5 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Sewer Inspection Camera

Replacing the inspection camera becomes relevant when you experience specific camera-related issues. In most cases, these issues include a blurry or distorted image, a fragmented video feed, or physical damage to the camera head. Furthermore, older cameras can slow down the inspection work and reduce the accuracy of the inspection. Inaccurate diagnostics, incomplete inspections, and reduced service quality can hamper the reputation of the plumber.

This blog discusses the most obvious signs that indicate your older camera head requires a replacement.

Knowing When to Upgrade the Sewer Inspection Camera

As a plumber, you need to know when you must upgrade the sewer inspection camera so that plumbing tasks are not hampered.

Sign #1: Declining Image Quality

Fuzzy, distorted, and low-light images can hinder the diagnosis process and do not bring the expected outcome. This way, plumbers tend to miss blockages and make inaccurate assessments. Here are the potential reasons behind a declining image quality: 

Dirty or Scratched Lens 

With time, the lens of your sewer pipe camera can accumulate dirt, grime, and scratches. This dirt can gather on the lens and make it difficult to capture the necessary details inside the sewer line.

Many plumbers consider regular cleaning and proper maintenance to be good, but it is better to replace the camera head if it is scratched.

Damage in the Internal Components

Damage to the internal components of the inspection camera, such as the sensors, can make it very difficult to maintain the picture quality in the real-time feed. From regular use and impact inside the drain or pipeline, the camera can get damaged. This damage can also be the reason behind the image distortion.

Age and Wear

Like any other tool, a very old camera head will provide a declining quality of image. If your camera head is older, you are experiencing steady deterioration in the video quality, consider replacing the camera to maintain your inspection efficiency.

It is better to upgrade to cameras with high-resolution sensors, LED lighting, and digital attachments that will make the video resolution high and effective for inspection work.

Here is a table that shows the difference between image qualities in older inspection camera models and newer camera models.

Table: Comparison of Old vs. New Camera Image Specs

Sign #2: Frequent Repairs or Malfunctions

Multiple repairs and recurring malfunctioning during inspection are a sign that your sewer inspection camera needs replacement. If your device is frequently experiencing breakdowns, it will definitely increase downtime and repair costs. Here are some common causes that potentially stem from the environment inside the sewer lines:

Water Damage

Although most sewer inspection cameras are waterproof, the waterproofing seals in the camera heads can degrade over time. If you observe fogging inside the lens, it is a sign that there is moisture inside the camera head. This can limit the functionality of the camera or can lead to total failure. 

Cable or Push Rod issues

While conducting a sewer line camera inspection, the push rod used to guide the camera inside the deeper sections of the sewer or pipe can also get damaged because of the repeated twisting and bending. These can lead to power disruption and signal transmission in the camera head.

Impact from the Pipe Walls or Bendings

The sewer camera head can endure damage while facing impact with the blockages inside the sewer or the pipe wall. There are signs like a cracked lens cover, dents in the housing, or damaged parts, which can compromise the functionality of the camera.

Sign #3: Frequent Connectivity Issues

Plumbers can also experience issues with the camera connectivity, as it can often fail to capture the real-time feed inside the pipeline or sewer. With new cameras incorporating wireless connectivity, it is time to replace the older cameras.

Here is what to look for and why connectivity matters: 

Faulty Cable

The cable connecting the camera head to the monitor can get damaged over time, particularly if it is used regularly. The cable experiences bends and twists with every use. You can check visible signs of wear and damage in the cable. However, you can still face connectivity issues even if the cable seems fine, as there can be issues with the camera head. 

Internal Wiring Issues 

Inside the camera head, the wiring can become loose or damaged with regular use. These internal issues can be the reason behind the video feed being intermittent or non-functioning. 

Interference and Low Signals

Signal disruptions can also be experienced from the influence or interference of other signals. Make sure that the camera head is not in the exposure to any sources that can cause electromagnetic interference. If the problem stays despite removing the external issues, it might be the faulty camera head, which needs to be replaced.

