Nothing is worst than finding a problem in your line when you are using a snake camera. When that happens, you might have to postpone the inspection. Adding to these delays are the costly maintenance bills required to repair and replace your equipment.
Avoid these common mistakes when using a snake camera stops you from throwing money down the drain.
Here are a few things to prevent this from happening:
1. Examine Your Equipment Before Use
Whether you are working with an old snake camera or a new one, examine the equipment thoroughly before use. That way, you will have the surety of using the device effectively and practically when you reel it down the drain/pipelines. Identifying minor issues facilitates better care and quicker repairs. You also get things fixed before the problem escalates into a costly maintenance bill.
Here are a few things you should check during examination:
- Damaged power cords and kinks
- Missing parts (such as ground prongs)
- Faulty switches and control buttons
- Worn out reeling
- Cracked lens or grimy equipment
In short, keep your eyes out for minor and major faults before use.
Using a faulty device is more costly than investing in a new diagnostic tool. If anything looks out of order, repair or replace them before the next inspection assignment.
Pro-tip: Ask a reputable borescope supplier for professional assistance to handle your repairs and replacement needs.
2. Don’t Use It as a Cleaning Tool
One of the biggest mistakes when using snake cameras involves non-essential usage. Some workers might try pushing the obstruction or blockage out of the way with the camera. Even the best inspection equipment feature fragile parts and a sensitive camera lens. That is why the likelihood of irreparable damage is high when you use it as a cleaning tool for clogged pipes.
Most common damages in such situation include:
- Dented and cracked screens
- Blurry vision caused by grime
- Extensive wear and tear of the reel
- Preventable breakage
The good news is that some self-control and proper training can prevent these occurrences. Beginners must learn how to use the borescope as a diagnostic tool during the inspection. Request them to use other tools for cleaning purposes and remove the camera out of the way when it’s not required.
3. Keep Things Slow and Steady
It is easy to lose your grip and focus when you cover an extensive drainage system. No matter what the situation is, we recommend keeping things slow and steady to avoid negligence.
Without a steady grip, you can lose control of the reel.
That might lead to:
- Wear and tear from obstructed pipelines
- Frequent formation of kinks and knots
- Cracked camera lens and impaired vision
- Damaged cords
Each of these issues led to costly repairs. Some workers might even cut the reel to remove kinks. It, in turn, results in inflexibility and restriction of movement during the next inspection.
How to prevent this situation?
You must handle the equipment with great care to avoid setbacks and potential problems. Use short and quick motions when the snake camera enters the inspection site. Also, always keep your hands and eyes near the equipment to prevent things from going amiss.
4. Keep It Squeaky Clean
Your snake cameras and borescope encounter dingy, dirty, and unhygienic spots during the inspection. It happens regardless of your project requirements.
Without proper care, the grease and grit would form an irremovable layer on top of your equipment. Its presence hinders video quality, impairs the camera lens, and makes the reeling unmanageable. When that happens, you are forced to repair, rent, or buy new equipment.
Avoid this fate by thoroughly cleaning your equipment as soon as you pull your horoscope out of the drain.
Here are our top cleaning tips for snake cameras:
- Clean your snake camera and its lens after each use to prevent the build-up
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off dirt and grit
- Avoid using oil cleansers or harsh chemicals as they damage the lens
- Only use water when you deal with stubborn stains and grit that clings to your equipment
- Keep rough rags and dry wipes at hand for a quick wipe
- Apply lubricants to maintain moving parts and minimizing rigidity during use
- Scrub the equipment gently to minimize external damage
- Store your equipment in a clean and dry place to keep it safe when not in use
Apart from this, maintain a cleaning schedule during the off-season too. Regular maintenance improves the longevity and usage of your equipment. It also eliminates the risk of product damage.
Parting Words
If you want to extend their lifespan, you must maintain and clean your borescope and other tech gear properly. We advise you to practice constant vigilance to avoid costly mistakes when using a snake camera. Start by examining the device regularly and ensuring that it’s cleaned before and after use. You should pay equal attention to the equipment during the inspection.
Otherwise, you risk damaging your equipment and paying a hefty maintenance price.
