Pipe Cameras & Crawlers

Advanced Test Equipment Corporation has an extensive pipe camera and crawler rental inventory, featuring cameras from leading manufacturers at affordable rates. Also known as sewer cameras, pipe cameras range from vertical, horizontal, self-leveling, flexible, or rugged uses. ATEC carries pipe camera rental units from leading manufacturers such as USA Borescopes, Fiberscope, and Inuktun.

What is a Pipe Camera?

You may know of pipe cameras by one of their other names: plumbing camera, drain camera, push camera, duct camera, or camera crawler are some of the more common ones. These cameras reveal corrosion, clogs, cracks, and other various flaws in drainage or sewer pipes, and are essentially a robotic snake or winding cable with a very small camera attached at the end.

Pipe cameras are also typically equipped with LED lighting probe tips to improve inspection quality and give precise measurements, and are maneuverable in plumbing pipes and sewer lines with many twists, turns, and bends.
 

What is a Pipe Crawler?

A pipe crawler is a remote-controlled, larger unit that travels down a pipe on wheels or treads. Intended for more rugged use, these traverse larger pipes such as those in sewer systems.
 

How do Pipe Cameras Work?

Pipe cameras are a nondestructive inspection system that require a small entry point and can be connected directly into the main sewer line from various access points. The non-invasive technology eliminates the need to dig and saves time by locating leaks more quickly.
 

Choosing a Pipe Camera or Crawler Rental

First, consider orientation, such as vertical or horizontal. Vertical drain inspection systems require a drop camera to add panning and tilting functionality; to perform a 3D inspection of all sides of the piping, a vertical camera needs to rotate and tilt. Horizontal cameras, on the other hand, are often self-leveling to maintain position and have fish-eye lenses to ensure a full 180° view.

Application also determines whether to choose a more flexible or rugged camera. Flexible cameras can bend around abrupt turns in piping, but may be vulnerable to sharp edges, whereas a less flexible and more durable camera can endure harsh environments, but sacrifices the ability to bend.
 

What are Pipe Cameras and Crawlers Used For?

Common problems inspection professionals find are:

• Piping Issues: Pipes can shift over time, creating possible cracks and misaligned piping.
• Leaks: Sewer cameras can find leaks in pipes, allowing quick cost-saving repairs.
• Blockages: Pipes can easily become blocked but drain inspection cameras detect blockages in exact locations.
• Corrosion: Metal pipes are prone to corrosion and cameras can be used to help repair the old piping.
• Sewer Line Interference: Sewer lines can be obstructed by things such as tree roots, and these cameras will locate the blockage.