In recent times, it’s become vital to invest in the correct type of equipment to keep your plumbing business above water. By selecting the right tools, you can save money, boost efficiency, and increase your plumbing business productivity.

One of these tools is the drain inspection camera. Also known as pipe inspection cameras or sewer cameras, these handy devices offer a full view of a pipe or drain’s interior without the need for physical inspection.

This article will outline the many benefits of drain inspection cameras and highlight how these specialised devices can benefit your plumbing business.

What is a drain inspection camera?

The idea behind a drain inspection camera is to help plumbers identity the cause of a blocked drain. A broad selection of inspection cameras exists on the market today, varying by size, width, and cable length. Your camera model choice will depend on the size of the pipe you’ll be inspecting and the distance the camera will need to travel to locate the blockage.

Drain inspection cameras are conveniently compact, featuring a flexible cable that can travel far underground into sewers and stormwater pipes. Thanks to these specialised devices’ maneuverability, plumbers can view every part of these pipes and lines, including corners.

How do drain inspection cameras work?

Sewer cameras can record video as well as take photos of the inside of a pipe. Plumbers can access these images in real-time via a monitor connected to the CCTV camera.

These modern devices feature a high-resolution camera fastened to the end of a flexible rod. Built-up lights are attached to the camera to ensure the inside of the pipe is visible during inspection. As the plumber guides the cable through a drainpipe, the camera will send a signal to the connected display device (usually a television monitor).

Most drain cameras can travel up to sixty metres down a pipe, making them the perfect choice for investigating blockages on residential properties.

How does a plumber use a drain inspection camera?

Before beginning inspection, a plumber will determine an appropriate entry point that offers the easiest, least obstructive access to a drain system.

The plumber will then place the camera into the pipe or drain’s opening, feeding it through slowly. They will watch the live camera feed as they do this, gaining a full view of the pipe as the cable travels down the line.

By analysing the recorded footage in real-time, the plumber can quickly identify the blockage source, diagnose any pipe faults, or check if previous attempts at clearing the pipe have worked.

After analysing the video footage, the plumber can offer the customer an accurate and targeted solution to fix the problem at its source. There’s no guesswork or estimation with drain cameras—all information is accurate and accessible without digging up pipes.

Conclusion

Drain inspection cameras are modern solutions for quick, accurate, and cost-effective drain or pipe clearing. Any plumbing business hoping to boost their reliability, productivity, and save money should invest in a quality CCTV drain inspection system.

By Daniel