Use it to answer a specific question
A camera is valuable when there is a reason to suspect roots, displaced joints, damaged pipework, an unknown route or a recurring obstruction. The purpose should be clear before the inspection starts so the footage can be interpreted against the actual symptom.
Clear enough of the line first
Heavy standing water or an uncleared obstruction can prevent useful inspection beyond the blockage. Depending on the condition and access, some clearing may therefore be needed before a camera can show the pipe beyond the immediate restriction.
Record location as well as footage
Useful reporting identifies where a defect is in relation to an access point or known feature, not only what appears on screen. Where a repair is proposed, the evidence should support the location and scope as far as reasonably possible.
Related information
Drain Smells
Drain odours can come from a dry trap, fouling, defective seals, poor venting or a drainage problem further downstream.
Why Does My Drain Keep Blocking?
If a drain blocks repeatedly, the useful next step is to identify why the obstruction keeps returning.
Basin Drains Slowly
A slow basin may have a local trap or waste restriction, but recurring symptoms can justify checking the branch drainage and how the fixture is used.
Blocked Drains
A blocked drain is a symptom. The useful question is whether the obstruction is local, recurring or caused by a defect in the drainage system.