Sewer cameras—also known as plumbing cameras or drain inspection cameras—are powerful tools for diagnosing issues deep within pipelines. From clogged drains to cracked pipelines and root intrusion, they help plumbers and contractors save time, reduce guesswork, and deliver precise repairs. However, like any sophisticated equipment, sewer cameras are prone to technical problems, especially when used in tough environments day after day.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common sewer camera problems, their causes, and practical maintenance solutions to help keep your inspection camera system running smoothly.

Problem 1: Black Screen or No Power

(1)Accessories are not connected or are not tightly connected

✅Solution:

• Reconnect all accessories and check the tightness

(2) Sewer Camera Battery Voltage Too Low (Below 10.6V)

✅Solution:

• The first step is to fully recharge the battery using the correct power adapter. Always ensure the battery is charged after every use to avoid deep discharge. At the same time, avoid using the sewer camera while it is charging, as doing so can negatively affect battery performance and lifespan over time.

(3)The Plumbing Camera Power Switch Failure

✅Solution: 

• Examine the power switch area carefully for signs of physical damage, corrosion, or wear. If the button feels loose or doesn’t respond, the switch may need to be replaced or repaired. Contact your equipment supplier or a qualified technician for inspection and service if you’re unsure how to handle repairs.

(4)Drain Camera Charger Not Delivering Power or Battery is Damaged

✅Solution: 

• Only use the original charger provided by the manufacturer. If the battery still does not charge despite using the correct charger, then the battery itself may need to be replaced.

Helpful Tip: Try turning the sewer camera on while it is connected to the charger. If it powers on while charging, this may indicate a weak battery. However, if the battery dies after 1-2 uses after charging overnight or if the device simply cannot be turned on without charging, it is likely that the battery is damaged. If the charger’s LED indicator behaves abnormally or does not light up, the problem likely lies with the charger.

(5)Plumbing Camera Burnt Out or Short-Circuited

✅Solution:

• Do not attempt to turn on or recharge the device if you suspect internal burning or water damage. Continuing to use it could worsen the problem. If the sewer camera has been exposed to water or charged using a third-party adapter, the internal components may have been shorted. 

Take the sewer camera to a professional technician or qualified electrician who can open the device and test individual components to identify what needs replacement.

Problem 2: Plumbing Camera Going Blue and No Signal

(1) Loose or Damaged Accessory Connections

✅Solutions:

• Reconnect all accessories securely
• Replace any damaged parts 

(2) Sewer Camera Head Issues

✅Solutions:

• Dry the sewer camera head if moisture is present
• Replace the camera head if damage is confirmed

(3) Plumbing Camera Coil Damage

✅Solutions:

• Clean the coil’s circuit board with alcohol wipes and ensure it stays dry
• Replace the sewer coil or its circuit board if necessary

(4)Faulty Meter Counter

✅Solutions:

• Replace a meter counter

(5)Invisible internal circuit problem

🛠️Check:

Use a multimeter to test whether there is voltage inside the video cable, the sewer coil, and the meter counter.

✅Solutions:

• If there is no voltage inside the video cable, please replace it with a new one.
• In case the sewer coil shows no voltage, consider replacing it with a new coil.
• Should the meter counter lack voltage as well, a replacement meter counter is recommended.

Problem 3: Sewer Camera Meter Counter Not Working

(1)Meter Counter Detachment & Counter Wheel Damage

✅Fix: 

• If worn out, a sewer camera meter counter replacement may be required.

(2)The Sewer Camera Meter Counter is Not Obviously Damaged

✅Fix: 

• Reset the meter by pressing F7 on the keyboard, then pull the coil again and observe whether the meter function is normal

• Unplug the connection cable and plug it in, then check again whether the connection cable is firmly connected.

(3)The Screen Is Damaged and Cannot Display Meter Counter Changes

✅Fix: 

• Replace the plumbing camera screen

Tips: Preventive measures, such as using protective casings, avoiding moisture exposure, and handling the equipment carefully, can extend the life of your camera screen. Regular maintenance and prompt repair of any minor issues can prevent screen failure and ensure consistent, reliable use of the sewer camera meter counter feature.

Problem 4: Sewer Camera Lens LED Light Problems

(1)Plumbing Camera Head Malfunction or Physical Damage⚒️

✅Solution:

• For camera head severe damage, especially when the waterproof seal is broken, more reliable to replace the entire camera head module.

(2) Faulty Meter Counter on Sewer Camera🏗️

✅Solution:

• Replace a new meter counter

(3) Sewer Camera Coil Issues⭕

✅Solution:

• If the coil is kinked, you can resolder the coil circuit board or replace the entire coil; if the voltage inside the coil is abnormal, please replace it with a pure coil.

(4)Non-Responsive LED Light Button or F6 Key on Sewer Camera🧱

✅Solution: 

• If the issue is confirmed, the LED light button or keyboard may need to be replaced. In some cases, the contacts can be cleaned or repaired.

Final Thoughts

A high-quality sewer inspection camera is a significant investment and a vital part of any plumbing camera or drain camera inspection toolkit. Whether you're working in residential plumbing or commercial drainage systems, understanding the most common sewer camera problems—and how to fix or avoid them—will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

By performing routine maintenance on your sewer camera, plumbing camera, or drain camera, handling equipment with care, and responding promptly to early signs of trouble, you can ensure your sewer inspection camera continues to deliver clear visuals and accurate diagnostics for years to come.

👉 Still wondering whether a sewer camera is worth the investment? Check out our in-depth guide: Is Sewer Camera Inspection Worth It?