In order to avoid having to do guesswork when conducting a drain inspection, plumbers have employed the use of a specialized piece of equipment – inspection camera. The drain (or sewer) inspection camera’s purpose is to inspect what has clogged the pipe: roots, buildup or ruptures. It does this through the use of a CCTV, with the camera being sent into the drain to visually asses the situation without plumbers having to dig the pipes up completely just to find any potential problems.

Plumbers that use a drain inspection camera claim that its usefulness outweighs its cost since the method of inspection is non-destructive. This advantage has rendered it an essential tool for any sanitation company that works with inspection and repair. The kit is composed of three main components: the camera, which is held by a thick fiber optic cable which is attached directly on the display system situated in the carry case for the device. The carry case also contains the battery, the controls and depending on the model, the reel for the wire.

The inspection camera features a wide angle lens and some of the high end models have cameras that can turn 360° which allows for all perspectives to be recorded. It also has a powerful LED light which can illuminate most of the piping in front of it, allowing for a clearer picture. The camera also has a built in locator, so trying to find the problematic spot is made simple through keeping track of exactly where the camera is underground.

Most drain inspection cameras have an SD card slot for data storage of images and recordings that can be used to inform the customer about the situation. This allows for complete transparency with the customers. The software for inspection cameras is also very simple to operate since it is a closed circuit kit and all of its controls serve their specific purpose. This also adds to the entire process of inspection being very quick and simple.

Finally, a water leak or pipe bursting can lead to costly water damage which can be a very dangerous situation that no homeowner wants to find themselves in, therefore prevention is better than cure. Through a proper inspection of the drain and its pipes, one can get a detailed diagnosis with minimum fuss and disruption, since no homeowner wants their property dug up just on the basis of a guess.