Pros and cons of inspection cameras

Across the plumbing industry, inspection cameras have changed the way plumbers work. If you run a plumbing business, inspection cameras are one of the most vital tools to invest in this season.

While inspection cameras come with their limitations, they offer unbeatable benefits for business owners, plumbers, and customers. This article will outline what inspection cameras are, how they work, and describe some of their pros and cons.

What is a drain inspection camera?

A drain inspection camera is a specialized device that allows the user to access a full view of a pipe or drain’s internal structure. In the past, plumbers would need to dig deep to locate the cause or position of a drain blockage—but those times are long behind us. 

Inspection cameras generally comprise a high-quality waterproof camera attached to the end of a long, flexible rod. When a plumber inserts the rod into the drain, they will access a real-time view of the pipe’s inner workings.

These days, plumbers can easily detect and solve clogs and blockages at the root, preventing catastrophic damage, saving money, and reducing their time investment. Untreated leaks and blockages can cause long-term damage to pipework, leading to safety issues and seemingly insurmountable costs.   

Drain inspection cameras nip these problems in the bud.

Pros of drain inspection cameras

The benefits of drain inspection cameras are long-reaching. As we discussed above, these innovative devices can help plumbers quickly detect a blockage’s location and tackle it at the source.

Similarly, drain inspection cameras also make leakage detection a breeze. When ignored, plumbing leaks can lead to severe damage, so it’s vital to sort them out early. With an inspection camera in hand, plumbers can quickly and precisely locate pipe damage and cracks, allowing them to solve the problem before the issue worsens.

Inspection cameras also eliminate any guesswork involved with detecting leaks and blockages. There’s no need to procedurally dig up the back lawn searching for the source of the problem, creating bigger and bigger holes as you go. Instead, plumbers can use sewer inspection cameras to detect the issue without physical obtrusion.

Because the job is so much easier with an inspection camera in hand, they help plumbing businesses save loads of money in the long term. What was previously a considerable task is now a quick one-person job—so companies can save on staffing costs.

Cons of drain inspection cameras

While the pros of drain inspection cameras far outweigh the cons, there are still a few drawbacks. For example, if a camera breaks down during a job, businesses could lose out on profits, productivity, and customer relationships.

A few different issues could arise, such as broken cabling, a missing monitor image, or water-filled light heads.

The simplest way to tackle this problem is to invest in durable, high-quality inspection cameras and regularly service them. In a pinch, plumbers can also troubleshoot and solve many of these issues on their own.

Conclusion

Drain inspection cameras are an excellent investment for plumbing businesses looking to save money, time, and improve customer relationships. While they are susceptible to wear and breakage, when appropriately treated, inspection cameras offer fantastic benefits for businesses, plumbers, and customers alike.