Skip to content
Best sewer camera for plumbers

Best sewer camera for plumbers

Learn about pipe inspection cameras 

Sewer plumbing is one of the most important parts of a plumbing system, as it carries wastewater away from the house hygienically. Drainage pipelines are a necessary addition to cities, but many hidden dangers caused by pipeline aging significantly impact people's quality of life and safety. Some of those problems include pipe corrosion, shifting, and tree root intrusion, all of which can cause problems to pipes deep in the house or ground. 

As a result, it is critical to conduct drainage pipe inspections, understand the construction and functional safety of pipes in a timely manner, and utilize scientific methodologies to guide maintenance and repair work. For example, instead of tearing out the pipes, an inspection camera can snake down the drain and find a problem, so you only need to pull out the damaged pipes. 

What are sewer inspection cameras?

Sewer cameras, also known as push cameras or snake cameras, are a form of non-articulating inspection camera used to visually monitor sewer lines and underground pipelines, such as pipes and conduits. Pipeline inspection systems allow operators to visually inspect pipes and pipe walls in drain lines with diameters ranging from 2 to 30 inches. Sewer inspection cameras typically have diameters ranging from 6mm to 3" and lengths ranging from 100 feet to 400 feet.

Professional plumbers consider sewer cameras invaluable as they are waterproof and provide a full view for inspection. Furthermore, the cameras are built to withstand industrial settings while offering high-resolution video, recording, and image capturing. Inspection cameras also include a light on the camera at the end of the long cord to light the passage and increase visibility. As technology improves, so do inspection cameras with unique features such as connecting to Bluetooth and sharing data taken with the camera.  

A monitor is included with each pipe inspection camera, which displays the video pictures recorded by the probe. Long wires also make it easier to acquire footage, regardless of how serious the problem is. For extremely long probes, you may want to consider investing in a reel with a stand so you can easily roll the probe. Guide tubes make it easy to lead your probe in any direction your investigation might require.

Why would you want to use a camera for plumbing?

Sewer inspection cameras can be used for a variety of tasks. Special pipeline inspection engineers, maintenance engineers, drainage maintenance engineers, and plumbers frequently use their industry-specific designs to locate regions that are difficult to access or enter. The camera can investigate sewage systems, rainwater drainage systems, chemical pipelines, and other hard-to-reach systems to detect issues without tearing the system apart. 

Instead of wasting time and money, the camera can cut the work in half and fix the problems more efficiently by detecting problems and creating an easier repair plan. Additionally, inspection cameras can detect pipe problems before they arise by allowing inspection from even a minor problem such as an increased water bill. Also, these cameras can increase property value by detecting and repairing problems in advance, and it allows you to show home inspectors an internal view of the pipes. 

Finally, pipe cameras are less disruptive than other methods of performing pipe inspections, such as removing pipes to check for issues. Moreover, the cameras make inspections safer for everyone and the property. As you can see, visual inspections of pipes via a camera provides a fast, accurate, and easy way to determine complication with pipes. 

What are the different types of drain cameras?

The type of camera you need depends on the data you need and the type of piping. Rigid and flexible cameras are the most common. From there, you simply need to determine how long of a cord you need depending on the size of the pipes or sewers you are inspecting. Take a look at the two most common forms of drain cameras below in more detail. 

Rigid plumbing borescopes

One of the most popular tools on the market is rigid pipe inspection cameras. The probe remains in place regardless of where it is inserted. This is advantageous if you're evaluating a pipe that runs overhead; unlike more flexible models, rigid pipe inspection cameras maintain their shape and don't require you to fight gravity while inspecting.

Flexible plumber inspection cameras

Flexible push camera systems are useful for inspecting pipes with many twists and bends. Operators can easily travel around tiny locations thanks to snake-like cables. If agility is critical to the job, articulating sewer inspection cameras is a must-have. With a flip of the controller, you'll be able to move the camera up, down, left, and right.

What is the best sewage inspection camera for me?

The MS450 Digital Endoscope/Borescope Inspection Camera offers the most versatility as it can help with plumbing, electrical, mechanical, automotive, HVAC maintenance, and much more. In addition, it's the ideal digital inspection camera for non-invasive inspections of small areas, such as searching sewer pipes for issues such as corrosion or tree roots. 

The endoscope is simple to operate and captures JPEG photos and MPEG-4 films to the accompanying 32 GB Micro-SD card with a single button press. This is a stand-alone device, so no Wi-Fi connections or software downloads are necessary. The camera probe can function 3.28 ft (1 meter) underwater thanks to an IP67 waterproof design, and the 4.5-inch display has a toughened glass screen and is drop resistant. A built-in 2500 mAh high-capacity rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts up to 4 hours.

What is the best cheap sewer camera?

Save some money by purchasing the NTC125 Autofocus Endoscope 0.49 inch (12.5mm). As this model does not include a monitor, it's more affordable. Do not worry, you can still view everything you need by connecting the camera to an Android device. Please keep in mind this device does not connect to iPhones, but it can connect to Macs and Windows-based computers. 

Get all the features you need in this camera, including autofocus, high resolution, a semi-rigid waterproof cable, an LED ring light, and a 2-in-1 USB/micro cable. In addition, it's capable of inspecting up to 5 meters, making it perfect for pipe inspection. Lastly, it includes a magnet, hook, and a side-view mirror for extra functionality. 

Shop Teslong sewer drain cameras today!

Teslong places a high value on customer happiness. With such a large assortment of high-quality sewer camera products and accessories, you'll be able to locate the inspection camera that's right for you. Our tools are extremely useful whether you're new to borescopes or have been using them on the job site for years. Find the right camera for your sewer inspection needs today and start saving time and money and enjoying the full advantages of your plumbing. Shop now!

Previous article Using an infrared camera for home inspection

NEED HELP? CALL OUR AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT TEAM AT 877.899.8809