The right sewer camera depends on the pipes you inspect, the distance you need to cover, and the features your work requires. Use the recommendations below to quickly find the best SANYIPACE system for your typical inspection jobs.

→ Find My Sewer Camera

1. Choose Based on Your Inspection Scenario 

Start with the type of pipe you usually inspect. Pipe size, bends, and inspection distance determine the right pipe camera head and cable. 

Flexible cables move through bends more easily, while thicker cables provide better pushability over longer distances.

2. Choose the Cable Length

Measure from the nearest cleanout or access point to the area you need to inspect.

Choose the usable inspection distance—not the total length of the entire plumbing system.

3. Choose the Features You Need

Important note: A 512 Hz sonde sends the signal. A handheld locator receives it above ground. Check the selected package before ordering—the locator may be included, optional, or sold separately.

Shop by Inspection Scenario

Find the Right Camera for the Job

Compare camera size, cable flexibility and professional features based on the work you do.

Basic Home Drain Inspections

S5517DC Sewer Camera

A practical entry-level camera for checking household drains, simple blockages and visible pipe damage.

• Compact and portable
• Flexible drain cable
• Photo and video recording
• Multiple configurations

Keep in mind: Choose a professional model if you need self-leveling, locating, or stronger long-distance pushing power.

Shop S5517DC Sewer Camera

Small Pipes & Tight Bends

S5981DSRTKMS58 Sewer Camera

A compact system that moves more easily through narrow drain lines and routes with several bends.

• Small camera head
• Flexible 5 mm cable
• Self-leveling image
• Meter counter + 512 Hz

Keep in mind: The flexible cable turns more easily but has less pushing power over long, rough lines.

Shop S5981DSRTKMS58 Sewer Camera

Best Overall

Residential & Professional Inspections

S850DSTKM Sewer Camera

The strongest all-around balance of maneuverability, pushing power and professional inspection features.

• 23 mm self-leveling head
• Balanced 7 mm cable
• Meter counter + 512 Hz
• Locator bundles available

Best for: Plumbers, contractors, property managers and home inspectors.

Shop S850DSTMK Sewer Camera

Long, Relatively Straight Lines

S830ASMKT Sewer Camera

Built for inspections where cable rigidity and long-distance pushing strength matter more than bend flexibility.

• Rigid 9 mm cable
• 31 mm self-leveling head
• Bright 24-LED lighting
• Meter counter + 512 Hz

Keep in mind: The larger head and thicker cable are not ideal for small pipes or multiple tight bends.

Shop S830ASMKT Sewer Camera

Different Pipe Sizes

S820TSMKTR Sewer Camera

Two independent camera systems let professionals move between small drains and larger sewer lines.

• 17 mm + 23 mm heads
• 5 mm + 7 mm cables
• Two independent reels
• Self-leveling + locating

Best for: Teams that value pipe-size versatility more than maximum cable length.

Shop S820TSMKTR Sewer Camera

Detailed Pipe-Wall Inspections

S810ASMKT360 Sewer Camera

Controlled camera rotation provides a closer look at pipe walls, joints, cracks, and side connections.

• Controlled 360° rotation
• Front and side viewing
• Self-leveling image
• Meter counter + 512 Hz

Best for: Detailed inspection work where viewing direction and documentation matter.

Shop S810ASMKT 360° Sewer Camera

Large Commercial & Municipal Pipelines

U99360 Crawler Camera

A motorized crawler for large pipelines where a standard push camera cannot provide enough control, stability, or inspection range.

• Motorized pipe movement
• 360° rotating camera
• Adjustable wheel setups
• Long cable options

Keep in mind: Designed for large, accessible pipelines—not compact residential drains.

Shop U99360 Crawler Camera

Still Not Sure? Answer These Four Questions

A sewer camera should match the conditions inside the pipes—not simply offer the longest cable or the largest screen. Use these four questions to narrow down your options.

1. What Pipe Sizes Do You Normally Inspect?

Camera-head size determines which pipes the system can enter, while cable diameter affects how easily the camera moves through the line.

• Choose a smaller camera head and flexible cable for narrow drains or routes with tight bends.
• Choose a standard 23 mm head and balanced cable for most residential sewer inspections.
• Choose a larger head and more rigid cable for wider, longer, and relatively straight lines.
• Choose a crawler system for large commercial, industrial, or municipal pipelines.

Recommended models:

1. Small pipes and tight bends: S5981DSRTKMS58
2. General residential work: S850DSTKM
3. Larger, straighter lines: S830ASMKT
4. Multiple pipe sizes: S820TSMKTR

2. How Far Must the Camera Actually Travel?

Measure from the cleanout or access point to the area you need to inspect, not the total length of the plumbing system. If you are unsure how cable length translates into usable inspection range, read our guide to how far a sewer camera can actually travel.

Allow additional cable for:

• Bends and changes in direction
• Friction against the pipe wall
• Rough, corroded or partially blocked pipes
• Indirect access routes

A longer cable does not automatically provide a greater real-world inspection distance. The cable must also have enough pushing strength for the pipe conditions.

Recommended models:

1. Short household inspections: S5517DC
2. Typical residential lines: S850DSTKM
3. Long, relatively straight runs: S830ASMKT
4. Large controlled inspections: U99360 Crawler

3. Are There Tight or Multiple Bends?

Cable flexibility and pushing strength work against each other. A flexible cable moves through bends more easily, while a rigid cable pushes farther through long lines. See our 5 mm vs. 7 mm vs. 9 mm sewer camera cable comparison for more details.

• 5 mm cable: More flexible and suitable for smaller pipes and routes with multiple bends.
• 7 mm cable: Provides balanced flexibility and pushing power for general plumbing work.
• 9 mm cable: Offers stronger pushing power for longer and straighter sewer lines.

A thicker cable is not always better. It may struggle in small pipes, P-traps, or routes with several sharp bends.

Recommended models:

1. Multiple bends: S5981DSRTKMS58
2. Mixed residential conditions: S850DSTKM
3. Long runs with fewer bends: S830ASMKT
4. Flexible and rigid cable options in one system: S820TSMKTR

4. Do You Need to Locate the Problem Above Ground?

Choose locating capability if you need to determine where a blockage, break, or damaged pipe section is positioned before digging or opening a wall. Our 512 Hz sewer camera locator guide explains signal range, locating depth, accuracy, and possible interference.

A locating system has two separate components:

• A 512 Hz sonde inside the camera head transmits a signal.
• A compatible handheld locator receives that signal above ground.

A camera with a built-in sonde cannot be located without a compatible receiver. Always check whether the locator is included with the selected package or must be purchased separately.

Recommended models:

1. No underground locating required: S5517DC
2. Small pipes with locating: S5981DSRTKMS58
3. General professional locating work: S850DSTKM
4. Long-line locating: S830ASMKT
5. Rotating inspections with locating: S810ASMKT360

Compare Recommended Sewer Camera Systems

TIPS: Features and package contents can vary by cable length and configuration. Review the selected product option before checkout.

Need Help Choosing?

Tell us about your typical inspection work, and our team will help you choose a suitable sewer camera system before you order.

Please provide:

• Minimum and maximum pipe diameter
• Approximate inspection distance
• Number and type of bends
• Pipe material and condition
• Whether locating is required
• Occasional or professional use

Ask for a Recommendation Shop All Sewer Cameras

Get the right head, cable, and locating setup.