Best Sewer Camera on the Market [2022 EDITION]
What is the best Sewer Camera System you can buy today? That’s actually a broader question than you might think.
With professional endoscope systems from the likes of RIGID (costing a few thousand dollars) to budget, cell phone-connect snake camera options available; the answer is very dependent on price and purpose.
However, to provide a detailed perspective as possible, we have selected 5 top-rated sewer cameras covering a range of price points and functionality.
After putting them through their paces, you can see our findings in the table below. For full reviews of each of our selected picks, keep on reading.
Best Sewer Camera – Top 5
Sewer Camera Reviews
We have two clear winners in 2022. For the second year in a row, the best premium sewer camera is the Rigid 40798; this excellent system is designed specifically for industrial purposes and is the go-to choice for those looking for a sewer camera for professional use.
A change this year for our budget choice, however. If funds are more limited, but you still require professional-level control, the Teslong 1080p dual lens is our number one pick.
Our final offering featured below (for ultra low budget use) can actually be connected to an Android or IOS compatible phone or tablet. This gives absolute novices the chance to use an endoscope camera at a very low cost.
Anyway, enough with the preamble, let’s dive in and see what each of these sewer camera systems have to offer.
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1. TOP PREMIUM PICK: RIDGID 40798 SeeSnake L100 MicroReel Video Inspection Camera System
This is a high-performance, heavy-duty sewer inspection camera suite that comes with a high-resolution, multipurpose miniaturized camera, a hand-held monitor hub, and a 30-meter (100feet) long insertion probe wound on a durable reel that is housed in a tough drum casing that has 4 wear-resistant stands.
This is a battery-powered, portable model that requires 24volts direct current (DC), which can be provided by 2 12-volts rechargeable Lithium-ion DC batteries.
It uses the CA-350 digital inspection (video) camera whose video resolution is 510pixels by 410pixels which allows for proper visualization of pipe interiors.
There are also 6 high-intensity LED lights that provide adequate illumination for pipe inspection. Likewise, this model comes with a 512Hz Sonde transmitter.
This model is designed and manufactured by Emerson Electric Company through its highly-reputable subsidiary RIDGID Professional Tools.
This compact, well-designed model weighs about 11pounds, and is 18.5inches long, 13.5inches wide, and 24inches tall.
Its size and weight make it easy to carry around the workplace. The camera is housed in a stainless-steel camera casing.
This camera is 37.6mm long, and its diameter is 25mm. This camera can achieve a video resolution of 656 X 492 in NTSC mode, and 768 x 576 in the PAL mode, while the pixel number is 442K in PAL and 323K in NTSC.
The rugged LED lights ensure that the images are well-lit. This product is shipped alongside an instructional DVD manual, 2 ball guides, and a hard-copy operator manual.
The drum case features a shoulder strap, and its front and back cases are latched tightly together by the case latch, which can be unlatched so as to remove the drum when one needs to check, clean, or repair the inspection probe.
This inspection probe has a diameter of 6.7mm, which makes it considerably thinner than the camera head.
On the upside, it allows for a spring assembly to be fitted at its tip, where it is attached to the camera head without unnecessarily increasing the probe width.
This ensures that the inspection probe can fit well in 2-inch diameter pipes.
The proprietary microREEL insertion probe can be detached from the microEXPLORER Camera Monitor hub.
This allows the probe to be used with different monitor hubs, which allows one to vary the display size and display resolutions of the captured images.
On the other end of this probe is the radio transmitter which needs to be paired to an above-ground locator called CountPlus.
On the downside, one needs to acquire CountPlus separately.
The hand-held monitor hub features a comfortable grip which makes it enjoyable for one to use the equipment. This hub can be latched to the top of the drum case.
This sewer camera model comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Moreover, the digital camera used supports the zoom function and allows one to easily choose between photo and video record modes.
- High-resolution camera that allows for switching between picture/image capture and video-record modes.
- Battery-powered, portable model.
- 30-meter long insertion probe.
- Features an inbuilt 512Hz (Sonde) transmitter.
- Multi-monitor capability.
- Durable construction
- Lifetime warranty.
- Comes without an above-ground locator for the sonde.
- Expensive.