Sign #4: Unresponsive Camera Control

When using a camera for sewer inspections, make sure the camera controls are working. When the controls of the inspection camera become unresponsive, it can hamper the diagnosis of damage and clogs inside the pipe or sewer lines. Therefore, plumbers face difficulties in conducting thorough inspections.

Here are some common signs of unresponsive camera controls: 

No response to the commands

If the sewer inspection camera is not responding to the commands given through the control inputs, it is definitely a sign of unresponsive camera control. 

Delayed Responses

Sometimes, the sewer camera can show a delayed response to the commands given in the control unit. This noticeable delay can make it difficult to navigate inside the pipelines and examine the areas inside the pipes. Delayed responses often stem from internal hardware problems or software issues. 

Stuck Controls

The buttons on the control unit often get stuck. Plus, in many cases, the buttons get jammed and do not return to their neutral position after being pressed. This can make the function unresponsive. Probable reasons behind this jamming of buttons include dirt and debris accumulation in the control unit. 

Lack of Connections of the Control Unit

If the control unit is not properly connected to the camera head, the camera may remain unresponsive. A loose or damaged cable can also make connections loose and disrupt the signal to the camera head. 

Sign #5: Slow Inspection Process

Old cameras with a slow recording process and limited maneuverability restrict the sewer inspection camera from moving inside the pipe properly. Modern inspection cameras are coming with lightweight models, ergonomic designs, and improved control.

Sewer cameras are often exposed to harsh chemicals and dirty wastewater, which can damage the lens and the camera housing over time. Furthermore, if you are a plumber, applying too much pressure on the push rod or the flexible cable, the cable can get damaged. If the camera batteries are not charging properly, it can potentially result in slower operation and malfunctioning.

Tips for Choosing the Right Upgrade

Here are some key considerations while choosing the right upgrade for your sewer inspection camera. Keeping these factors in mind while choosing the new models of inspection cameras. 

1. Camera Resolution

Look for a camera that has a high-resolution recording capability (1080P or higher). Consider the head size of the camera, as smaller cameras can pass through tighter bends and narrower pipes. Newer models have self-leveling or pan and tilt functions, which help to maintain a stable and clear view. 

2. Cable Length

Cable length is a crucial factor when choosing a camera for sewer inspection. You can choose the cable length to be as long as your inspection requirements. These cables are flexible, durable, and reinforced, which makes these cables sturdier. 

3. Durability and Waterproofing

Opt for a sewer camera that has a rugged, waterproof design with the ability to endure harsh sewer environments. It is ideal to go for a camera with an IP68 rating, ensuring that the camera is dirt-proof and submersible. 

4. Monitor and Recording

A bright and easy-to-understand monitor is important to navigate the issues inside the pipes. Choosing an inspection camera model that can record footage and store that footage on an SD card or USB. Documented proof of cleaning helps plumbers to get more satisfied clients. 

Final Words

These five signs listed here are the ideal indication that your sewer inspection camera needs an upgrade. Repeated breakdowns, low image quality, improper connectivity, and slowed functions can reduce the quality of the inspection process and harm the reputation of the plumbers. When it comes to choosing the inspection cameras, plumbers need to make a proactive investment in modern sewer inspection camera models. These newer models come with more features, which increase job accuracy. 

Invest in Industry-grade Inspection Cameras!

Looking to replace your old sewer inspection camera? Look for professional-grade cameras that will elevate camera quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Can I Make My Upgraded Camera Last Longer?

Ans. Make sure to clean the camera head after every use to prevent the buildup of grease and debris. Plus, you have to store the camera in the protective case and store it in a dry place. Do not neglect to perform regular checks on the tools. 

2. Which is Better to Choose: a Self-leveling or a Straight-view Camera?

Ans. Self-leveling cameras can be costly. However, these cameras are better for viewing inside the pipes or sewer lines. On the other hand, a straight view camera can last longer because there are no moving parts attached to the camera. This decision is totally dependent on the personal preference and budget of the user. 

3. Can I Upgrade a Specific Component of the Camera System, or is It Important to Upgrade the Entire System?

Ans. It solely depends on the compatibility of the current system that you own. Some manufacturers may offer modular upgrades.