Troubleshooting Tips for Sewer and Drain Inspection Cameras
Over the years, sewer and drain inspection cameras have emerged as indispensable tools for plumbing. These advanced camera systems provide a non-invasive and thorough look into drains and pipes, helping workers identify potential issues before they can turn into serious problems.
Though these cameras are extremely sophisticated, they do encounter some technical issues from time to time. From manoeuvrability problems to poor image quality or software glitches, many different issues may arise while using them. However, it is possible to overcome these issues with a clear understanding of the device and a few troubleshooting skills.
Common Issues and their Solutions
Poor image quality: This is one of the most common issues faced while using drain and sewer inspection cameras. Some potential reasons leading to this problem include dirty or smudged lens, camera defects, and low-light conditions. If your image is unclear or smudged, you need to check the lens and clean it carefully using a soft, damp cloth. Low-light conditions are extremely common inside the pipe, and it results in dark images. Inspection cameras equipped with built-in LED lights can handle this problem effectively. If your camera doesn’t have this feature, try adjusting the brightness to ensure the best visibility. If the image quality doesn’t improve after trying these tricks, it is likely that there is some defect in the camera. In these instances, it is best to consult the manufacturer.
Camera not turning on: This problem is often caused by battery issues, connection problems, as well as internal defects. First of all, please ensure that your battery has been charged fully and inserted properly. Please remember that old batteries often fail to hold a charge and may need to be replaced. The camera may not receive power if there are loose or corroded connections. Therefore, please ensure that all connections and cables are properly secured, including the connection between the control unit, the push cable, and the camera. If there is nothing wrong with the connections and battery, there could be a damage or defect in the control unit or inside the camera. Again, these issues should only be handled by the manufacturer.
Camera manoeuvring issues: The intricate twists and turns of pipe systems can sometimes make camera navigation quite a challenge. Some potential causes of this problem are stiff push cable, obstruction within the pipe, and the size of the camera head. If the push cable is rigid or stiff, steering the camera head through the pipe’s bends and turns can be extremely difficult. Therefore, users must ensure that their push cable is sufficiently flexible for the intended purpose. Replace the cable regularly because they tend to lose flexibility over time. Pipeline obstructions such as accumulated debris, blockages, and roots can also prevent smooth movement of the camera. If you encounter this problem, clear the way using a sewer or drain cleaning tool before starting your camera inspection. Finally, navigating tight bends and smaller diameters can be difficult if the camera head is too large. Therefore, the size of the camera head should be chosen in accordance with the pipe diameter.
If you have any other questions related to drain inspection camera systems, please contact us at Austeck. We are a wide range of sophisticated inspection camera systems for all your plumbing needs.