Drain cameras can inspect a series of piping systems in a home, including the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, floor drains, roof vents, outdoor drainage pipes, as well as pipes inside walls and underground. 

Their function is to use a high-definition camera to capture the interior condition of the pipes and transmit the footage in real-time to a display screen. 

This allows for a clear understanding of the situation inside the pipes and helps formulate a solution, making the process convenient and fast.

1. Kitchen Drains

The kitchen is a "high-risk area" for drainage problems. During daily cooking, grease and food scraps often wash down the drain. Even with a sink strainer, it's difficult to completely prevent small residues and oil from entering the pipes. Over time, grease adheres to the pipe walls and gradually hardens, causing issues like a reduction in the pipe's internal diameter.

Using a drain camera provides a direct view of the grease buildup inside the pipes. This helps determine whether high-pressure water jetting is needed or if sections of old pipes should be replaced. This method is more scientific than traditional "experience-based" snaking, avoiding unnecessary over-cleaning or ineffective attempts.

2. Bathroom Sink Drain

The drainpipe of a bathroom sink is typically narrow and features an S-shaped or P-shaped trap design, making it highly prone to trapping hair, toothpaste residue, soap scum, and small cosmetic particles. These substances can tangle together, forming sticky clumps that obstruct water flow. 

Regular inspections with a drain inspection camera can provide a clear view of whether hair or soap buildup is causing slow drainage in the pipes below the sink. By observing the real-time condition inside the pipes, targeted measures can be taken, such as using the right tool (like a hooked drain snake) to precisely remove the blockage, rather than attempting random, ineffective poking.

3. Shower/Bathtub Drain

Shower and bathtub drains are typically equipped with visible strainers designed to catch hair and debris. However, over time, fine hairs, soap scum, and shampoo residue can still slip through and accumulate inside the pipes. This buildup is a common cause of slow drainage and eventual clogs.

When you notice your drain is running slowly, it's advisable to use a drain inspection camera. This tool allows you to visually inspect the pipe and accurately identify the obstruction—whether it's a clump of hair or a buildup of residue—enabling you to choose the most effective clearing method and prevent a complete blockage.

4. Toilet Drain Pipes

A clogged toilet is one of the most common household plumbing issues encountered in daily life. The causes of such blockages are varied:

• Flushing excessive amounts of toilet paper at once, or introducing non-biodegradable items like wet wipes or sanitary products.

• Inherent pipe design with too many bends, or long-term buildup of scale on the pipe walls.

• Insufficient flush volume, failing to carry waste away completely.

• Blockages originating from a full septic tank or issues in the main sewer line.

According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense program, approximately 10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more of water per day. This highlights that plumbing issues like blockages or leaks not only disrupt daily life but can also lead to significant additional costs and water waste.

When faced with a clogged toilet, many households initially turn to a plunger or chemical drain cleaners. While these methods might offer a temporary fix, they often fail to address the root cause. When the underlying problem isn't fully resolved, blockages tend to recur, creating a frustrating cycle of "unclog today, clog again in a few days."

This is where a sewer inspection camera becomes a far more effective solution. By inserting a high-definition camera into the toilet drain and pipes, a technician can:

• Conduct a real-time visual inspection of the pipe's interior.

• Pinpoint the exact location of the clog or any damage.

• Determine whether the issue is caused by a foreign object, scale buildup, or a structural defect in the pipe.

Industry reports and practical experience indicate that using a plumbing camera for diagnosis can reduce repair time by over 40% and significantly lower the risk of repeat problems. This technology not only enables a swift return to normal use but also provides a clear basis for any necessary repairs, helping homeowners avoid unnecessary expenses and ineffective solutions.

5. Floor Drains (Washing Machine, Balcony, Bathroom)

The floor drain serves as a critical barrier against water backflow and efficiently removes wastewater. However, it is also a common trouble spot for odors, blockages, and overflow issues.

Primary causes include:

• Washing machine: Fine lint and fibers carried in the wastewater tend to tangle and accumulate in the pipes.

