully licensed and insured for sewer diagnostics throughout Bloomfield Hills and neighboring communities. Whether you own an established estate, a mid-century build, or a newer custom home with aging infrastructure, a camera inspection provides clear, honest answers about your sewer line's condition. Call (248) 541-0819 or visit the contact page to book your inspection today.