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Sewer Line & Infrastructure Video Inspection

Get the complete picture before purchasing a property or scheduling a repair.

Mainline Inspection Services, LLC provides comprehensive video examinations of sewer lines, downspouts, drains and other pipes, empowering you to make educated decisions about major investments and repairs.

Unlike other companies that offer video inspections, we are not a plumbing sales organization. Instead, we provide unbiased, objective examinations and assessments of the condition of your pipes. We do not up-sell repair work, nor do we offer repair services.

We want our customers to have a complete picture of the condition of their sewer lines and other commonly overlooked infrastructure–giving them a real advantage when making decisions about home purchases, sewer line maintenance and repairs, real estate investments and more. Give yourself an advantage today, call Mainline Inspection Services at 513-349-3357 or email info@MainlineInspection.com

What our customers are saying about us

"I first met Patrick at a Cincinnati Real Estate Investors Association meeting where we are both vendors. I was immediately impressed with his presentation of reports and videos that showed remarkable information and detail…" (Read More)

Testimonials

Customer Testimonials

“The information your report gave us for buying our home was invaluable.”

—Anthony H.

“I first met Patrick at a Cincinnati Real Estate Investors Association meeting where we are both vendors. I was immediately impressed with his presentation of reports and videos that showed remarkable information and detail. I immediately realized this could be a very valuable service for my clients and it wasn’t long before an opportunity arrived to test Patrick’s expertise.

One of my investor clients went under contract on a bank-owned property. After the contract was executed, my buyer had the opportunity to perform his inspections. We completed the structural and mechanical portion of the inspection, but in order to inspect the plumbing portion, the bank had to turn on the water. It is common practice on bank-owned properties for the bank to charge a fee to “dewinterize” then “rewinterize” the house, usually around $250. I recommended to my buyer that, instead of paying $250 to just turn on the water and visually watch the drains, he contact Mainline Inspection where for about the same amount he could get a complete video inspection. My buyer agreed and called Patrick who scheduled an inspection right away.

The report was completed and showed that water and waste were being held in several sections of the sewer line. My buyer took the report to a plumbing company and obtained a repair estimate based on the results of the video. The repair estimate called for replacing the entire line at a cost of about $10,000! I then presented the independent inspection report and repair estimate to the bank with our request for a price concession. With the report as our basis, we were able to get the bank to agree to price concessions for the repairs saving my buyer thousands of dollars! The inspection paid for itself many times over! I would highly recommend Patrick’s service for to any of my real estate clients. He provides very prompt and professional service which can save you thousands in hidden costs!”

—Marty Russell, Exit Realty West

“I own a company in Cincinnati called Inspection Plus. We have done over 34,000 full house inspections since 1991, throughout the Tri-State area. I have been sending my clients to Mainline Inspection Services for over a year whenever I suspect there may be an issue with their underground drain lines.

In my line of work, it’s great when clients ask if I know someone who can perform a task—Patrick has been a big help to my clients and I am sure Mainline Inspection has saved my customers thousands of dollars prior to closing on a house. I would recommend Mainline Inspection Services to any of my clients.”

—John Cordell, Inspection Plus, LTD

“As a consumer, I tend to be skeptical and am always in search of the “right company.” For this reason, I’m sharing my recent experience with Mainline Inspection Services. Due to a sewer problem, I had five plumbers evaluate my situation and provide quotes for the repair. Estimates ranged from approximately $12,000 to a couple thousand dollars. Although I was hesitant to make yet another phone call, I contacted M.I.S. and found Mr. Hooper to be professional, honest and patient.

As unbelievable as this sounds, with his help I was able to complete the project myself for only a few dollars and some sweat equity. I believe that difference between M.I.S. and the others is that, unlike the others who are plumbing contractors, Mr. Hooper was not invested in soliciting a plumbing contract. Finding the problem was his agenda; providing a repair quote afterwards was not. For this reason I highly recommend M.I.S.

