How do you know what to look for in a sewer camera and what is the best sewer camera? Well, you can start by taking a look at this in this blog post. Whether it’s the price or features that you’re looking for, it’s what’s best going to fit your needs will that determine what is the best sewer camera out there.
If you are in need of inspecting your sewer line, a sewer camera can be a useful tool to identify any issues or potential problems. However, not all sewer cameras or sometimes called snake cameras, plumbers’ cameras, or plumbing cameras are created equal, and it’s important to know what to look for when choosing one. In this article, we will discuss some of the key features to consider when shopping for a sewer camera or sewer snake and what is the best sewer camera.
- Camera Quality: One of the most important things to consider when choosing a pipe inspection camera is the quality of the camera itself. A high-quality camera will allow you to see the inside of the sewer line with clarity, which can be crucial when identifying issues such as cracks, blockages, or corrosion. Look for cameras with high-resolution sensors and lenses, as well as features such as adjustable lighting and zoom capabilities.
- Cable Length: Another important factor to consider is the length of the cable that comes with the camera. The length you need will depend on the size of your sewer line and the distance you need to travel. Make sure to choose a camera with a cable that is long enough to reach the farthest point in your sewer line without losing image quality or becoming tangled. One point to consider is that longer is not necessarily better. If the pipes that you will be inspecting range up to 100 feet there is no need to consider a system with 200, 300, or even 400 feet. You will spend more money on the longer length systems and in addition, the longer length systems weigh considerably more and that’s a long of cable to transport if you don’t need it.
- Sewer Camera Head Size: In addition to the length of the cable, you’ll also want to consider the size of the camera itself. A smaller camera will be able to navigate through smaller pipes and tight corners more easily, while a larger camera may be better suited for larger pipes or longer distances. Consider the size of your sewer line and any potential obstacles when choosing the camera size. Unfortunately, there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ sewer camera. There are, however, sewer cameras that offer interchangeable camera heads that increase the range of pipes that can be inspected.
- Durability: Sewer cameras are often used in challenging and dirty environments, so it’s important to choose a camera that is durable and can withstand harsh conditions. Look for cameras that are water-resistant and built with strong materials that can withstand impacts and other hazards. Most all sewer cameras are waterproof so you don’t need to read the fine print of the specifications to confirm that. The point to make on durability is that proper care, usage, and storage of your sewer camera will directly impact the durability and life of your snake camera.
- Compatibility: When choosing a sewer camera, it’s important to make sure that it is compatible with the equipment you already have or plan to use. For example, if you plan to use the camera with a laptop or other device, make sure that it has the necessary connections and software. Additionally, consider any additional accessories or features that may be necessary to complete your inspection, such as a monitor or recording capabilities. More and more systems are not being made available with Wi-Fi and other communication apps. If you desire to have a sewer inspection camera that offers these features make sure that your mobile device is compatible.
- Ease of Use: Finally, consider how easy the camera is to use and operate. Look for cameras that come with user-friendly software and controls that are easy to navigate. Additionally, consider the weight of the camera and the ergonomics of the controls, as these factors can impact how comfortable and easy it is to use the camera for extended periods.
A sewer camera can be an invaluable tool when it comes to inspecting your sewer line, but it’s important to choose the right camera for your needs. Consider factors such as camera quality, cable length, camera size, durability, compatibility, and ease of use when shopping for a sewer camera. With the right camera, you can quickly and accurately identify any issues with your sewer line, helping you to take the necessary steps to address them and prevent further damage.
But how do you know which is the best sewer camera? Let’s take a look at what we think are some of the best sewer cameras on the market for all budgets and working environments.
Wohler VIS 700 features and benefits
The Wohler VIS 700 is one of the newest products for this high-quality German-made product. This system offers clean and crisp HD image quality with advanced features of the pan and tilts as well as remote focusing. The large 7-inch touchscreen offers many easy-to-use features to capture video and pictures. The one-touch electronic joystick allows you to pan the camera head up and down as well as left and right to get a full view of the inspection area. The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of reliable service. These innovative systems provide two interchangeable camera heads: a 1.5-inch pan and tilt camera head and a 1-inch straight view. This dual-camera system provides for the inspection of pipes from 1.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter.
This Wohler Sewer camera system is available on 3 different platforms:
- VIS 700 – Wohler 7082 HD Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt and remote focusing. 1 1/2″ detached camera head with transmitter and 100 feet of working length
- VIS 700 Plus – Wohler 7498 HD Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt and remote focusing. 1 1/2″ detached camera head and 1’’ straight view HD camera with the transmitter and 100 feet of working length
- VIS 700 Plus L – HD Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt and remote focusing. 1 1/2″ detached camera head and 1’’ straight view HD camera with the transmitter and 100 feet of working length. Plus, the L200 locator
Wohler VIS 500 features and benefits
The Wohler VIS 500 can be described as the ‘kid brother’ to the VIS 700. The image quality is very good on this system but not as clean as the VIS 700. It can be compared to Blue Ray vs. DVD. The VIS 700 offers ‘Blue Ray’ image quality whereas this VIS 500 will offer ‘DVD’ type image quality. The large 7-inch touchscreen offers many easy-to-use features to capture video and pictures. The one-touch electronic joystick allows you to pan the camera head up and down as well as left and right to get a full view of the inspection area. The rechargeable battery pack provides hours of reliable service. This innovative system provides two interchangeable camera heads: a 1.5-inch pan and tilt camera head and a 1-inch straight view. This dual-camera system provides for the inspection of pipes from 1.5 inches to 12 inches in diameter.
