What is a pipe inspection camera?

Pipe inspection cameras are brilliant tools that help people to inspect items that are far away, hard to reach, especially for aqueous-exposed environments. Also, pipe inspection cameras are known as sewer cameras, snake cameras and push camera systems as well. They are almost the best tools for you when it comes to inspection. What’s more, a lot of plumbing professionals regard pipe inspection cameras as one of the most valuable tools in their industry. Pipe inspection cameras are often used underground while conducting visual inspection of underground pipe, conduits and sewer lines. As a result, pipe inspection cameras are particularly made to be waterproof in order to enable the operators to have a thorough optic inspection in all kinds of aqueous-exposed piping environments. More than your imagination, pipe inspection cameras are frequently applied in all sorts of industries, such as industrial settings. And we will elaborate more on the applications in the next paragraph. Instead of destroying items around our targets, pipe inspection cameras are so helpful for operators that they can visually inspect pipes and drain lines from 2 inches to 30 inches in diameter. As for the size, typically, the diameter of pipe inspection cameras ranges from 6mm diameter up to 3 inches and lengths from 100 to 400 feet. 

Who uses pipe inspection cameras?

You may wonder about the applications of pipe inspection cameras. We are going to explain in this paragraph. In general, pipe inspection cameras are amazing inventions that are applicable to numerous situations. To be more specific, pipe inspection systems can be utilized by all kinds of professionals, which include plumbers, contractors, drain and sewer cleaners,  HVAC inspectors, pipe fabricators, environmental engineers, pipe welders, etc. As a matter of fact, to execute inspection tasks, there are far from the only professionals that use pipe inspection cameras. Enhancing users’ productivity and efficiency is the main reason why pipe inspection cameras are existing. By doing so, users can visually identify  fractures, breaks, root damage, and corrosion with pipe inspection cameras and they can efficiently save their time and money and then use it on more important tasks. It is because once technicians know what the problem is and where it is, they can use their professions to fix it in the most efficient way. Moreover, it’s really easy and convenient to use pipe inspection cameras in aqueous-exposed piping environments. All in all, pipe inspection cameras are versatile tools that are helpful in terms of the performance of routine maintenance and inspection tasks in a broad range of industries. 

What are factors to consider when looking for an Inspection Camera?

When it comes to deciding which pipe inspection cameras to purchase, what are the properties to consider? We suggest five main properties, including cost, image quality, batteries and adds-on. We strongly suggest that you should consider the listed properties before making an order. 

 

• Cost

The cost of pipe inspection cameras can range from $30 to $3,000, or more. As a result, depending on different needs and purposes, you may choose different kinds of pipe inspection cameras. Specifically, if you are professional inspectors who need high quality dada all the time, then sophisticated inspection cameras may be the best choice for you. Nevertheless, if you just want to use an inspection camera for home, then it’s fine for you to buy a less expensive one.

 

• Image quality

Whether your inspection needs a high quality image is the main point while thinking about whether to purchase an inspection camera providing higher image quality. It is because the higher the image quality is, the higher the price is. In short, image quality is the main reason that decides the price of an inspection camera.

 

• Battery 

The power source is one of the main things for you to take into consideration while purchasing an inspection camera. Firstly, every camera requires cameras but they are not included in the price of inspection cameras at all times. Secondly, Some inspection cameras use standard AA batteries, but  some may use special lithium-ion batteries, and they even need hours to charge. As a result, please research what kinds of batteries your camera requires so that you can avoid purchasing the incorrect one.

 

• Add-ons

Some inspection cameras come with additional accessories that could be helpful for your work, such as magnets, hooks, mirrors and lighting, etc. With magnets, hooks,  users can grab metallic objects or grab items during an inspection; with mirrors, they can help inspectors to see angles in different angles. Lastly, it’s lighting. When you need to work in poorly-lit situations, you can consider lighting for your camera. In terms of different environmental considerations, you can purchase other items additionally. 

 

The mentioned add-ons can be purchased at a fairly low cost while providing significant support at the same time.

How do pipe inspection cameras work?

• Sewer Line Access into inspected areas

To begin the process, the technician will insert the specialized sewer line into the inspected areas through nearby cleanouts. 

 

• Two Direction Inspection

The technicians will advance the camera along the line while noting any problems. The line is inspected from the cleanout (an opening in pipes or sewers) to the main sewer and back into the starting point to ensure a proper diagnosis.

 

• Suspect Areas Located

Lastly, areas of potential issue can be located and the technicians can identify where the issues are on the property and assess the surrounding area. Using this information, technicians can give a highly accurate diagnosis 

The benefits of pipe inspection cameras

• Measure exactly where the problem is

Users won’t have guesswork and avoid overkill solutions and unnecessary digging because of guesswork. On the other hand, once users know the problem, they can solve it with the least disruption to environments. And users don’t have to pay for repairs that aren’t their responsibility

 

• Locate EVERY problem sewer pipes have

With pipe inspection, users can have a complete inspection instead of just the most acute ones.

 

• Low cost pipe locating method

Not destroying environments while inspecting means no fee for repair. In terms of the locating method, it’s an economical way. 

Choose the Right Pipe Inspection Camera for your Application