What do I need to know before buying a plumbing camera?

Plumbing cameras are very important tools in modern plumbing inspections, especially for domestic, industrial and municipal networks. They help professionals quickly identify problems in pipes, such as clogs, cracks, corrosion, and more. However, there are many types of sewer cameras available in the market and choosing the right one can be confusing. There are some key factors to consider before making a choice. In this article, we will analyze in detail the key issues that need to be considered when choosing a plumbing camera from a number of perspectives.

1. Plumbing Camera resolution 

• 720p or 1080p: For home plumbing and simpler industrial inspections. Sufficient clarity to identify most problems.
• 4K or higher resolution: For situations that require very precise diagnostics, such as complex plumbing systems or precision inspections, that can present a more detailed image to help identify small cracks and early corrosion problems.

2. Sewer Camera head size 

• Small diameter camera head (25mm-35mm): suitable for common household pipes or smaller pipes, able to operate flexibly in confined spaces.
• Large diameter camera head (40mm+): suitable for larger pipes or industrial pipes.

3. Cable length and durability 

Cable length

• 20 meters to 50 meters: suitable for household drains and small industrial pipe inspections.
• 60 to 100 meters: for longer pipe inspections, especially large-scale municipal pipe inspections.

Sanyipace sewer cameras offer a wide range of cable lengths, from 20 meters down to 180 meters up, for easy detection at extraordinary distances.

Cable material

• Abrasion-resistant and durable outer layer: cables often have to cross mud and sewage, so it is recommended to choose a product with a thicker protective layer.
• Anti-corrosion: Choose cables made of corrosion-resistant materials to avoid erosion in humid environments.

Tensile strength of the cable

• Choose cables with high tensile strength to avoid breakage due to improper use. Due to the high pressure generated during stretching and friction.

4. Plumbing camera lighting function

• Light intensity: Choose a plumbing camera with adjustable light intensity. Adjust the brightness according to different pipeline environments. So as to avoid affecting the image quality due to overly strong or weak lights.
• Waterproof lamps and lanterns: Due to the humid environment of the sewer, it is very important to choose waterproof LED lamps to prevent the lamps and lanterns from being corroded or damaged in long-term use.

5. Waterproof and corrosion resistance

Sewer camera waterproof rating: 

• IP68 waterproof rating: this is a higher waterproof rating to ensure that the device can work properly underwater for a long time.
• Waterproof seal: Ensure that the connection between the camera head and other components is well waterproof, preventing water from entering the inside of the device.

Corrosion Resistant:

• Stainless steel: many camera heads are manufactured with stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials to ensure that the device can be used for a long time in a highly corrosive environment like sewers.

6. Plumbing cameras operation and display features

Display:

• Built-in display: many sewer cameras are equipped with a built-in display that makes it easy for the operator to view images in the field. Choose a model with a clear screen and high resolution to ensure image quality.
• External Display Devices: Some drain inspection cameras transmit images to external devices such as tablets, cell phones, or computers via Wi-Fi or wired connections. Choosing a camera that supports multiple display device connections facilitates easier viewing and operation.

Control interface:

• Simple operation: the camera should have an easy-to-use operating interface for quick adjustment of settings such as brightness, contrast, video recording, etc.
• Wireless control: Some high-end models support wireless control, which allows the operator to easily control the camera via cell phone or other devices without touching the camera itself.

7. Plumbing camera's data storage & logging functions

Storage Media:

• Memory card: Many sewer cameras are equipped with an SD card slot. You can save captured video and pictures to the card. Ensure that the memory card has sufficient capacity to support prolonged recording.
• Cloud storage or real-time transfer: some advanced models support real-time data transfer to the cloud or other devices for easy remote viewing and storage.

File management:

• Choosing a device with file management function. Users can quickly find and manage stored videos or pictures, avoiding repeated shooting or confusing file recording.

8. Budget and brand for sewer cameras

Finally, budget is an important consideration when choosing a sewer camera. Prices for cameras vary widely between brands and configurations.

Brand selection:

• Well-known brands: choosing a well-reputed brand usually means higher product quality and better after-sales service. Common brands such as RIGID, Milwaukee, SeeSnake, etc. Sanyipace with fast delivery and conscientious after-sales service meet all the needs of sewer cameras and receive customers' favor and support with low prices.
• Customer testimonials: by checking out the reviews and usage experience of other users, it helps to understand the actual performance of the device.

Value for money:

• Budget constraints: Do not have to pursue the most expensive equipment, but to choose the most cost-effective product that meets your needs.

9. After-sales service and warranty

• Warranty: choosing a brand that offers a longer warranty. It will ensure that the equipment will be repaired or replaced in a timely manner when problems arise.
• Technical support: Find out whether the brand provides technical support and maintenance services, especially for some complex fault problems that may require specialized personnel to repair.

Conclusion

When choosing a sewer camera, you need to consider a number of factors, including resolution, camera head size, cable length, illumination features, water resistance, operating style, storage features, and more. By gaining a deeper understanding of these key factors and making a reasonable choice based on your actual needs, you will be able to find a cost-effective and stable sewer camera. We hope this article can provide valuable help and reference for your purchasing decision.