Top 7 Accessories Every Plumbing Camera Operator Needs

Cameras used for plumbing inspections play an important role in the industry. However, they are not entirely effective without their accessories. That’s because their accessories help them enhance their functionality.

For instance, when plumbers use pipe inspection cameras in a dark sewer, they are unable to see the surroundings effectively. In such an instance, plumbers rely on accessories like light heads. These accessories light up the surroundings clearly, which allows them to avoid damaging the camera head. 

But which other accessories should you use to enhance the efficiency of your plumbing operations? Let's explore them below. 

Must-Have Plumbing Camera Accessories to be Purchased 

You will require the accessories like skids and centring devices, and locators and sonde systems, as a plumbing pipe camera operator. Some other accessories that you will require include cable reels and push rods, portable display monitors, and LED light heads or boosters.

Finally, you will also need a cleaning and maintenance kit and a protective transport case. Let’s learn about these accessories below.  

1. Camera Skids 

Camera skids are devices that are attached to the plumbing cameras to ensure that it is aligned properly. But that’s not all they do. They prevent the camera head from coming into contact with the floor of the pipe. 

By doing that, they ensure that the camera head does not get contaminated due to the bacteria or waste flowing there. Since the skids align the camera, they also ensure optimal illumination. That’s because the light can be evenly focused on the desired area. 

Plumbers use the focused light to view the presence of blockages, cracks, tree roots, or sewer pipe damage. The camera skids also protect the camera head from unnecessary bumps or accidents from obstacles inside the sewer. 

2. Locator and Sonde System

Plumbing locators are useful to locate pipes and plumbing inspection cameras, to ensure they don’t get lost. They are used to identify the blockage points in a sewer pipe or line, which can cause the camera to get stuck. 

Additionally, locators are also useful in identifying damaged sections of sewer pipes, since camera heads can get stuck there. The types of locators used to locate devices involve using a sonde and using a jet. Let’s understand them below. 

A sonde is an electromagnetic transmitter that emits a signal at a particular frequency. This transmitter is kept in a non-conductive pipe.  The plumbers use the handheld locators to find the camera based on the signals. The locator converts the signals into an audio-visual which the plumbers can see and locate the camera. 

3. Cable Reels and Push Rods

Push rods are useful since plumbers use them to make the cameras navigate through the sewer pipes. These rods are semi-flexible, which means that the camera can be pushed around bends as well. 

You should use reinforced or fiberglass push rods for longevity and durability. However, you should consider an extra protective coating for additional protection.

Cable reels, on the other hand, are responsible for controlling the direction and length of the camera as it is pushed. These reels are generally found in crawler cameras. These reels can either be manually powered or digitally powered.

4. Portable Display Monitor

Portable display monitors help you view the footage of the sewer pipe in real time. Unlike fixed monitor plumbing cameras, they are attached to the control unit. In normal sewer pipe cameras, the monitor is attached to the other end of the camera. 

However, a portable display monitor is attached to the control unit, meaning you can move around with it. So, it will not restrict your movements during your work. 

You should opt for HD quality screens, such as 720x576, 1280x720, or 1920x1080.  The higher the resolution, the better you will be able to view the sights inside the pipe or sewer drain, or line. Another feature you should look for is a screen visible in sunlight.

5. LED Light Heads

LED light heads are a vital part of plumbing pipe cameras. They help plumbers view the insides of the sewer pipes and drains effectively. By using these lights, plumbers can avoid contaminating or damaging the camera. These light heads are attached to the cables of the drain cameras. 

Ensure to choose high-lumen, waterproof designs to prevent short circuits due to water entering the light heads. You should clean the light heads thoroughly after every use to ensure that the surface is not covered with grime.

6. Camera Pan and Tilt Control Box

A camera pan and tilt control box is used for controlling the panning and tilting of the camera. 

It consists of a monitor, keyboard, and internal battery pack. Plumbers can use the monitor and keyboard to guide the movements of the camera. Plumbers use this accessory to get shots from different angles inside the sewer pipes, drains, or lines.

These boxes are ideal since their capacity for guided camera movement prevents the camera from being damaged during the operation.  

7. Cleaning and Maintenance Kits

Finally, having a cleaning and maintenance kit can help you take care of the plumbing camera on the go. By maintaining the camera, you will ensure its longevity and avoid costly replacements in the future. 

The kit should have a lens cleaner, a mild cleaning isopropyl alcohol solution, and earbuds or cotton for fine cleaning. It should also have a device to blow air to remove dirt from the camera. 

You should also purchase a pouch to store these components, if not already provided by the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can carry a shockproof, weather-resistant case to ensure the lack of damage.

Let’s now take a look at a summary of the accessories below to help you remember which ones you should purchase. 

Table 1: Overview of 7 Essential Accessories for Every Operator

Now that you know about the accessories that you should choose for your operations, how do you choose the best ones? Let’s explore that below. 

How to Choose Quality Accessories for Long-Term Performance?

Consider the table below for an idea about how to choose quality accessories for your plumbing pipe cameras. 

Table 2: Overview of 7 Essential Accessories for Every Operator

The Final Word

Camera accessories are useful in increasing the efficiency, accuracy, and professionalism of plumbers. However, the type of accessory you choose will depend on your needs and the operation you’re going to carry out. 

For example, if you’re inspecting a long sewer, you should choose a cable reel with an equivalent length. So, you should first determine what you’re going to do before you purchase the relevant accessories. 

Ready to Enhance Your Sewer Inspection Setup?

Explore our full line of professional-grade plumbing camera accessories and systems by visiting our website today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Are the Lengths of the Push Cables I Can Buy?

Ans. You can purchase push cables of the following lengths from us: 4.8 mm, 5.2mm, 6.8mm, and 8mm. Visit our website for more information.

Q2. Do You Have Manual Sondes or Self-leveling Sondes?

Ans. We have both manual and self-leveling sondes. So, you can purchase either one based on your need. 

Q3. Can I Use Anything Other Than Isopropyl Alcohol to Clean My LED Light Head?

Ans. No, ideally, you should not use anything other than isopropyl alcohol to clean your LED light head since it can damage it.

Q4. Which is the Best Resolution of the Portable Display Monitor I Should Go for?
Ans. You should go for the 1920x1080 resolution or higher for your portable display monitor.