I realize that my situation is quite atypical and that my story almost sounds not believable. I also realize that my review probably sounds like a commercial. Probably so. Regardless, understand that I had never met Mr. Hooper prior to my situation and have no investment in writing this review other than for the protection of other consumers like myself. As consumers, I think it is important to protect each other against fraud, deceit, etc.”

—Keith M., Finneytown

“Patrick,

Two follow-ups to the investigation you did for me—first, because you were able to pinpoint the leak in our sewer lateral as being under a paved alley, the sanitation district took on the full responsibility to repair the problem and, I believe, even remove the root ball that you found near the leak. Without that proof, it would have cost me a bundle to make the repairs. My cost to prove the location had the added benefit of identifying the unexpected routing of the sewer lines under the basement floor.

Second, I mentioned to a friend in REIAGC about the inspection and your comment that a low-occupancy house can get by without realizing that the drainage system has a partial block. That blockage can be a real problem if a larger family moves in. My friend had experience with a similar problem where her grandmother’s sewer always backed up when the family gathered at Thanksgiving. So, foreknowledge of drainage problems can help the buyer recoup some of the repair costs during the negotiations.“

—Ken Truman, Conscientious Craftsmanship in Residential Rehab, Restoration and Repair

“I hired Mainline Inspection Services to inspect my backyard drain lines in order to determine where they were located and if they were working properly. Patrick provided amazing customer service—he called prior to arrival, arrived on time, completed the work on time… and most important (to me), completed the work on budget.

No offense to Patrick, but I hope I don’t need to hire him again for this service… but if I ever do need my drain lines inspected, Patrick would be the person I would contact first.

Thank you for the great work!”

—Ryan M., Madeira

When I met Patrick, the owner of Mainline inspection Services, and learned of his ‘consultative approach’ to helping people with their sewer and drain pipe problems, I was impressed. He’s not a plumber. He just takes a look at your of sewer lines, downspouts and drains and tells you what’s going on…he’s not there to up-sell any service. This way, for example, you can see if a property you’re considering purchasing has issues with the sewer lateral. Or, he’ll let you know if you really do need that big repair bill the plumber said you need to pay.

I didn’t have either of these issues–what I did have was an upstairs bathroom sink that I couldn’t unclog. I had two daughters wanting it unclogged and a wallet that didn’t want to pay for Mr. Plumber.

So I called Patrick for advice–On a Sunday! It’s not his line of work but he gave me a couple suggestions and a bit of reassurance (i.e. he consulted) and I got my drain clear.

No charge. Just helpful.

If I ever do have an issue with my sanitary system, or any drain pipe for that matter, I know who I’m calling.

—Howard M., Bellevue, KY

Service Providers

Mainline Inspection Services’ mission is to provide unbiased video examinations and assessments of sewer and storm water drain lines. We are consultants—we do not offer repair or maintenance services.

Because we receive so many customer requests for recommendations of excavation and plumbing service providers, we have developed the following list of vetted professionals. The decision to include these companies on our website is based on:

Positive ratings and reviews from online resources
Required insurance, bonding, state licensing and workers’ compensation coverage
Face-to-face interviews with a Mainline Inspection Services representative
Feedback from M.I.S. customers

The inclusion of these companies on our website does not constitute an endorsement. Mainline Inspection Services strongly recommends that you do your own research when deciding on a contractor—the best referrals often come from well-informed friends and family.

We have provided this information to offer our customers a more-complete service experience.

Service Providers
Terms of Agreement List of
Service Providers

Service Provider List

CME Sewer Repair Services

Services provided:
- Industrial, commercial and residential
- Sewer and drain pipe re-lining
- Excavation/sewer repair and replacement
- Hydro-jetting

Phone: 513-260-2252
1061B Skillman Drive Cincinnati, Ohio 45215
camenkhaus@cme-services.net
www.cme-sewer-repair.com

Aaron Andrews Septic Services

Services provided:
- Septic pumping and cleaning
- Septic and cistern tank repairs
- Septic and leach line repairs
- Septic and cistern tank inspections

Phone: 513-625-0059
Mobile: 513-259-4466
3193 Pennington Lane Williamsburg, Ohio 45176
aaronn_andrews@yahoo.com

Ken Neyer Plumbing, Inc.

