I want to start offering sewer camera inspections and would like to buy one on Black Friday if possible through Amazon. What entry level camera would you recommend and what specs do you suggest? (Self leveling head, how many feet, Bluetooth campanile?)
Thanks in advance.
I’d like to be under $2000 for sure.
I don’t think much has changed since this thread:
https://forum.nachi.org/t/sewer-camera-add-on/232544
From my linked thread, that price point seems difficult.
I don’t do sewer inspections, but I would suggest a quality used model from a retiring inspector or from someone that decided it wasn’t really for them.
I want actual camera suggestions which I didn’t get much of last time. Thanks.
Jeremy Smith
Apex Property Inspection L.L.C.
Owner/Lead Inspector
c:307-761-9701
e:jeremy@apexpropertyinspection.com
w:www.apexpropertyinspection.com
There are a few plumbing forums online. They may be a good resource to tap into while you await a home inspector’s response.
Here you go.
Personally, when I buy equipment or tools to do my job, I prefer to research and find out what’s the best and highest quality on the market, then from there I will shop for the best price. If I was in the market to buy a sewer scope system today I would go with Ridgid.
Fact of the matter is, IMO 2K won’t get a high quality sewer camera or one that will last.
This picture from yesterdays inspection.
Jeremy,
I went to buy a suit once. I asked the guy at the store “can I see something cheap”…
He told me to look in the mirror…
I suspect most inspectors who have invested in cheap IR cameras and sewer scopes might as well have flushed their dollars.
This guy sells new, rents them and sells used cams, might help? 
It kinda depends on what you use them for. I personally have no interest in sewer scopes. And my cheap $1200 ir camera works just fine within the scope of a traditional non-invasive home inspection.
Some of you guys need to relax a little bit. I never said I wanted to buy the cheapest camera on the market. I just said that I want to buy something that is affordable for me as I get started in this ancillary service. My whole goal was to find out what cameras are good and then use that information for black Friday. I understand the quality matters and that is my goal, but I also can also only afford so much in this season. Thank you all in advance for your provided positive information about good quality cameras.
Jeremy Smith
Apex Property Inspection L.L.C.
Owner/Lead Inspector
c:307-761-9701
e:jeremy@apexpropertyinspection.com
w:www.apexpropertyinspection.com
Jeremy, there’s plenty of inexpensive sewer cameras on Amazon. Most have HD video and can access 300 feet or more.
You don’t need 4K resolution for a sewer inspection. You don’t need automatic, rotating camera or a radio device to locate the camera. I used a very inexpensive camera that paid for itself with two inspections. I’ve been a plumber for over 38 years. Most on this forum have never turned a wrench and will recommend a very expensive sewer camera for whatever reason.
Expensive cameras will come with a location devices. You do not need to provide the location of a defect. You simply need to identify there is a defect and let a professional take over from there.
Thats awesome information @mwilles. You have me fully engaged, but you didn’t happen to mention what camera you purchased that has served you well in that range. I’m sure @jsmith202, myself, and a few others would love to know. I purchased the Wohler VIS250 in April and already had to send it back. Of course I have terrible luck. I do fully understand what they mean by quality also in some respects. Sewer camera I think Martin has an excellent point in everything he wrote as long as the camera doesn’t crap out in the first year. If we are talking IR though, I think quality matters. I have the C5, upgraded to the Ex4 with the Ex8 software on a gamble and its ok but not terribly impressed. I want an EX8 bad because the quality is that much better, I just can’t justify spending the money as I’m still building my business and have been hit relatively hard with all the rate increases. Its always great to buy the best tools if you can afford them, but there is a place for Harbor Freight at times as well (obviously talking about regular tools in the analogy not what we are referring to above). As long as you can clearly see what’s going on in the pipe, you don’t need a 10k rigid system. Just my opinion. @mwilles if you get a chance let us know what brand and model you picked up.
This is similar to the camera I use.
VEVOR Sewer Camera, 300 ft/91.5 m, 9" Screen Pipeline Inspection Camera with DVR Function, Waterproof IP68 Camera w/12 Adjustable LEDs, w/a 16 GB SD Card for Sewer Line, Home, Duct Drain Pipe Plumbing Amazon.com
Hi Jeremy, I bought this Vevor model about 2 months ago. I know it is a cheap model but I love it. It records well and is simple to use. The recording goes straight to a mini SD card which is ideal for me. I did the 3 year protection plan that covers anything. Hope this helps.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BV2SYJDK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks Larry for that catch.
So you chastise those who warn you of the potential pitfalls of inexpensive sewer cameras? Nice.
@mwilles may have given you good advice, but he has been a plumber for 38 years and knows what he is looking at! With little or no experience, low resolution/low performance cameras may hinder your ability to detect a defect or fully understand what you are looking at. As always, the operator matters more than the tool.
He also stated you do not need location devices, well that depends on the scope of work, eh? Scope of work will determine the tool needed. For example, audio narration? Video provided? Location service? Length? Etc.
If you have experience with sewer scopes, let us know. I think it is relevant.
Without those, especially location of the issue/defect, you would get a lot of negative feedback in my area.
Example. If there’s 150 ft line and you say yeah there’s a cracked pipe and some roots and leave it up to the plumber to determine where that’s at, it could go from a a spot repair at a 6-in crack in a pipe 50 foot out to a plumber, saying the whole line needs to be replaced.
From a $1,500 repair to a $15,000 repair.
I can’t speak for others, but whenever my plumber finds a substantial issue with the lateral, the distance from the entry point in noted in the report, and he also uses the sonde to locate the position in the yard, flag it, and take pictures with measurements from identifiable objects in the event the buyer decides to have the repairs done themselves.
