How to Use a Sewer Camera? | Pipe Inspection Steps

The process is straightforward: set up the equipment, feed the camera at a controlled speed, document any defects, and clean everything after. If you don’t yet own a sewer camera, our roundup of the best cheap sewer cameras can help you find a capable model without overspending. Here’s the exact procedure used by plumbing professionals and home inspectors.

Pre-Use Inspection and Setup

Start with a full charge on the built-in battery — most units use a 4,500mAh lithium pack good for several hours.

Inspect the cable for cuts or kinks before each use; a damaged cable can fail inside the pipe and turn a simple inspection into a retrieval job. Thread the camera head on tight, then connect the monitor cable to the “CAMERA” port until it clicks — a loose connection gives you a blue screen instead of a picture. Clean the lens with a soft cloth and turn on the LED lights. Adjust brightness and contrast on the monitor so you can see clearly in dark pipes. For larger lines, attach a centering skid to keep the camera head in the middle of the pipe. Confirm the SD card or internal memory has enough space for the full run.

Feeding and Recording the Inspection

Find a two-way cleanout — the fitting with two openings, one toward the house and one toward the main line or septic. Confirm your direction before feeding the cable. Place a drop cloth under the opening and run water in all fixtures to flush the line and lubricate the pipe, which prevents debris from catching the camera head.

Feed the camera head gently into the pipe using both hands. Going faster risks tangling the inner fiber or missing defects on screen. At 90-degree bends, angle the cable gently and let the self-leveling camera head pivot — never force it or bend the cable sharply.

Watch the live feed continuously as the camera advances. If the water level rises on screen, you may be hitting a belly in the pipe or submerging the lens — pull back slightly and continue. When you spot a defect, pause for five to ten seconds to document it. Press the PHOTO button for still images and the REC button for video. Many units let you add voice notes or type text notes directly onto the footage.

Use the digital zoom (up to 36X) for a closer look at suspicious areas. The length markings printed on the cable tell you how deep the issue is — if the marking reads 35 feet when you spot a crack, that crack is 35 feet from the cleanout. Keep recording as you retract the cable to capture the return path. Spartan Tool’s sewer camera operation guide covers recording settings and best practices in more detail.

Retrieval, Cleaning, and Safety

Slowly pull the cable back once the full run is complete. Clean the entire cable with disinfectant wipes or a hose, especially if it contacted untreated wastewater. Wipe down the camera head to prevent corrosion from sewage residue. Save all notes and footage to the SD card or USB drive, then press and hold the POWER button for two seconds to shut down. Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and waterproof boots during the inspection.

Never force the cable past an obstacle — the camera is an inspection tool, not a drain cleaner. If you feel resistance, pull back and try again. In two-way cleanouts, double-check you’re inspecting the correct direction before you start. Stop at the property line; do not enter city taps, backflow devices, or septic tanks, which require a licensed plumber.