A Guide to Buying Drainage and Sewer Pipe CCTV: Factors to Consider

Adaptation of advanced technology such as push-rod HD digital cameras, remote-controlled crawlers units, 360-degree visuals and live video analysis has improved and streamlined the CCTV drain inspection and survey process significantly. Sewage and pipe CCTV cameras have made inspection faster and more efficient than ever, allowing you to accurately assess the condition of sewers and drains. If you're a contractor in need of a new drain inspection camera, there are a couple of things you need to consider before you invest your hard-earned money in one.

Deciding that you need a drainage and sewer pipe CCTV you need to decide whether you should buy, or rent a camera. The answer is different for everyone, and there are a few things you should consider before you pull the trigger. Ask yourself how often will you use the camera. If the answer is regularly, then buying one is the best option, as the higher upfront cost will pay itself out in the long run. However, if you're using it only a few times a year or even less for the odd job, renting would be the more cost-effective option. You should also consider your budget. Drainage inspection cameras are quite expensive. There are some affordable options as well, but you can still expect to pay several hundred bucks.

If you've decided buying an inspection camera is the way to go, then you have to consider a couple of important factors to ensure you choose the right one for the type of work you're going to do.

  • Recording Time - Different models offer different recording time limits, so it's important to make sure the inspection camera you choose can record video feed for as long as you need it to. Some models can record as long as 8 hours, which is more than enough for most tasks.
  • Reel vs Hand-Held Models - These are the two basic types of drain inspection cameras. Hand-held models are versatile as they're cordless, making them more portable. Reel inspection cameras, on the other hand, while not as portable, offer many more features, which I'll address shortly.
  • Type of Head - The camera head can be either standard, pan/tilt or self-leveling. Standard heads are the most affordable, but pan/tilt and self-leveling cameras let you see behind walls, sides of pipelines and around corners.
  • Insertion Probe Material and Length - The insertion probe should be long enough to go from one manhole to another. Probe lengths vary from 20 to 120 metres, and if you need a more extended probe, you'll also need a reel with a stand to help roll the probe for extra comfort. Probes covered with PVC are sturdy enough for most tasks, but they can be damaged or worn out during heavy-duty inspections, in which case you'll need a Kevlar braided probe.
  • Typewriter - Some models include a typewriter that can be used to make notes of issues and observations within the damaged pipes and drains. Generally, these cameras are more expensive, but are a worthy investment.
  • Screen - The screen should provide a clear picture of the area you're inspecting, so the higher resolution and wider it is - the better. Many high-end models come with a Daylight Readable Monitor.
  • Image Format, Capturing and Saving - Modern inspection camera models can capture in different resolutions and different file types. You can save the videos in MPEG or AVI format, and images in JPEG. Being able to record images is extremely convenient as you won't have to use a pen to write down reports, and you can always go back to the file if you need to double-check some information.
  • Radio Transmitter - This can be a great addition to the camera. Radio transmitters are usually located behind the camera at the tip of the probe and operate at 512 Hz. This is a great accessory to find blockages or locate your camera, as long as you have an accurate locator to trace it.
  • Handle and Weight - The camera should come with a comfortable, ergonomic grip and it should be lightweight so that you can carry it around conveniently and use it for extended time periods.
  • Price - As is the case with most things, you get what you pay for. More expensive models will come with a larger list of features. But remember, there's no use to having every feature under the sun if you don't know how to take advantage of it, so just settle for a model that is suitable for the tasks you perform.
  • Useful Features - Some models are available with IP68 waterproof cameras to let you inspect water pilled pipes; sapphire glass lens to provide high levels of scratch resistance; adjustable LED lights for illumination inside voids and pipes; the option to view footage in real-time or save it for later; camera head skids; camera head made from industrial grade alloys; built-in rechargeable batteries; hard ABS housing; IP66 ingress rating for protection from water jets and dust, etc.