How To Use A Sewer Inspection Camera: A Step-by-Step Guide by Vicam Camera

The plumbing and repair sector has transformed thanks to sewer inspection cameras. A good sewer camera saves time, money, and guesswork, whether you're a professional contractor doing pipe inspections or a homeowner looking into persistent drain obstructions.

We'll cover everything from setup and operation to result interpretation in this tutorial to help you operate a sewage inspection camera efficiently. For both novices and seasoned pros who wish to maximise the performance of their sewer inspection equipment, this thorough handbook is designed.

Vicam Camera, a top manufacturer of pipe inspection camera systems renowned for its quality, innovation, and industry-standard products, will provide us with the tools and standards we need.

What is a Sewer Inspection Camera?

A long, bendable wire with a waterproof, high-definition lens at its tip is called a drain inspection device or sewer scope. Its goal is to transmit active video visuals to a display by navigating inside drains and conduits.

Without requiring disruptive digging or breakdowns, these instruments are used to detect decay, root entry, structural pipe faults, obstructions, and other issues.

Why Use a Sewer Camera?

Precise Problem Identification

Without excavating, you can view within pipelines with a sewer inspection camera. The camera identifies the precise location and type of the issue, whether it is a blockage, crack, tree root intrusion, or collapsed part. By doing this, the guesswork that frequently results in needless or inaccurate repairs is removed.

Economical Diagnostics

By correctly identifying the issue, expensive guess-based solutions can be skipped. This leads to lower restoration costs for property owners. Professionals gain improved project coordination, greater client delight, and smoother workflows.

Efficient and Minimally Invasive

Some parts of a plumbing setup might require excavation or dismantling during conventional pipeline evaluations. In contrast, a sewer scope inspection causes no structural harm. It is perfect for both routine and emergency evaluations because it saves time and prevents damage to concrete, flooring, and landscaping.

Crucial to Real Estate Deals

Sewer inspections are frequently requested as part of due diligence by real estate brokers and purchasers. Before a house is purchased or sold, a sewer camera helps determine the actual state of the subterranean plumbing, averting unpleasant shocks and expensive repairs later on.

Tool for Preventive Maintenance

Routine video inspections uncover early evidence of wear, oxidation, or residue formation, even when warning indicators aren't visible.

This helps building administrators and homeowners address concerns before they grow into significant problems.

Verification Following Repairs

A sewer camera can be used to confirm that the issue was fixed entirely following plumbing work. It gives clients and service providers peace of mind by guaranteeing that there are no obstacles left and that the pipe structure is undamaged.

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What You'll Need

Make sure you have the necessary equipment and safety gear before you begin:

Equipment Checklist

• Vicam Sewer Inspection Camera System (which includes a waterproof camera head, cable reel, and monitor)
• A fully charged battery pack or a power source
• Gloves for protection
• Pipe access (drain entry point or cleanout port)
• Cleaning solution and a wipe cloth (for post-use maintenance)

Additionally, depending on the model, you may require:

• A subterranean locator to track the camera head
• Using a USB drive or SD card to record videos
• For improved alignment, many Vicam models come with a self-leveling camera head.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Sewer Inspection Camera

Step 1: Prepare the Equipment

Place the Vicam sewage camera system on a sturdy surface after unpacking it. Turn the system on and make sure:

• The monitor comes on.
• The camera's head illuminates with LEDs.
• The video feed is unambiguous.
• The storage device, if any, is in place and operational.

Advice: Vicam's industrial-grade cameras feature high-resolution screens and auto-focus, providing crisp images even in hazy pipes.

Step 2: Locate the Access Point

Find the nearest ground-level inlet, access opening, or maintenance spot to insert the camera. In homes, this may be near the yard, cellar, or adjacent to the bathroom or kitchen.

Ensure it's secure for use by scrubbing the area around the entry point.

Step 3: Insert the Camera

The camera head should be gently inserted into the pipe. Steer clear of pushing it, particularly at sharp turns.

