Buying Your First Drain Camera & Water Jetter
A Beginner Plumber’s Guide for Australia
Buying your first drain camera or water jetter is a milestone for any plumber. It’s exciting, and it’s also where a lot of beginners make expensive mistakes.
Between flashy overseas brands, confusing specifications, and wildly different price points, it’s easy to buy equipment that looks impressive but doesn’t suit the work you’re actually doing. Many new plumbers overspend, underbuy, or end up with gear that’s unreliable when they need it most.
This guide is written specifically for Australian plumbers purchasing their first drain camera and water jetter. No jargon. No sales fluff. Just practical, experience-based advice on what you really need, what you can skip for now, and how to invest smartly without burning cash early in your career.
Who This Guide Is For (And Who It’s Not)
This guide is for:
- Apprentice plumbers stepping into solo or subcontract work
- New plumbing businesses building their first professional toolkit
- Plumbers upgrading from hired or shared equipment
This guide is not for:
- Large commercial operators buying fleet-level systems
- Plumbers replacing already high-end or specialised equipment
If you’re buying your first drain camera or water jetter, you’re in the right place.
Do You Actually Need Both Tools When Starting Out?
Short answer: not always.
Many plumbers feel pressured to buy everything at once. In reality, most successful plumbers start with the tool that best suits the work they’re already doing.
- A drain camera helps you diagnose problems accurately
- A water jetter helps you clear blockages effectively
If your jobs involve inspections, fault-finding, reporting, or insurance work, a drain camera usually comes first. If you’re handling blocked drains, grease, and tree roots, a water jetter may deliver faster returns.
Plenty of plumbers start with one, build steady income, and upgrade later — there’s no rush if the work doesn’t demand it yet.
Drain Camera vs Water Jetter: What Each Tool Is Really Used For
Drain Cameras: Seeing Before Guessing
A drain camera allows you to visually inspect sewer and stormwater lines to identify:
- Blockages
- Cracked, collapsed, or misaligned pipes
- Tree root intrusion
- Pipe condition before repairs
For beginners, drain cameras improve accuracy, support professional reporting, and build customer trust. They also protect you when disputes arise by providing visual proof of issues.
If you’re exploring professional options, view Razorback’s range of drain inspection cameras designed for Australian plumbing conditions.
Water Jetters: Clearing with Force
A water jetter uses high-pressure water to clear debris such as:
- Grease and sludge
- Tree roots
- Sand and sediment buildup
When chosen correctly, a water jetter is one of the most versatile tools a plumber can own. The key is matching the machine’s pressure and flow to the type of work you’re doing — not buying the biggest unit “just in case.”
For reliable clearing power, Razorback also supplies high-performance water jetters for plumbing applications.
Drain Camera vs Water Jetter: Beginner Comparison
| Feature | Drain Camera | Water Jetter |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Diagnosing drain issues | Clearing blockages |
| Ideal for Beginners | Yes (especially inspections & reporting) | Yes (blockages & maintenance) |
| Typical Cost (AUD) | $3,000–$10,000+ | $2,000–$8,000+ |
| Skill Level Required | Low to Moderate | Moderate |
| Improves Quoting Accuracy | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Clears Roots & Grease | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Ongoing Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
| Revenue Impact | Faster diagnostics & proof | Faster job completion |
How Much Should a Beginner Plumber Expect to Spend?
Drain Cameras
- Entry-level professional systems: $3,000–$6,000
- Advanced systems with reporting features: $6,000–$10,000+
Water Jetters
- Portable electric jetters: $2,000–$4,000
- Petrol-powered jetters: $4,000–$8,000+
If a deal looks suspiciously cheap, it usually comes with compromises — poor image quality, weak performance, limited spare parts, or costly downtime.
Key Features That Actually Matter (Ignore the Marketing Noise)
Drain Camera Must-Haves
- Camera head size suitable for Australian pipework
- Cable length that covers typical residential jobs
- Clear, reliable image quality (not just “HD” labels)
- Recording and reporting for documentation
Water Jetter Essentials
- Balanced pressure and flow (not pressure alone)
- Durable build for Australian conditions
- Easy transport and setup
- Local servicing and spare parts availability
A jetter that’s hard to move or expensive to repair becomes a liability quickly.
Common Mistakes First-Time Buyers Make
These mistakes show up again and again:
- Buying oversized equipment “for future growth”
- Choosing the cheapest option without local support
- Ignoring repairability and spare parts access
- Falling for imported gear with no Australian servicing
The best first setup is equipment that works consistently, not equipment with the longest spec sheet.
Cheap Imports vs Australian-Built Equipment: The Real Cost
Imported equipment often looks appealing upfront, but the hidden costs stack up:
- Long repair times
- Limited technical support
- Difficulty sourcing parts
- Shorter working lifespan
Australian-designed equipment typically offers:
- Faster servicing
- Support from people who understand local plumbing
- Better long-term reliability
Over time, this usually saves money, stress, and lost workdays.
When It Makes Sense to Upgrade Your Gear
Upgrade when:
- Your workload consistently exceeds your equipment’s limits
- You’re turning down jobs due to tool restrictions
- Repairs and downtime become frequent
Don’t upgrade because of hype. Upgrade because the numbers make sense.
Why Australian Plumbers Choose Razorback Drain Pro’s
Razorback Drain Pro’s supplies Australian-designed drain cameras and plumbing equipment built for real job conditions. We focus on:
- Practical features plumbers actually use
- Reliable performance
- Local servicing and support
- Equipment built to last beyond the warranty
View our full range of professional plumbing inspection and drain cleaning equipment built for Australian plumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a drain camera and a water jetter when starting out?
No. Many plumbers start with one tool based on the type of work they do most. Drain cameras are ideal for inspections and diagnostics, while water jetters are better for clearing blockages.
How much should I spend on my first drain camera?
Most beginner plumbers in Australia spend between $3,000 and $6,000 on a professional drain camera. Cheaper options often lack durability and local support.
Are cheap imported drain cameras worth it?
Generally no. While cheaper upfront, imported units often suffer from poor image quality, limited spare parts, and long repair times.
What size drain camera cable do I need?
For most residential plumbing work, a cable length between 30 and 60 metres is sufficient. Larger commercial jobs may require longer systems.
Should I buy Australian-made plumbing equipment?
Australian-designed equipment is built for local conditions and usually offers better servicing, faster repairs, and longer working life.
Get Expert Advice Before You Buy
If you’re unsure which drain camera or water jetter suits your work, speak with people who understand plumbing — not just specifications.
Call Razorback Drain Pro’s: 1800 961 731
Email: contact@razorbackdrains.au
We’re based in Australia and committed to helping plumbers invest in equipment that delivers real value on the job.
Get the Right Drain Camera for the Job
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The Boar 21mm Camera – Suitable for 90mm – 150mm Pipe
$5,360.00 -
The Double P 12.8mm and 21mm Camera – Suitable for 25mm – 150mm Pipe
$7,049.00 -
The Monster 21mm Camera – Suitable for 90mm – 150mm Pipe
Original price was: $5,010.00.$4,910.00Current price is: $4,910.00.