• Balcony: Sand and dust from washing or rain can settle in the downward pipes.

• Bathroom: Hair, soap scum, and foam residues combine to form sticky clogs.

Over time, the buildup of these impurities not only slows drainage but may also lead to complete pipe blockages. In such cases, a drain pipe camera inspection is the most efficient diagnostic tool. It provides a clear view of:

• The nature and location of the blockage,

• The connection condition between the floor drain and the main pipe,

• Signs of aging or damage in the pipeline.

Especially in older residential buildings, a precise camera inspection can help avoid large-scale tile removal, enabling minimal disruption and a faster resolution.

6. Roof Chimney

Many households may overlook the importance of inspecting their roof chimney. In fact, over long periods of use, chimneys can accumulate soot. If left uncleaned, they may also become blocked by bird nests or fallen leaves, leading to poor ventilation or even dangerous backdrafts.

A drain or pipe inspection camera can be used to check the interior, avoiding the need to climb into narrow, hazardous spaces. This allows for a thorough examination of the chimney’s condition, including soot buildup, structural cracks, or foreign blockages, so that cleaning or repairs can be carried out in time to ensure safe and smooth ventilation.

7. Outdoor Drain Pipes / Stormwater Pipes

Outdoor drain and stormwater pipes, constantly exposed to the elements, are highly susceptible to blockages from fallen leaves, soil sediment, and root intrusion. Particularly during heavy rain, a clogged stormwater pipe can lead to roof or yard flooding, with the risk of water seeping into the foundation or the interior of the home.

A pipe inspection camera is the ideal tool for assessing these hidden risks. It can visually confirm whether tree roots have penetrated the pipe walls or if sediment has accumulated, causing a blockage. Crucially, it can also identify cracks or damage in the pipe itself, allowing for timely repairs before the situation worsens.

For homeowners of villas or standalone properties, where the responsibility for these often-extensive pipe networks falls entirely on them, scheduling regular camera inspections is a highly recommended preventive measure.

8. Septic Tank Inlets/Outlets and Inspection Chambers

If your home is equipped with a septic system, it is important to regularly inspect its inlet and outlet pipes as well as the inspection chamber. Issues such as excessive sludge buildup, leaking pipe joints, or damaged chamber walls can all affect the proper functioning of the system.

A pipe inspection camera can be inserted from the inspection chamber or indoor outlet to check whether the connecting pipes to the septic tank are clear and joints are intact. It can also help assess the internal condition of the septic tank before pumping, enabling preventive maintenance and avoiding costly repairs.

9. Hidden Pipes (Within Walls or Underground)

This is one of the most valuable applications of a pipe inspection camera. When walls show unexplained water stains or mold, or floors remain damp without any obvious leak source, it is often due to small cracks or loose joints in water supply or drainage pipes concealed within walls or underground.

Blindly breaking walls to search for leaks is costly and highly destructive. Instead, a pipe inspection camera can be inserted through the nearest access point and navigated inside the pipeline, acting like a scout to carefully detect even the smallest leaks, cracks, or joint issues. Once located, the spot can be precisely marked from the outside, enabling minimal demolition and targeted repairs—saving both time and money.

Conclusion

A drain camera can be used to inspect various household components such as bathrooms, washrooms, toilets, chimneys, underground pipes, and outdoor drainage systems. By inserting the camera into the pipeline, it provides a real-time view of the interior, helping to identify issues like blockages, cracks, damage, root intrusion, and problems at pipe junctions.

The SANYIPACE sewer camera is suitable for pipes made of various materials, including PVC, cast iron, and concrete pipes. It can access pipes with small diameters and navigate complex bends. With a drain camera inspection, homeowners and professionals can pinpoint issues more accurately, reducing unnecessary guesswork and excavation. This helps extend the pipeline's service life and lower maintenance costs.

Keeping a pipeline inspection device at home allows for regular check-ups and can save significant repair expenses. Purchase your drain camera now!