5 Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life and Efficiency of Your Drain Camera
Your drain camera’s the unsung hero of your plumbing kit — until it cops some damage mid-job. Keeping it clean and well-maintained isn’t just good practice; it’s good business.
At Razorback Drain Pros, we know that reliable gear means faster jobs, fewer headaches, and better results for your clients. So here are five practical maintenance tips to help you protect your investment and keep your drain camera working like a dream for years to come.
1. Treat Your Cables with Care
Your cables and connectors are the lifelines of your drain camera setup. Handle them right, and they’ll serve you for years.
Inspect them regularly for any signs of wear or corrosion, and make sure connectors are secure before every job. Damaged cables can cause blurry footage or total camera failure — not what you want mid-inspection.
Pro Tips:
- When going through an I.O. or gully, always use the larger skid.
- Slip a short piece of agg drain or flexible tubing over the cable to stop it rubbing against sharp angles.
- Spray your connection points with circuit board cleaner to keep terminals clean.
- Wipe down your cables after every use to prevent build-up.
2. Keep the Camera Lens Clean
A spotless lens means clear, accurate footage. After every job, give the lens a gentle clean with a soft, lint-free cloth and proper lens cleaner.
Avoid harsh chemicals, they can wreck the coating. A clean lens = clean inspection.
Pro Tips:
- Always use skids when entering a drain.
- Don’t bash the camera head into solid surfaces — that’s a fast way to crack the lens.
- Check the camera head is tightly screwed onto the cable.
- Lightly grease the O-rings on the camera head and spring every so often.
3. Protect Your Gear from Harsh Environments
Drain cameras are built tough, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid leaving them in extreme heat or soaking wet conditions.
If you’re working outdoors in the rain, rig up an umbrella — a cheap bike umbrella mount works a treat. Keep your gear well away from hot exhausts or jetter outlets; that hardened plastic can melt faster than you’d think.
4. Store It Properly
After every job, clean and dry your equipment before packing it away. Coil your cables neatly, pop the camera into a padded case, and stash everything in a cool, dry spot.
If your unit runs on removable batteries, take them out before storage — saves you from messy leaks later on.
5. Stay on Top of Battery Maintenance
For portable or handheld drain cameras, battery health is key. Fully charge before use, but don’t overcharge.
Store batteries somewhere cool and dry, and avoid leaving them in the camera when it’s off duty. Well-kept batteries keep your inspections running smooth.
Conclusion
Maintaining your drain inspection camera isn’t rocket science — just a bit of regular TLC.
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll save time, money, and stress down the line.
At Razorback Drain Pros, we’re all about helping Aussie plumbers get the most out of their gear. If you’re chasing reliable drain cameras or replacement parts built for tough Australian conditions, check out our Drain Cameras page or flick us an email at contact@razorbackdrains.au.
Your tools should make you money — not cost you money. Keep them in top nick, and they’ll keep working for you.