Bottom-line
The Ridgid 40798 SeeSnake is a professional-grade sewer inspection camera suite that bundles a high-resolution, multipurpose miniaturized camera, a hand-held monitor hub, and a 30-meter long snode insertion probe into a seamless functional unit.
The probe is wound on a durable reel encased by a durable and tough drum. This portable, battery-powered model needs 24volts DC power which can be provided by Lithium-ion batteries.
Additionally, its CA-350 digital camera allows for proper visualization of pipe interiors, especially when the lighting provided by the 6 rugged, high-intensity LED lights is properly tuned.
These aforementioned features alongside superb design quality make RidGid 40798 SeeSnake the best professional-grade sewer camera in this review.
2. HBUDS H-20MCAM Sewer Camera
This is another professional grade sewer inspection camera kit that comes with a 7-inch LCD monitor display that supports daylight viewing.
The kit is housed in a strong and durable reinforced aluminum briefcase, with the monitor being attached to the interior pane of the briefcase and can only be viewed when the briefcase is opened. The monitor hub also features an in-built memory card slot.
The high-resolution, multipurpose camera and light-adjustable LED lights are powered by a 4000mAh, 7.4V rechargeable Lithium-ion battery housed in the carry case.
The 20-meter (65-feet) long camera-tipped inspection probe can be fitted easily into its padded compartment in the case.
The spare parts of this kit can be obtained easily, especially if the unit is purchased from an authorized dealer as this entitles it to benefit from after-sales services.
This model is quite affordable as compared to the Ridgid 40798 SeeSnake. This HBUDS H-20MCAM model is designed and made by Anysun, and the model number is H-20MCAM.
This compact, well-designed kit weighs about 13.35pounds and is 15.8inches long, 14.2inches wide, and 7inches tall.
Its size dimension, along with the briefcase-shape means that a person can comfortably carry it around.
This product is shipped alongside a battery charger, charger connector, remote control, and instruction manual. Its color scheme is black-yellow-aluminum.
It uses an IP68, waterproof digital camera that is housed in a stainless-steel 304 casing. This camera is 45mm long, and its diameter is 23mm, which allows it to fit comfortably in 2-inch wide pipes.
This camera features sapphire-glass and can achieve a view angle of 75degrees, and its average current draw is 100milliAmperes.
It can achieve a pixel density and resolution equivalent to 1000 TVL HD. Moreover, it supports a zoom function and allows one to easily choose between photo and video record modes.
Camera lighting is provided by 12 white LED lights, whose light intensity can be adjusted.
The carry case has strong carry handles, and its can be latched securely and locked so as to prevent unauthorized use of the kit.
The inspection probe can be easily cleaned and repaired. This probe has a much smaller diameter than the bulbous camera, and this allows for a spring assembly to be fitted at its tip where the fiberscope communicates with the camera.
Unlike the insertion probe in Ridgid 40798 SeeSnake, this insertion probe cannot be used with other monitors as it is fitted into the monitor hub.
- The high-resolution camera that allows for switching between picture/image capture and video-record modes.
- Battery-powered, portable model.
- 20-meter long insertion probe.
- Durable construction
- Lacks a radio transmitter.
- Lacks multi-monitor capability.
Bottom-line
The HBUDS H-20MCAM is a high-performance, professional-grade sewer inspection camera kit that comes with a 7-inch LCD monitor display that supports daylight viewing.
Its monitor hub also features an in-built memory card slot and is housed in a briefcase-shaped carry case. Its insertion probe is 20 meters long.
Moreover, its high-resolution, multipurpose camera and light-adjustable LED lights are powered by a 4000mAh, 7.4V rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
These features alongside its affordable pricing makes it the best mid-range sewer camera option in this review.
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3. BEST BUDGET: Teslong Inspection Camera, 1080p Dual Lens 4.5” Screen Endoscope with Toughened Glass
This is an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight and ultra-portable high-performance, sewer inspection camera kit that comes with a 5-meter (16.4 feet) long inspection probe that is attached to a monitor hub that features a 4.5-inch LCD display screen with toughened glass.
It uses a high-resolution, multipurpose miniaturized camera. This kit can be powered by the built-in high capacity chargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery,
This digital inspection camera has a video and image resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The video is in AVI format, while the images are in JPEG format.
