The size of a sewer camera probe determines which pipe diameters it can work in. On the market, various devices with different camera probe diameters are available, including 17mm, 23mm, 31mm, and 50mm. Selecting the right sewer camera can save you time, enhance visibility, and ensure a seamless inspection process.

In this article, we will comprehensively compare these different-sized drain camera probe devices to help you analyze which probe diameter is the most suitable for your sewer camera.

17mm Sewer Camera Head Diameter

If you’re dealing with clogs in small residential drain lines, a 17mm sewer camera head is exactly what you need.

It’s the smallest inspection head offered by Sanyipace, built to slip through 1–3 inch pipes with ease, even around sharp turns. Equipped with 8 adjustable LED lights, it delivers a bright, clear view of the pipe’s interior, helping you quickly identify blockages and damage.

Advantages

• Compact & Flexible: Easily passes through narrow pipes and 90° bends.

• HD Imaging: Supports 720p or 1080p high-definition resolution.

• Waterproof & Durable: Equipped with an IP68 waterproof rating for reliable use in wet environments.

• Ideal for Homeowners: Eliminates the need for large, expensive equipment for everyday inspections.

• Cost-Effective: More affordable compared to larger camera heads.

Disadvantages

• Limited Scope: Not suitable for main sewer lines larger than 4 inches.

• Restricted Lighting: Due to its small size, LED lights may be fewer and less bright, limiting visibility.

Common Applications

• Kitchen drains

• Bathroom drains

• Washing machine drain lines

• Small residential branch pipes

23mm Sewer Camera Head Diameter

The 23mm sewer inspection camera is a specialized, compact, and durable camera that connects to an inspection system, providing clear, high-resolution visual assessments of sewers, drains, and other underground pipelines. Its 23mm diameter allows it to travel through narrow and winding pipes, while features like an IP68 waterproof rating, 12 built-in LED lights, and a flexible spring make it suitable for harsh and wet environments.

Many models also come equipped with a 512 Hz transmitter for location tracking and feature auto-leveling technology, which delivers stable and easy-to-interpret images. This makes it a valuable tool for both plumbing professionals and DIY enthusiasts to identify blockages, cracks, or other structural issues.

Advantages

• Fits most households: Suitable for standard residential drain and sewer pipes (2–4 inches).

• High-quality imaging: Delivers 1080p HD video to help detect cracks, blockages, or root intrusions.

• Durable and reusable: IP68 waterproof rating with a reinforced housing design.

• Balanced value: More capable than smaller cameras, yet remains cost-effective compared to larger professional systems.

Some Limitations

• Slightly less flexible than 17mm cameras, which may make navigating sharp bends in small branch pipes challenging.

• A larger size means it cannot access the narrowest household pipes (under 2 inches).

Ideal Applications

• Main residential sewer lines

• Outdoor drainage pipes

• Basement or garage floor drains

• Rental property inspections and routine maintenance

31mm Sewer Camera Head Diameter

This 31mm diameter sewer inspection camera is designed for pipes with diameters ranging from 3 to 8 inches, making it suitable for main residential sewer lines and small-scale commercial drainage systems. 

It features an HD lens and 24 bright LEDs that deliver clear and bright video footage even in dark and wet environments, accurately identifying issues such as cracks, corrosion, or blockages.

Built with an IP68 waterproof rating and a rugged construction, the camera can withstand harsh working conditions. It comes equipped with practical functions, including auto-focus, distance measurement, and a locator transmitter, which significantly improves inspection efficiency and make it a reliable, professional-grade tool for pipeline inspections.

Where It Works Best

• Main residential sewer lines

• Small commercial plumbing systems

• Outdoor drainage pipes

• Pre-purchase property inspections

50mm Sewer Camera Head

The 50mm sewer camera is a powerful tool for pipeline inspection, designed for large-diameter pipes ranging from 8 to 15 inches in commercial, industrial, or municipal systems. 

It incorporates all the features of previous camera models, offering a wide-angle view and powerful LED lights with 5 levels of brightness adjustment, enabling it to accurately tackle the most challenging dark and complex conditions inside pipelines.

Why Professionals Choose It

• Covers Industrial-Scale Pipes: Ideal for city sewer mains, factory drains, and large stormwater systems.

• Superior Illumination: Packed with high-intensity LEDs for maximum visibility in wide, dark pipes.

• Rugged Durability: Designed to withstand rough environments and frequent heavy use.

• Professional-Grade Imaging: Delivers sharp, detailed video for reporting and documentation.

A Few Limitations

• Cameras with a 51mm diameter are generally larger in size and heavier in weight.

• Compared to smaller heads, they come at a higher cost, making them most suitable for professional use.

Where It Works Best

• Municipal sewer mains

• Industrial drainage systems

• Large commercial buildings

• Infrastructure inspections

Comparison of Sewer Camera Probe Diameters

How to Choose the Sewer Camera Head Size That's Right for You?

The best sewer camera head diameter depends on the pipe size you need to inspect. Each head size offers a balance between maneuverability, image quality, and pipe compatibility:

1. 17mm head – Works smoothly in pipes（1-3"）. Suitable for tight turns in smaller residential lines.

2. 23mm head – A versatile choice for standard residential pipes (2–4"). Balances size and capability, making it one of the most common picks for home inspections.

3. 31mm head – Designed for medium-to-large residential or light commercial pipes (3–8"). A balanced option when inspecting typical home sewer lines.

4. 50mm pan-tilt head – Built for large pipes (8–15") in industrial or municipal applications. Offers panoramic inspection and detailed viewing.

This way, you can choose the right sewer camera head size based on your specific inspection needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sewer camera head diameter ensures smoother navigation, clearer images, and more efficient inspections.

• 17mm – Best for smaller residential pipes and tight bends.

• 23mm – The most versatile choice for standard home inspections.

• 31mm – Balanced for larger residential or light commercial lines.

• 50mm – Ideal for industrial and municipal applications with large-diameter pipes.

No matter if you’re inspecting a kitchen drain at home or managing a large municipal sewer system, there’s a plumbing camera head size that fits your needs. For most homeowners, a 23mm or 31mm head offers the best balance of performance and flexibility, while professionals benefit from the precision and coverage of the 50mm pan-tilt head.

By choosing the right size, you’ll save time, reduce guesswork, and get the most accurate inspection results possible.