See What's Lurking in Your Pipes with a Small Drain Camera

When plumbing issues arise, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location and cause of the problem. Clogged and damaged pipes hidden behind walls or under floors can lead to leaks, backups, and cost thousands in repairs. That's where small drain cameras come in handy for DIYers and professionals alike.

What is a Small Drain Camera?

A small drain camera, also called a micro drain camera or plumbing camera, is a versatile, portable device that can be inserted into drains, pipes, and ducts to get a close visual on what's going on inside. These cameras are designed to be compact and waterproof with LED lighting and video recording capabilities.

Small drain cameras typically have a cable length between 3 to 100 feet. The camera is attached to the end of the flexible cable, enabling it to be snaked through pipe systems and around bends. Its small size, usually 0.4 to 1 inch diameter, allows it to fit inside pipes as narrow as 1.5 inches across.

Key Benefits of Using a Small Drain Camera

Pinpoint clogs, obstructions, and damage - Get a first-hand view of clogs from hair, grease, roots, collapsed pipes, and other issues. Locate exact areas needing repair.
Prevent water damage - Find leaks and trouble spots before they turn into major property damage. Early detection saves time and money.
Avoid unnecessary repairs - Diagnose problems before tearing down walls or floors for plumbing access. Only repair what needs fixing.
Record findings - Document pipe conditions with photos and videos. Useful for insurance claims and contractor estimates.
Hard to reach areas - Maneuver the camera into cramped, tight spaces other tools can't access. Look inside wall cavities and under sinks.
DIY option - Affordable for homeowners to inspect and clear their own simple clogs without calling a plumber.

This is an ideal solution to inspect kitchen and bathroom drains, pools, spas, hot tubs, showers, sprinkler lines, and narrow diameter industrial machinery that other units cannot navigate.

"A drain pipe camera allows identifying and addressing minor drain issues before they become major expensive problems."

Choosing the Right Small Drain Camera

When selecting a small drain camera, consider these key factors:

Image quality - Higher resolution cameras with wide-angle viewing provide clearer pipe inspection.
Cable length and diameter - Match cable length and thickness to the types of pipes being inspected. Longer cables enable deeper access.
Durability - Rugged waterproof cameras can withstand messy drain environments. Look for metal components.
Portability - Compact handheld designs under 3 lbs are ideal for easy transport on jobsites.
Power source - Cameras may be battery operated, plug-in, or use a wired monitor. Batteries offer more flexibility.
Accessories - Kits may include hooks, magnets or retrieval tools to remove obstructions. Monitor screens to view live footage.

Using a Small Drain Camera Safely

To avoid damage and injuries, keep these safety tips in mind when using your small drain camera:

Review instruction manual and warning labels before use.
Wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling the camera.
Never force the cable if it gets snagged or stuck. Retrieve slowly.
Avoid looking directly into lights on the camera head.
Do not push the camera past total cable length or rupture the cable.
Sanitize equipment after inspecting unsanitary drain lines.

Knowing when and how to use a small plumbing camera can make inspecting and unclogging pipes much easier. Their versatile design suits both amateurs and plumbers to diagnose drain problems. Consider adding this useful tool to your home maintenance or plumbing toolkit.