The camera zoom function supports digital zoom. The QVGA display screen supports a maximum video resolution of 854×480 pixels.
This model is designed, manufactured, and warranted by Teslong.
The most unique feature of this model is that it uses a robust yet thin insertion probe (it can fit inside 0.59″/1.5cm diameter pipes or gaps) that supports a camera articulation mechanism that allows the camera to be rotated through 180 degrees.
The probe supports a 0.31″/8mm camera. There are 6 LED lights that illuminate the observed space, along with 3 brightness modes.
Another unique feature of this unit is its ultra-compactness – it has only 3 parts; a small hand-held monitor hub, the camera, and the 5-meter-long probe that can be wound into a small winding that can fit well on the palms of the hand.
The entire unit weighs only 4.1 pounds. Inside the package is the kit alongside a user manual and memory card. One can therefore easily carry this kit around..
The camera supports both image-capturing and video-recording modes. Both the camera and probe widths ensure that this unit can be used to inspect thin pipes.
Moreover, the probe can be detached from the portable monitor hub, and this not only endows the probe the advantage of multi-monitor compatibility, but it also allows the hub to be used with longer insertion probes.
This sewer camera model comes with a limited 12-months warranty.
- The high-resolution camera allows for switching between picture/image capture and video-record modes.
- Battery-powered, portable model.
- Multi-monitor capability.
- Allows for one to use longer compatible insertion probes with the monitor hub.
- Durable construction
- 12-months warranty.
- Quite affordable.
- Lacks transmitters for camera location tracking.
Bottom-line
The Teslong Inspection Camera is an ultra-compact, ultra-lightweight and ultra-portable high-performance, sewer inspection camera kit that comes with a 5-meter long inspection probe.
The various features alongside its budget-pricing makes this model the best budget sewer camera in this review.
4. Sewer Camera Waterproof IP68 with DVR 30M/100FT Cable/Endoscope Inspection Camera
This is a professional grade sewer inspection camera kit that comes with a 30-meter (100-feet) long inspection probe and a 7-inch LCD monitor display that supports daylight viewing.
Its construction design is similar to the HBUDS H-20MCAM model, as this kit is housed in a strong and durable reinforced briefcase, with the monitor being attached to the interior pane of the.
Likewise, the monitor hub also features an in-built memory card slot, though, with this Tiang model, this slot is occupied by an 8GB memory card that is provided free of charge.
Also, the high-resolution, multipurpose camera and light-adjustable LED lights in this Tiang product are powered by a 4500mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery housed in the carry case, and this battery capacity is slightly higher than the one found in H-20MCAM model.
Even so, the camera-tipped inspection probe in both models are designed to fit easily into its padded compartment in the case.
The spare parts of this Tiang kit can be obtained easily, and at an affordable rate from the manufacturer, who is Tiang.
This compact, easy-to-carry, and well-designed kit weighs about 13.45pounds, and is 16.9inches long, 15inches wide, and 8.3inches tall.
This model is therefore slightly bigger than the HBUDS H-20MCAM kit. It is shipped alongside a battery charger, charger connector, remote control, and instruction manual. Its color scheme is black-yellow-aluminum.
The feature that sets this Tiang model apart from the HBUDS H-20MCAM model is that it comes with a 720P DVR, which can be used to record high-resolution 720pixels X 576pixels videos.
This DVR comes with an inbuilt memory card slot that can hold a 64GB card. Even so, its camera is still capable of capturing high-resolution images, with its resolution rating marked at 1000TVL.
Like the HBUDS model, this Tiang model uses an IP68, waterproof digital camera that is housed in a stainless-steel casing.
Its camera has a diameter is 23mm, which allows it to fit comfortably in 2-inch wide pipes. It can achieve a view angle of 92degrees, and lighting is provided by 12 white LED lights.
Moreover, it supports zoom function and allows one to easily choose between photo and video record modes.
The display monitor has an aspect ratio of 16:9 and its resolution is 480Px800P.
The inspection probe has a diameter of 4.8mm which is much smaller than the camera diameter; and this provides an allowance for spring-loading the camera unit.
This Tiang model benefits from a 12months warranty.
- High resolution camera that allows for switching between picture/image capture and video-record modes.
- Battery-powered, portable model.
- Comes with a free 8GB memory card.
