Sewer cameras should be cleaned regularly to prevent damage, ensure good hygiene, and ensure that it’s ready to go when needed. Clean your sewer camera system after each use to keep it in good condition.
Sewer cameras will naturally become dirty due to the environments that they are exposed to. They are affected by dirt and debris of various types, which make the camera look dirty and could also influence how well the camera works. Knowing how and when to clean your sewer camera is crucial if you want to protect your investment and keep it working. Following the recommended maintenance steps will ensure your camera remains in good condition and stay hygienic as well.
Why Cleaning Sewer Cameras Is Essential
It’s no surprise that sewer cameras are used in a number of unclean environments. They are employed to inspect sewers, drains, and pipes to assess their condition, identify problems, and assist with cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Each time a sewer camera is used, it can return covered with contaminants that need to be cleaned off.
It may not seem logical to clean the camera if it will soon be used again, and will therefore become dirty again. However, storing a pipe inspection camera that hasn’t been cleaned could cause several problems. Leaving the camera dirty can increase the risk of damage and cause deterioration of several parts of the equipment. It is also less hygienic, potentially presenting a risk of illness to anyone handling the equipment.
Sewer camera systems should be cleaned after each use to preserve their condition and keep them functioning for future uses.
Even the best sewer camera system will get dirty and require your cleaning efforts to maintain its peak performance.
How to Clean a Sewer Camera Safely and Effectively
There are several recommendations that should be followed when cleaning sewer camera systems. In addition to cleaning them after each use, the following tips should be used to clean sewer snakes and maintain them.
Always Power Off First
Before cleaning a sewer camera system, it’s vital to ensure the inspection camera is powered off. Damage could be caused if it is cleaned while the system is still on. Disconnect from any power supply to protect the camera system during cleaning. Also, keep in mind that many sewer cameras offer a rechargeable battery pack so even if the system is unplugged from the outlet, there could still be a power source that needs to be de-energized.
Avoid Harsh Solvents
There is no need to use any abrasive or harsh solvents when cleaning the camera system. Use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the camera after use and remove dirt and debris. An isopropyl alcohol solution can be used to wipe the optical surface of the camera. Never use an oil cleanser, as this can compromise the camera functionality. A mild detergent can be suitable for cleaning some parts too. Wiping the camera down after each use means that there is no time for contaminants to harden. Compressed air can be a useful tool to blow dust away from the lens too. Any hardened dirt or mud will make it harder to clean the camera later and increase the risk of damage.
Another factor to consider is to not use abrasive chemicals or abrasive cleaning materials on the inspection camera lens.
Most sewer cameras will offer a sapphire glass protector or even a hardened plastic lens at the tip. To ensure clean imaging or not damage the lens to allow liquid migration behind these lenses, use a soft cloth to clean the face of the camera head. Never use something to scrape debris from the inspection camera lenses as this could cause extensive and costly damage.
Avoid Water Damage
The monitor of a sewer camera system is water resistant, but that doesn’t mean it is entirely waterproof. In other words, it can resist a small amount of water that may come into contact with it, but it’s not designed to be submerged in water. So, it’s important to avoid saturating the monitor, as well as the keyboard, to prevent damage to the camera system.
Clean Every Part
There are many different parts of a sewer camera system, and it’s important to thoroughly clean the whole system. When cleaning your sewer camera, pay special attention to the probe, the lens, and the distal tip glass where the probe is attached. If you are using portable batteries, keep them clean and dry.
Check for Damage While Cleaning
Cleaning your sewer camera system provides the perfect opportunity to check it for any damage or deterioration at the same time. Check the cables to make sure that they are in good condition. Inspect the system to ensure everything is there and where it should be, and look over it for any damaged parts that might need to be repaired or replaced. Doing this regularly will allow you to spot any problems before they get worse and may be more costly to fix.
Be sure to follow other advice for maintaining the health of your sewer camera system too. Avoid using the camera head to get through clogs and move the camera slowly through the pipe system to allow time to assess the path ahead. Always handle your equipment carefully and avoid being rough with it to prevent any damage.
Just like any investment you have made into your business your sewer inspection camera needs to be taken care of. The best way to maintain your inspection camera is to clean it after each use. By not maintaining your tools, they will accumulate debris, dirt, and other contaminants. Therefore, your inspection camera won’t be as effective when you need to use them the next time.
Good maintenance of sewer cameras will extend their lifespan, in addition to saving money on repairs and replacements. Regular cleaning is just one part of maintaining the system on a regular basis to keep it in good condition.