Services provided:
- Complete commercial and residential plumbing service
- Sewer cleaning and hydro-jetting
- Sewer and waterline repair and replacement by excavation or trenchless pipe bursting.

Phone: 513-353-3311
4895 State Route 128, Cleves, Ohio 45002
www.neyerplumbing.com

Service providers may be added to this page as they are vetted and approved by Mainline Inspection Services.

Service Providers Terms of Agreement

To be listed on MainlineInspection.com, all service providers agree to the following terms:

The inclusion of a company as a service provider associated with Mainline Inspection Services will be permitted by referral/invitation and interview only.
Service providers represent and warrant to Mainline Inspection Services that they have all required insurance, bonding, state licensing and workers’ compensation coverage.
All price quotes provided to customers of Mainline Inspection Services will be offered in good faith—assuring honest and fair estimates for services to be provided.
Services provided to customers of Mainline Inspection Services are to be completed in a timely and professional manner—the contractor agrees to return all phone calls/emails and to show up for all appointments as scheduled. Should an appointment need to be cancelled and/or rescheduled for any reason, the service provider agrees to contact customers as soon as possible to do so.
All work performed for customers of Mainline Inspection Services is to be guaranteed by the Service Provider.

List of
Service Providers

INSPECTION SERVICES

Click Here
To View
A Sample
Inspection
Report.

Sanitary Infrastructure Consultants

The cost of replacing or repairing a main sewer line can top $10,000 to $20,000. That is why it is critical for you to know the actual state of the sanitary infrastructure before purchasing a property or making repair decisions.

Don’t let a high-pressure sales pitch force you into making an uninformed decision.

A Mainline Inspection Services Examination includes:

A video inspection, conducted using state-of-the-art Ridgid SeeSnake® color cameras
A digital video of the examination
A written review of the inspection
A consultation on potential remedies, including cost estimates
Line location/sewer line mapping (This service is offered when specifically requested and might affect the duration and price of inspection)
A 30-day Revisit Rate Reduction — if Mainline Inspection Services begins an examination but is unable to finish because of problems with the line (obstructions, standing water, etc.) our technician will return for a second attempt at a complete sewer line inspection at a reduced price. This offer will be good for a period of 30 days.

Just as businesses rely on the advice of expert consultants to avoid unnecessary and inflated expenses, you can rely on M.I.S. to disclose the condition of your sanitary infrastructure and storm water lines, and advise you on a full range of the most cost-effective repair and maintenance options.

Gain the edge — contact Mainline Inspection Services before deciding on sewer line maintenance and repairs, real-estate purchases, etc.

DIAGNOSES

What An Inspection May Reveal

Mainline Inspection Services provides real-time visual examination of sewer lines, downspouts, drains and other pipes, in addition to offering sewer line location services.

M.I.S. examinations evaluate the operating condition of the sewer line that extends from the building to the city main or septic tank—located in the street, yard or elsewhere. Our high-resolution color cameras assess the state of the pipes and enable our specialists to identify areas of concern including:

Root infiltration from trees and bushes which prevents normal flow and function, and leads to pipe damage.
Collapsed Pipe that requires repair or replacement.
Offset and/or leaking joints where joints in the line have become misaligned due to shifting soil or settling and allow water and waste to escape into the ground surrounding the line.
Broken, cracked or corroded pipe due to severe corrosion and age, or outdated and inferior material.
Blockages/restricted flow from blockages like grease buildup, sanitary products, debris, etc.
Bellied pipe where a valley or dip is created by inadequate soil conditions, resulting in sunken or leveled sections of pipe.
“Ovaled” pipe where the line is compressed and misshapen by soil pressure. Often due to the use of substandard material, this deformity can restrict flow and may be a sign of an eventual collapse.

