4 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Pipe Inspection

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Investing in sewer inspection and location systems is a major decision for most small businesses. But the right equipment can provide essential diagnostics and open new opportunities; ultimately saving or generating significant income. That’s why it’s so important to approach this purchase with careful consideration. The wrong system can be a costly mistake.

Before you commit, here are four key questions to help guide your decision:

1. What size pipes, drains or sewers are you inspecting?

One of the first decisions is choosing between a pushrod system and a tractor pull system.

Tractor pull systems are typically used for large, municipal-style drain pipes, 10 inches and above. These units pull themselves through the line and are usually controlled by an operator from a specially outfitted truck or van. They come equipped with lighting and swivel heads to navigate and inspect large-diameter pipe interiors.

Pushrod systems, on the other hand, are manually advanced by the contractor and are best suited for interior or lateral lines. These units typically have a maximum range of 200 feet and can handle pipe sizes from roughly 1 1/2 inches to 12 inches, depending on the system. Push systems are far more common, widely used by plumbers, drain cleaners, HVAC techs, and electricians, so we’ll focus on those going forward.

Push-style systems come in three main categories:

• Micro-systems are designed for 1 1/2- to 3-inch pipes. Their rods are very flexible but weaker, and generally lack recording or locating features.
• Mini-systems serve 2- to 4-inch lines and are ideal for indoor plumbing. Most include a locator beacon and optional recording.
• Mainline systems work in 3- to 12-inch pipes and emphasize strength over flexibility for outdoor work.

As a general rule, use the largest, strongest push rod that will still fit in the pipe. This helps reduce wear and allows you to push further with less risk of damage.

2. Do you need a built-in recording device?

If you need to provide proof of performance or want to use inspection footage as a sales tool, a built-in recording device can be a smart investment.

If your work only requires occasional documentation, external recorders are widely available. But if integrated recording is a priority, you’ll typically be choosing between DVD, SD card or USB memory formats. (Rule of thumb: the fewer moving parts there are, the less likely they are to experience repair issues.)

Many systems also offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to view and save inspection videos directly to your smartphone or tablet for easier sharing with customers. A great example is the Gen-Eye POD, which features a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB recording, and compatibility with mobile devices.

3. Do you need to locate the pipe inspection camera head?

Most mini and standard-sized units have a built-in locator beacon/transmitter so that you can pinpoint the location and depth of the camera head while it is in the pipe. For example, the Gen-Eye X-POD Plus includes a powerful built-in transmitter and locator-compatible system to simplify troubleshooting and repair planning. Do not underestimate the importance of location in the inspection process. If in question, err on the side of safety and get a locator. 

While most locators are fairly accurate at this point, some are easier to use than others.

4. How available is service after the sale?

Pipe inspection cameras and location systems are video cameras that you put down a sewer. What could go wrong with that? Well, as it turns out, plenty. The bad news is that repairs to your camera system can be costly and lengthy.

The good news is that proper training can significantly reduce your repair bills. We have found a very positive correlation between user technique and the frequency of damage to camera units. This correlation cuts across all sizes and makes of inspection systems. For this reason, it’s wise to purchase your pipe inspection unit from a factory representative who can train you and your employees in the proper use of this high-tech product. Initial training can make the difference between profit and loss when it comes to camera systems.

Also, consider where and how your unit will be serviced. If you need to ship your system overseas for repairs, downtime can add up fast. Look for a supplier with a factory-authorized service center in your region. General Pipe Cleaners offers support, helping you avoid costly delays and minimizing downtime.

For more information, please visit Easy-Sight.

These four questions will help to frame the search for your new pipe inspection system. Your familiarity and comfort with certain brands, distributors and representatives will also play a key role in your decision. Talk to coworkers and others in the field to gain other points of view and insight into how these units perform in real-life situations.

The purchase of a drain camera system is a significant investment that will impact the way your company does business for years to come. Take your time and make the right call.

Contact the Drain Brains at General at 800-245- or .

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Often, a pipe inspection system represents a substantial investment for the majority of small businesses. In return, they provide unique marketing and diagnostic potential that may either earn or save a significant amount of money for your business. The task of selecting the right system for your needs must be undertaken with serious attention to detail to avoid any costly mistake. So, here are certain points to ponder before spending your hard-earned money.

What size sewers/drains/pipes are you likely to be inspecting?

The great divide in a pipe inspection system is between tractor pull style and push rod systems. Which style do you need?

Push rod-style systems are designed for inside pipes and laterals. As the name indicates, these systems are manually pushed down the line by the contractor. At the maximum, the range on these units is limited to 200 feet.

Generally, tractor pull systems are for municipal style, large drain pipes, and pull themselves down the line. They tend to be controlled with a computer system and joystick by an operator sitting in a specially made van or truck. They are outfitted with additional swivel heads and lighting to look up, down, left, and right. Usually, larger companies and municipalities purchase these.

Do you require a built-in recording device?

Do you need to offer proof of performance? If yes, having a built-in recording device can save you both time and money.

In addition to being a diagnostic tool, do you want to use the pipe inspection camera system as a marketing tool? Do you want to focus on the drain cleaning job primarily, or do you want to expand your focus to pipe relining or replacement? You don’t need a built-in recording device if you only need to take a ‘look-see.’ For those special instances, when you require a recording, there are add-on recording devices available from the majority of the electronic retailers that will not just work with any video device but would also be more economical.

If you need a built-in recording device, the options at this point are USB stick, SD card, and DVD. Additionally, Wi-Fi units are now available. This wireless feature easily enables contractors to use their smartphones, Android tablets, and iPads to display the video output from camera systems. By using these devices, contactors can upload and save videos to social media, YouTube, or other networks to simplify and streamline the process of data sharing with customers.

Do you want to be able to record the camera head?

The majority of the standardized and mini-sized units have built-in locator beacon that enables you to pinpoint the depth and location of the camera head while it is in the pipe. Don’t underestimate the significance of location in the overall inspection process. If in doubt, err on the side of safety and get the locator. Although many locators are fairly precise at this point, some are easier to operate than others. Try them and see.

How available is after-sale service?

During a sewer pipe inspection, you shove a video camera down a sewer. What could possibly go wrong? Well, plenty. The bad news is, repairs to your camera may be lengthy and costly.

The good news is, proper training may substantially mitigate your repair bills. We have found that there is a positive correlation between the frequency of damage to camera units and user technique. This correlation cuts across every make and size of the inspection system. For this reason, it’s wise to purchase your pipe inspection unit from a factory representative who can offer training regarding the proper use of this high-tech product. When it comes to camera systems, initial training can make the difference between profit and loss.

The availability of repair centers is another aspect of after-sale service. It is good to have one factory-trained repair center in your time zone, if and when the unit does require the need for it. If your unit must be shipped back to another country for repair, it is probably time to rethink your purchasing strategy.

Certainly, these four questions will assist you in framing the search for your new pipe inspection system. Your comfort and familiarity with certain representatives, dealers, and brands will also play a vital role in your decision. The purchase of a camera system is a big investment that will influence the way your organization does business for years to come. Take your time and make the right call.

For more Pipeline Inspection Robotsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.