Hello! If you're reading this article, you've already taken the crucial first step toward professional or semi-professional pipe inspection. Purchasing a quality sewer camera requires careful selection. Continue reading with your needs in mind.

1. Clarity and Illumination

In pitch-black, damp pipes filled with unknowns, image quality is everything.

Resolution: For routine inspections, 720p or 1080p suffices—clear enough to identify cracks, root intrusion, and grease buildup. Focus on the pipe inspection camera's imaging and encoding quality, not screen size—don't be fooled by small screens “appearing sharper.”

LED Lighting: Pipes are pitch black—lighting is critical. Choose models with adjustable LED brightness. This prevents overexposure in narrow pipes or insufficient light in wide ones.

💡 Straightforward advice: Prioritize “visibility” over “ultra-sharp clarity.” But if you can't distinguish sludge from cracks, what's the difference between this tool and a flashlight?

2. Cable Length and Material

The cable is your "arm," and its performance dictates how far and through what bends you can inspect.

Length

Don't skimp! Homeowners might manage with 20–30 meters (approx. 65–100 feet), but professionals should consider 50 meters or more a minimum standard.

Stiffness vs. Flexibility: This is a crucial balancing act.

• A too-soft cable will "buckle" or "coil" when meeting resistance or trying to push a long distance—it just won't go.

• A too-stiff cable will struggle to navigate the tightest bends in the pipe system.

• Look for a semi-rigid pushrod material, often reinforced with durable braiding (like Kevlar) or heavy-duty jacketing, to combine pushability with necessary bend radius.

📏 Cable Diameter Comparison

3. Durability and Waterproofing

Your pipe inspection camera will operate in the harshest environment possible—water, dirt, grease, and potentially corrosive substances.

• IP Rating (Ingress Protection): A minimum of IP68 is essential. This means it is dust-tight and can withstand continuous submersion in water. Ignore vague claims—IP68 is the floor.

• Material: The sewer camera head should be encased in stainless steel or other heavy-duty, impact-resistant material. The pushrod must resist abrasion, pulling, and kinking.

⚠️ Warning: If your sewer camera dissolves like a cracker when wet, it probably belongs in a dry air vent, not a sewer line.

4. Key Add-on Features

These features are not merely nice-to-haves; they significantly boost your efficiency and reporting accuracy.

• Self-Leveling Function: The camera rotates within the pipe. This feature ensures the on-screen image always remains upright, minimizing field confusion.

• Distance Counter: The on-screen meter/foot counter is indispensable. It precisely indicates the location of defects (e.g., “15 meters from the cleanout”).

• Locating Probe (512Hz Transmitter) and Receiver: The camera pan-tilt unit includes a signal transmitter (typically 512Hz). When used with a handheld receiver, it precisely locates the vertical position of underground defects at the surface, narrowing the excavation area to within inches.

When selecting sewer camera equipment, carefully evaluate whether these features are necessary and how beneficial they will be for your specific needs. Avoid making decisions based solely on appealing features that may not align with your requirements.

5. Battery and Recording

Battery Life

Inspections can be lengthy. Ensure the battery capacity meets your longest single-job need (e.g., at least 4–8 hours). Choose models with a clear battery level indicator.

Recording/Storage (DVR)

The ability to record the inspection onto an SD card or USB drive is crucial. Providing video footage is the standard for professional reporting and proof of findings.

💰Sewer Camera Buying Guide by Price Tier (Reference Configuration)

The market generally splits into three levels: Budget, Semi-Pro, and Professional. Align your choice with your frequency of use and business needs.

In Summary

Considering all the factors above, I'm confident you'll find the inspection camera that meets your needs. It's also important to check whether the seller offers warranty service, as this is crucial for replacing parts. Finally, happy shopping!

ABOUT SANYIPACE SEWER CAMERA

SANYIPACE is a trusted sewer and drain inspection camera manufacturer, known for durable builds, clear imaging, and user-friendly designs. Founded in 2018, the brand helps both professionals and homeowners inspect pipes faster and fix problems smarter.

SANYIPACE is currently running a Halloween promotion: Save $100 on orders over $1000.

Visit SANYIPACE now and use the exclusive promo code: Halloween100 at checkout to enjoy instant savings on any camera system purchase!

Seize this opportunity to upgrade your professional toolkit!

Related reading: Cost to Rent a Sewer Camera