- 30-meter long insertion probe.
- Durable construction.
- Supported by a year-long warranty.
- Lacks a radio transmitter.
- Lacks multi-monitor capability.
Bottom-line
The Tiang Sewer Camera is a professional grade sewer inspection camera kit that comes with a 30-meter long inspection probe and a 7-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio, and 480P LCD monitor display that supports daylight viewing.
This kit is housed in a strong and durable reinforced briefcase. The monitor hub features an in-built memory card slot that is occupied by an 8GB memory card.
The kit is powered by a 4500mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.
5. BlueFire Semi-rigid Flexible Wireless Endoscope IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope
This is an affordable, high-performance semi-rigid and multipurpose borescope that can be customized to operate as a sewer inspection camera.
It comes with a decent resolution 2MP camera and a 10-meter long fiberscope. This is a WiFi-enabled kit whose embedded computer system allows it to be synchronized to, as well as operated using an Android or Apple smartphone.
Its camera has resolution modes that one can choose from, while the 6 LED lights illuminate the space being observed/inspected.
This camera can also record 720P, 480P, and 240P videos, that can be sent directly to a remote internet-connected server for storage or real-time viewing.
The entire kit is powered by a 500mAh rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. This model is designed and made by BlueFire. Its color scheme is yellow and black.
This unique lightweight, battery-powered model weighs only a pound; and can fit into a carrying case that is 5.9inches long, 5.8inches wide, and 2.1inches tall.
This makes a compact, non-bulky item that one can carry easily. This product is shipped alongside a USB to MicroUSB charging cable, a hook, magnet, and side mirror; as well as a user guide.
It uses an IP67 waterproof digital camera that can achieve a view angle of 60 degrees. It supports zoom function and allows one to easily choose between photo and video record modes.
This camera can capture JPEG images or record AVI videos. The intensity of the LED lights can be adjusted so that one can achieve an optimally-lit image.
Its inspection probe can be easily cleaned, repaired, or even changed with a longer probe. This probe has a much smaller diameter than the camera, and this allows for a spring assembly to be fitted in the camera unit.
This WiFi-compatible sewer camera can only work with smartphones that are loaded with Android 4.4 or later edition, or ios 6 or later versions. It can also work with a Windows-based smartphone.
On the downside, it cannot be used for heavy-duty sewer inspection as its probe can suffer degradation, while the rapid pressure fluxes in the sewer lines can cause the fiberscope to be deformed.
Moreover, the transmission distance for its WiFi signals is limited to 15meters. Moreover, one needs to install a proprietary app in the smartphone in order for it (mobile phone) to operate the borescope.
- High resolution camera that allows for switching between picture/image capture and video-record modes.
- Battery-powered, portable model.
- 10-meter long insertion probe.
- WiFi-enabled kit that allows for remote operation of the kit.
- Lacks a dedicated monitor hub.
- Cannot be used for heavy-duty work.
Bottom-line
The BlueFire WiFi-compatible borescope is an affordable, high-performance semi-rigid and multipurpose borescope that can operate as a sewer inspection camera.
It comes with a 2MP camera capable of recording 720P videos. Its fiberscope is 10meters long fiberscope.
This WiFi-enabled kit can be synchronized with Smartphone operating systems, which allows one to operate it using an Android or Apple smartphone.
- Related Content: A sewer inspection camera kit buyer’s guide
What to consider when buying a sewer inspection camera
Image: GloggerGloggerGlogger at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a sewer inspection camera. Let’s take a look at some of them now.
Intended Use
This may sound a little unnecessary, you intend to inspect drains or pipework. However, there is such a large range of devices available, with far-reaching price points, your intended use is an important question.
Essentially, if you are a working technician, you will need a high spec sewer camera with superior features, a controllable camera, and a whole lot more. This can easily reach several thousand dollars in cost.
On the other end of the spectrum, are small endoscopic pipe cameras that can connect to your smartphone. Not suitable for professionals, but adequate for the home user conducting a drain inspection to see where a blockage might be.
Knowing your needs will help you purchase accordingly.
Cable length and material
The length of the cable connecting the camera to the main device is another important variable.
Professionals will need at least 10 to 15 feet of cable (and in some cases a whole lot more for heavy-duty work). Home users can make do with less.
