See Clearly Down Your Drains with Sewer Drain Cameras

A clogged or damaged sewer drain can lead to messy and expensive plumbing issues. The best way to inspect your drains and sewer lines is with a specialized sewer drain camera. These useful tools provide a view inside pipes to check for clogs, breaks, root intrusion and more. Best drain inspection camera for commercial use.

Why Use a Sewer Drain Camera?

Sewer drain cameras, also called pipe inspection cameras or drain scope cameras, are a must-have for homeowners and plumbers. Here are some key benefits:

Locate blockages - A camera can pinpoint clogs and debris inside pipes. This allows for targeted drain cleaning.
Assess pipe condition - Drain cameras can identify cracks, leaks, holes and root damage in sewer pipes. This helps determine if repairs or replacement are needed.
Prevent backups - By inspecting pipes regularly with a camera, you can address issues before they cause sewage backups, overflows and indoor flooding.
Record documentation - Drain camera footage provides visual documentation of pipe interiors. This creates a record of pipe condition over time.

How To Use A (Sewer) Inspection Camera

This is a very good tool! It shows what you need to know and the problem areas.
By showing the condition of the pipe, current and future problems can be detected. Fixing problems quickly prevents future "OH NO! "

An example of using a Inspection Camera

There are a variety of sewer and drain camera options on the market:

Choosing the Best Drain Camera

Pipe Inspection Push Cameras.
This type of drain inspection camera is mounted on a flexible cable that is fed down pipes. It provides a live video feed and internal pipe view. A push camera can navigate pipes up to 100 feet long.

Rigid Sewer Cameras.
These cameras have a hard rod with a camera head on the end. They provide high quality images and video inside pipes. Rigid cameras are more durable for inspecting long sewer lines.

Portable Wireless Drain Cameras.
Wireless camera heads transmit video footage to a handheld monitor. They're easy to maneuver into tight spaces. A cable reel is still required.

Features to Look For

Video feed

Live video lets you view the interior of pipes. Recording allows footage to be saved.

Display monitor

A display screen shows the drain or sewer line interior. Digital zoom helps see issues up close.

Lighting

Bright LED lights are essential to see clearly inside dark pipes. More lighting output results in better visibility.

Camera head

Durable metal construction and small diameter camera heads can access tight drain lines. An adjustable head offers better pipe inspection.

Using a Drain Camera Correctly

Follow these tips when using your sewer camera:

Carefully feed the camera into the pipe. Don't force it if there is excessive resistance.
Take your time inspecting. Move the camera slowly and methodically.
Look for any cracks, holes, blockages, mineral deposits or intruding roots.
If you hit a blockage, don't push hard or you may damage the cable.
Record video footage for documentation and locate equipment if needed for repairs.
Carefully retrieve the camera when finished. Properly clean and store it after use.

Why a Sewer Camera is a Worthwhile Investment

A drain inspection camera is one of the handiest tools a homeowner or plumber can own. It allows you to assess drain line problems without costly excavation or plumbing repairs. Investing in a quality sewer camera will pay for itself over time in preventative maintenance. It empowers DIY homeowners to conduct pipe inspections themselves. Overall a drain or sewer camera provides invaluable insight to keep your underground plumbing system operating smoothly.