At the conclusion of the inspection, your fully bonded and insured Mainline Inspection Services technician will provide you with a video of your examination, a written review that details the inspection findings, and suggestions for how to approach repairs and maintenance.

And because Mainline Inspection Services does not up-sell repair work or offer repair services, you can be certain that our examinations offer an honest, unbiased assessment of the condition of your sanitary system.

WHY GET AN INSPECTION

Why Get An Inspection?

A thorough examination of a property’s sanitary infrastructure–especially its sewer line–is a vital step in the real estate investment process. Identifying problems before committing to the purchase of a property is essential, as sewer repairs can cost thousands of dollars. Educate and empower yourself today.

A Mainline Inspection Services examination package includes the inspection, a video of the entire process, a written summary and a service consultation–all of which help disclose the condition of the line and provide important information to property owners and sellers.

If the sewer line appears to be in good structural condition, but is obstructed by tree roots, gravel, paper products, grease, etc., it may be possible to clear the line with an auger or high-pressure water jet system. Augering typically costs between $100 and $300, while the cost of water-jet cleaning is usually $400 to $900, though prices can exeed this range depending on the condition of the line.

If the inspection uncovers a collapsed, decayed or unstable pipe, then it will likely be necessary to repair or replace a portion of the line, and in some cases, the entire line.

Insurance Concerns

Most homeowners are unaware that they’re responsible for problems that occur in the sewer system running from their home to the street. A blockage in your sewer line can backup into your house, resulting in serious property damage, costly cleanups and the potential loss of irreplacable posessions.

If your property is properly insured, many insurance companies will cover a first backup, though you will have to pay a deductible and your rates will likely increase following the incident. However, a second backup will likely not be covered and the insurer may choose to revoke your policy.

SIGNS OF PROBLEMS

Recognizable Signs of Sewer Problems

Sewer problems often leave indicators which can be easily identified during a routine property inspection. Some of the most noticeable signs are:

Water Staining

Water stains around the basement floor drains are an obvious sign the sewer line is not draining properly. Because the floor drain is usually the lowest access point to the sewer, it provides some of the first indications of a sewer problem.

Physical Damage

Cracked walls or floors suggest movement of the foundation. Shifting foundations can be caused by excess water in the soil, which could be coming from a broken sewer line. Other obvious indications of damaged sanitary infrastructure are sink holes and sewage odors indoors and outdoors.

Replaced “Clean Out” Plugs

Sewer lines usually have a “clean out” access that is typically found on the main sewer line in the basement, crawl-space, or outside the house. Prior to the 1980′s, a brass “plug” was used in residential construction. If the original plug has been replaced, it’s likely that sewer work, such as auguring or chemical cleaning, has been required at some point.

Service Labels

The presence of service stickers on or near sewer pipes is another sign that the sanitary system has required maintenance at some point. These labels might also indicate that the property is on a “preventative maintenance” program for regular cleaning to prevent future backups.

Outside “Clean Outs”

An outside cleanout that is not original to the home is a possible indication that a spot repair was performed at some point, or that an additional, larger access point was required for regular maintenance, such as mechanical cleaning of the line.

Trees

Trees, especially large ones, near the area of the yard where the sewer line runs should always be cause for concern. This is especially true if it is known that the sanitary pipe is made from clay. Older clay pipe often has non-sealed joints every 3 feet or so (though this can vary some), which present an excellent opportunity for roots to get into and damage the pipe.

ABOUT US

Our Philosophy

Mainline Inspection Services’ goal is to educate our customers about the condition of their properties’ sanitary infrastructure, giving them an advantage when making decisions about real estate purchases, maintenance and repairs.

This philosophy is guided by both our entrepreneurial spirit and personal faith–we truly want to help our customers, not just to grow our business, but because it’s the right thing to do. By helping our clients avoid, identify and solve problems, we’re able to support our families and our community, which is proving to be a winning philosophy all the way around!

Our Experience

The Mainline Inspection Services team relies on decades of pipe fitting, plumbing and pipe inspection experience to inform and empower our clients. We’re constantly striving to improve the quality of our service through ongoing education and training that enables us to give our customers clear, concise and comprehensive analyses of their sanitary infrastructure.