Whatever inspection you are carrying out, you should pay attention to the durability of the pipe.
A flimsy cable that curls up in contact with the slightest obstruction will quickly prove frustrating. Furthermore, it will be more prone to damage.
Check reviews such as ours above on the sewer camera you are interested in, in order to ascertain the cable quality and overall durability.
Camera and Monitor resolution
The higher the resolution, the clearer image you will be able to see from the camera. Camera quality, lens field of view, and the viewing monitor all play apart in the level of quality you can expect here.
720p HD is the minimum you should settle for these days. Professional devices will provide even better resolution than that. Larger screen sizes are also beneficial to users.
Control over the camera head
This option is generally only available on high-end units. The main device will have a controller that allows you to turn the camera head through varying degrees so that you can direct the lens onto areas that you wish to inspect.
To turn the camera on low budget options you have to twist and turn the pipe.You have a lot less control in other words.
Light options
Drains are dark places. You can have the highest resolution camera in the world but if the light options on your sewer inspection camera are poor, so will your image be.
Today’s units vary in the number and type of lights you can expect to have. Most opt for LED lighting as it is more efficient on power consumption while being very bright.
Multiple LEDs with different color properties can be found on high-spec machines. These help to add subtle layers of light so that more definition and less glare is created in the image.
Being able to control brightness and contrast on the screen will also help to avoid hotspots in the image and provide greater clarity.
Essentially, the more control you have over the lighting options, the better.
Data Storage Options
Low-end cameras that connect to your smartphone use the phone’s internal memory to record videos and imagery. For the home user, this is generally more than sufficient.
A professional sewer camera will have storage capacity within the actual device. Here it is important to check the specifications to see how much internal memory is provided.
Furthermore, how much control do you have over that data? Some devices will conveniently connect to your laptop via USB, SD Card, and/or WiFi.
You should also be able to record job details along with the footage, a handy feature for technicians.
Battery Life
Finally, battery life is another specification to pay attention to. A busy technician will want a full day’s inspection on one battery charge. Having to down tools because the unit has run out of juice will quickly prove annoying.
A home user on the other hand will want to know how much the device will drain their phone battery. A power-efficient model is clearly the way to go.
7 signs you should inspect your pipes with a sewer camera
If you notice the following signs, it may indicate you should inspect your sewer lines with a camera, or hire a technician to do so.
- The drains of your toilet, sink, and bath are clogging regularly
- Sewage is backing into your sinks and toilet.
- You can smell bad odors emanating from your drains.
- Drains take a long time to empty.
- There are strange green patches appearing in your garden.
- Your drains are making strange noises as water is drained away.
- You can smell sewage in your garden.
What problems can a sewer camera detect?
Sewer cameras can detect a wide range of issues from inside your sewer lines:
- Tree and plant root intrusions and blockages
- Cracks in pipes due to age and wear
- Hidden leaks throughout the system
- Corrosion in metal pipework
- Excessive grease and oil build-up
- Uneven or unaligned pipes
- Pipework that has become dislodged or separated
- Any other obstructions
Sewer Inspection Camera FAQs
Q. What is a Sewer Inspection Camera used for?
A sewer inspection camera is designed to penetrate sewer lines and other underground pipes so that any plumbing problems, clogs, root intrusions, and damaged pipes can be located.
Q. How do sewer cameras work?
A sewer camera works by incorporating a waterproof camera on the end of a long cable. The device enables the user (either yourself or a hired technician) to record video footage from inside the sewer lines and underground pipes, in order to search for problems.
Q. What is the benefit of using a sewer camera?
Sewer cameras are by far the best way of obtaining video footage from inside piping and sewer lines.
By pinpointing with accuracy the type of issue and where it is located can save lots of time and money in repairs. Plumbers can solve the problem far more efficiently.
Q. When should I use a sewer inspection camera?
If a problem arises with your plumbing, using a sewer camera to attempt to pinpoint the issue is worthwhile. You may also want a professional to conduct the inspection if the issue is a major one.
Additionally, carrying out a sewer inspection is recommended if you are purchasing a property.
Ascertaining the quality of the pipework, (older homes may have decaying clay-fired pipes that are vulnerable to root intrusion), will give you an idea of what expenses may lay ahead.