Are you stuck guessing the origin of a sewer line clog deep in your home’s plumbing system?
Maybe the clog developed as a result of your spouse’s new cooking hobby that sends grease and food waste down the kitchen drain. Maybe the clog developed thanks to your teenager’s new shaving routine since they don’t yet know how to shave without clogging the drain.
Don’t guess and waste time! Use a sewer camera with a locator to determine the actual cause and location of the problem. However, there are a lot of sewer camera models available.
What type of camera will work best for your residential needs while also containing the features you need at a reasonable price?
Get a great view of the interior of your sewer line thanks to this self-leveling camera that sends data on a super-large 9” monitor and comes with a transmitter developed into it that anyone can use as long as they have a 512 hz receiver (not included).
Save data on a 16 GB memory card, an upgrade from the standard 8 GB memory card in other products.
You can save a lot of money in professional sewer camera inspection services or rooter services fees when buying your own pipe inspection camera.
The best sewer endoscopes can reach the source of your clog and use sonar technology through metal pipes to indicate the exact location. They will also provide you with high-quality images of the inside of your pipes that you can store and reference later.
You have a long sewer system, so it can be difficult and inconvenient to search for the source of blockage without the help of a camera.
While a fun project for people interested in science, homemade sewer endoscopes probably won’t provide the same quality as one manufactured by a reputable company.
What Are The Different Types of Sewer Camera With Locator?
Camera Type
One of the main things you will need to consider when looking at different sewer cameras involves the type of camera and the quality of the images it sends over as well as the different features.
Some features you may want to look for in your sewer camera include:
Self-leveling
Zoom In/Zoom Out
120-degree view
Separate Monitor vs Cell-Phone Monitor
Most sewer cameras come with their own monitor designed to provide a high-quality and large image easily. However, some models use your cell phone screen instead.
While less expensive, your cellphone screen probably isn’t as big as a full monitor. Furthermore, it may require some technical know-how to connect the endoscope to your cellphone.
With or Without Receiver
Just because your equipment has a transmitter built into it does not necessarily mean that it comes with a receiver.
Companies provide options both with and without a receiver since many people already have a compatible receiver already from another power tool.
How Does A Sewer Camera With Locator Work?
Sewer endoscopes feed the camera head into your sewer line at the nearest access point (usually the basement floor drain or cleanout).
As you feed the cord into your sewer line, you will see an image of the inside of your pipes on a monitor.
The camera connects to the monitor using a USB port or wireless technology.
What Do You Look For In The Best Sewer Camera With Locator?
Cable Length and Flexibility
You need the cord to reach far enough for you to locate the clog. It can be best to find a product that offers different cord lengths or an exceptionally long retractable cord.
You not only need the cord to be long enough, but you also need it to be able to navigate through even the most twisted parts of your plumbing system. Some cords won’t be able to maneuver a harsh 90-degree angle, making them undesirable if you run into that during the job.
Long-Lasting Battery
Almost all sewer cameras are portable. This means that they use a rechargeable lithium battery to power themselves while you work.
You don’t want the power to go out before you have a chance to collect all the data you need. That’s why it’s important to use a high-end battery that lasts for 8 – 10 hours. Just don’t forget to charge the battery when you’re done!
Get a great view of the interior of your sewer line thanks to this self-leveling camera that sends data on a super-large 9” monitor and comes with a transmitter developed into it that anyone can use as long as they have a 512 hz receiver (not included).
Save data on a 16 GB memory card, an upgrade from the standard 8 GB memory card in other products.
Get high-quality, color pictures of the insides of your pipes projected onto a 7” screen with this endoscope that comes with a 100-foot cable.
The kit comes with an 8 GB memory card, screwdriver, and data connection cables. And, unique among the products on this list, a centering device to keep images even is also included – all in a convenient carrying case.
InView up to 23 feet into your sewer line with this sewer camera and locator that transmits data in HD quality onto a 7” screen that you can store onto the 8G memory card. A DVR function allows you to go back to look at past information at your convenience.
The rechargeable battery provides you with up to 10 hours of work time. Twelve adjustable and waterproof LEDs light your way according to your preferences
A 512Hz receiver communicates with the locator via soundwave technology that transcends metal pipes to help you pinpoint exactly where you can find the clog. This product comes with a 1-year warranty.
This product comes with a 512 Hz transmitter to indicate the location of the blockage in your sewer line when the 100-foot cable encounters it. And the tiny 2 mm camera transfers data on the large 7” screen while also providing a digital display of how much of the cable you fed into the sewer at all times.
he HD stainless steel camera provides an impressive 120-degree view, and the battery lasts for 8 hours. At that point, you can examine the data you recorded with the product’s DVR function on the 8 GB memory card (you can also upgrade to 32 GB memory card).
This high-end stainless steel, waterproof camera can withstand heavy use and sharp turns, specifically useful for commercial plumbing services. It has a 200-foot cable and can also fit into pipes up to 6” in diameter. 18 lights illuminate even the darkest corners.
Pros
Can make sharp 90-degree turns
Extra-long, 200-foot cable
18 lights
Cons
Expensive
No monitor included
Large and bulky
Final Thoughts On Best Sewer Camera With Locator
A sewer inspection can give you the information you need to identify plumbing issues. It will allow you to monitor your sewer pipes and drains if you suspect a main line clog, tree root intrusion, or under slab leak.
The right sewer camera can give you the information you need, but you will benefit if you also opt for a sewer camera that comes with a locator. You don’t have to spend more on the extra kit with a receiver if you already have one on the same frequency.
FAQs For Best Sewer Camera With Locator
Which sewer camera is best?
The best inspection camera gets the job done effectively and simply. Our top pick is the Comstex Sewer Camera With Locator, thanks to its extra-large screen and the images from the self-leveling camera.
How much does it cost to put a camera down a drain?
A sewer camera inspection can cost quite a bit. However, in some cases, the responsibility may fall on the city or your insurance company, especially when it’s used for preventative maintenance.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.