Mainline Inspection Services Is Fully Insured

BLOG

FLEX PIPE! What is it good for?

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Mainline Inspection Services

In addition to sewer lines and sanitary infrastructure, M.I.S. also performs inspections on footer drains (a.k.a. foundation, perimeter or curtain drains) and downspout lines. The kind of pipe used for sewer lines is pretty standard, normally SDR 35 or SCH 40 PVC for newer construction and clay or concrete in older homes. On the other hand, the type of pipe used for the management of ground and storm water can vary—with one of the most common types used (in my experience) being flexible drain pipe/“flex pipe.” (more…)

Mainline Inspection Services: A Case Study

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

If you’ve been to our website, read our blog, or hired us to perform an inspection, you know what Mainline Inspection Services is all about. Our objective is to provide honest, unbiased assessments of sanitary infrastructure and storm water lines and consult on a full range of the most cost-effective methods of repair and maintenance. (more…)

Signs of Sewer Problems–What You Don’t Know Could Cost You

Posted on June 20, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

More than half of the sewer lines I’ve inspected for drainage issues have been for families who have owned their home for less than a year. Worse still, over half of those folks had resided in their houses for less than a month. And when I asked, “Did you have the sewer line inspected prior to purchasing the property?,” they all answered, “No.”

(more…)

Beating the Soggy Basment Blues — Don’t Panic

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

Though not all that uncommon, water in the basement is a serious problem that can damage walls and floors, destroy carpeting, ruin furniture, lead to mold—a very dangerous and expensive problem to eliminate–and create the perfect breeding ground for termites and cockroaches, to name a few. Even if a basement is not finished, more than likely it is being used for the storage of irreplaceable items like photo albums, antiques, and family heirlooms. The bottom line is that if you are experiencing a wet or flooded basement you have a very serious problem that must be fixed. (more…)

What’s That Smell? Common Causes of Sewer Odor.

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

The smell of sewer odor in a house is a very disconcerting problem for a home owner. We all recognize it when we smell it and we definitely don’t want it in our homes. In addition to being horrifyingly embarrassing and nauseating, it is also very dangerous.

(more…)

Sewer Repair: Excavation vs. Reline

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

Currently, the two most common methods of repairing a damaged sewer line is a Full Line Replacement, and what is known as a Reline, sometimes referred to as a Sleeve. If an inspection reveals serious issues with the sewer lateral that can only be remediated with a full replacement or repair, these are the two methods I most often consult my customers on. (more…)

Avoiding the Sewer Scammer

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

I know and trust that most sewer repair providers–plumbers, excavators, contractors, etc.–are honest, hard-working folk who want nothing more than to offer customers ethical, straightforward solutions to their problems. I work with many such service providers, who, not wanting to offer repair work without being certain of what needs to be done, bring me in to examine pipes and pinpoint problems before digging up a yard or busting up a basement floor. (more…)

Trenchless Technologies for Sewer Repair and Maintenance

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

The mission of Mainline Inspection Services is to provide honest, unbiased video inspections and analysis of drain pipe–including but not limited to the main sewer, footer drains, sump pump and down spout lines. Though Mainline Inspection Services does not sell repair or maintenance services, we do consult with our customers on the most cost-effective means of addressing problems with damaged pipe. (more…)

The Story Behind Mainline Inspection Services

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Mainline Inspection Services

I want nothing more out of my daily personal and professional interactions than to deal with others honestly and be dealt with honestly.

Over the years I have held several sales jobs. For a salesperson, the pressure to meet and exceed revenue goals is constant. Your best week, month or year is never good enough. Success is measured in growth of revenue over past production and is also compared against other salespeople’s achievements. The strain of ever-increasing goals and expectations can drive even the most honorable among us to ignore their conscience in order to make a sale. (more…)

CONTACT US

Mainline Inspection Services

513-349-3357

info@MainlineInspection.com

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