On the monitor, begin recording or watching live.

Pro Tip: Vicam's pliable fibreglass push rod cable facilitates long-distance and curved navigation.

Step 4: Monitor the Feed

Observe the live stream. Focus on key visual cues. Look out for:

• Pooled water which may indicate an obstruction.
• Joints or displacements in pipes
• Grease accumulation, rust, cracks, or root entry
• Strange shadows or variations in light

To find out how far the camera has travelled, use the on-screen distance counters that are included in Vicam's most sophisticated versions.

Step 5: Adjust Lighting and Focus

Adjust the LED brightness in locations with less light or in pipes with a larger diameter. Vicam cameras frequently enable manual or automatic brightness adjustment.

Utilize zoom or tilt features if your unit supports it. This helps you inspect questionable areas more closely.

Step 6: Record the Inspection

Record the video for customer reporting or documentation. Save the images or video to a USB device or SD card.

Customer Suggestion: For time-stamped video recording, labelling, and remote viewing, use the Vicam software suite.

Step 7: Locate Problem Areas

For hidden or underground lines, find the camera's tip using a surface-level sonde tracker (compatible with select Vicam units). This helps mark the exact spot and extent of the issue.

Step 8: Pull the Camera Out

Pull the camera back slowly while checking the return as well; occasionally, the reverse viewpoint makes debris or obstructions easier to see.

After use, use a gentle cloth and disinfectant solution to clean the camera head and cable.

Interpreting Results: Common Pipe Issues

Possible Views on Camera:

Make maintenance decisions, contact a plumbing expert, or create reports for clients using this data.

Maintenance & Storage Tips

To guarantee the dependability of your Vicam sewer camera:

• After each use, clean the camera head.
• Look for any breaks or kinks in the cable.
• Keep in a dust-free, dry case.
• Before storage, completely recharge the batteries.
• If necessary, update the software or firmware.

Selecting an Appropriate Sewer Inspection Camera

A variety of pipe inspection tools appropriate for various situations is available from Vicam Camera. A brief comparison of three well-known Vicam models is shown below:

Benefits of Using the Vicam Camera

1. Professional-Grade Imaging

Even inside poorly lit drains, footage remains exceptionally sharp due to high-definition CMOS sensors.

2. Durable & Waterproof

Strengthened metal enclosures and IP68-certified sealed optics make these devices perfect for harsh conditions.

3. Simple-to-Navigate Interfaces

Controls are straightforward and convenient, allowing users to operate them with minimal training.

They are accessible at all levels thanks to their ergonomic grips, real-time diagnostics, and intuitive monitor controls.

4. After-Sales Support

Vicam provides B2B customers with OEM customisation, software updates, and technical support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can the precise blockage be found with a sewer camera?

Absolutely. A sewer inspection scope can locate the exact area and depth of a clog. This is made possible with features like signal beacons and distance meters.

Q2: Is it safe to use sewage cameras to inspect all pipes?

Yes, most modern sewer cameras are built to inspect various types of piping systems securely. They're compatible with PVC, clay, cast iron, and other common materials.

PVC, clay, cast iron, and HDPE pipes with a diameter of 16 mm to 300 mm are suitable for Vicam's cameras.

Q3: Does using these cameras require expert training?

Although adherence to manufacturer instructions and safety measures is crucial, a professional licence is not required. Vicam offers video tutorials and guides to make learning simple.

The Bottom Line

Proper operation of a sewer inspection tool can transform how you approach pipe care and system assessments. Equipment from Vicam Camera simplifies the process. It allows you to detect, document, and address plumbing concerns with precision, whether you're managing household maintenance or providing professional service.

Purchasing a Vicam sewer camera entails selecting industry-leading features, dependable after-sales service, and professional quality.

Explore Vicam Camera Products

Are you prepared to improve your workflow for inspections? Learn more about pipe inspection solutions customised for your sector, visit Vicam Camera's official website.