This Wohler Snake Camera is available on 3 different platforms:
- VIS 500 – Wohler 11507 Pipe Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt. 1 1/2″ detached camera head with transmitter and 100 feet of working length
- VIS 500 Plus – Wohler 11303 Pipe Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt. 1 1/2″ detached camera head and 1’’ straight view camera with the transmitter and 100 feet of working length
- VIS 500 Plus L – Pipe Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt. 1 1/2″ detached camera head and 1’’ straight view camera with the transmitter and 100 feet of working length. Plus, the L200 locator
Wohler VIS 350 features and benefits
The Wohler VIS 350 Service Camera is a popular choice among professionals for its rugged and compact design. This system has been on the market for well over 15 years with thousands of satisfied customers. With the ability to inspect wastewater pipes and locate damage with its 1-inch diameter camera head, this camera system is perfect for pipeline inspection, pipe cleaning, and a variety of other tasks. Additionally, with 360-degree viewing capabilities, the precise location of any issues and internal damage becomes easy. Moreover, the camera system comes in a durable plastic case for easy transport and mobility. When looking for a reliable sewer camera system, the Wohler VIS 350 is worth considering. This system is available in the Wohler family on three different platforms:
- VIS 350 – Wohler 7354 – VIS350 Plus Visual Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt ,1 1/2″ Attached camera head with transmitter
- VIS 350D – Wohler 6352 VIS350 Plus Visual Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt ,1 1/2″ Detachable camera head with transmitter
- VIS 350 Plus – Wohler 8927 VIS350 Plus Visual Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt ,1 1/2″ Detachable camera head with the transmitter, 1″ camera head with the transmitter, SD Card and mini USB cable
- VIS 350 Plus L – Wohler 8931 VIS350 Plus Visual Inspection Camera System with 180° Pan/360° Tilt ,1 1/2″ Detachable camera head with the transmitter, 1″ camera head with the transmitter, SD Card and mini USB cable, and L200 locator
Opticam features and benefits
The Opticam Sewer Camera is a popular choice among professionals for its rugged and versatile design. A key factor for many of our United States customers is that they are searching for a Made In USA Sewer Camera and that is exactly what the Opticam is. This modular camera offers a slim 1.3-inch self-leveling camera head with a built-in transmitter. A desired feature that his sewer camera has is a large 10-inch color screen with a fully working keyboard for text annotation. There is an optional battery pack that allows you to exchange batteries to avoid costly downtime. The rugged frame of the Opticam system offers robust wheels to help transport the sewer camera over real-world working terrain. One of the most attractive offerings for this inspection camera is the various lengths that this system is available in various probe lengths. The standard system offers a 200-foot length which is typically long enough for any type of sewer camera inspection. The average home is typically far less than 100 feet from the septic tank. However, this made-in-America sewer camera manufacturer recognizes that these inspection cameras are used in more industries beyond sewer camera inspectors. This versatile inspection camera is available in 300- and 400-foot lengths as well.
VIS 250 features and benefits
The Wohler VIS 250 sewer camera is probably one of the most recognized sewer cameras in the industry. This system is offered globally and has 5-star reviews from around the world. This light and compact sewer camera offers a slim 1-inch diameter camera head with 100 feet of working length. The 100-foot push rod with the intuitive spring-loaded reel offers the ideal length for most all sewer camera inspections. This lightweight and compact design is perfect for plumbing professionals on the go. The complete package fits easily behind the truck seat or in your tool trailer. This sewer camera is available on 2 different platforms:
- VIS 250 – Wohler 6253 Wohler Pipe Inspection System with 1-inch camera head and 100 feet of working length. The 7-inch color screen and rechargeable battery pack.
- VIS 250 Plus – Wohler 8932 Wohler Pipe Inspection System with 1-inch camera head and 100 feet of working length. The 7-inch color screen and rechargeable battery pack. Plus, the Wohler L200 sewer camera locator
In conclusion, choosing the best sewer camera involves considering several key factors to ensure that you get the most accurate and reliable inspection results possible. The camera quality, cable length, camera size, durability, compatibility, and ease of use are all important factors to consider. A high-quality camera with a long enough cable to reach the farthest point in your sewer line, durable construction, and user-friendly controls can make your inspection process much easier and more effective. By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options and choose a camera that meets your specific needs, you can save time and money in the long run by identifying and addressing sewer line issues before they become more serious and costly to fix. Another important factor to consider is serviceability.
Of course, we all go into a purchase thinking that we will keep our sewer camera purchase in pristine condition. But what happens if we break it, damage it, or have a warranty issue? Does the system have to be shipped to China, Japan, or the UK? How long is it going to take to get my business back up and running? These are questions that need to be asked. And if the supplier of the sewer camera doesn’t know the answer or fails to respond…. that should be a good indicator of the after-sales support that you will receive. Sadly, this is a sewer camera factor that is overlooked when the initial cost is the only consideration.
If you have any questions about what is the best sewer camera for you and your organization, please contact one of our trained professionals at 931-362-3304 or by email at Sales@USABorescopes.com
