The cameras that are available on the consumer market tend to offer fewer features, and less length, than the professional level inspection cameras you can rent. You need to make sure that the camera you choose is capable of exploring every inch of the pipe. You also want to make sure it is easy to use and control. The picture quality provided by the camera, which it sends back to the system monitor, also needs to be decent, so you can actually see what problems are in the pipe and then take the appropriate action.
 

The device has a camera attached to a long and flexible line, which the user can then feed into the pipes. These devices may have a light at the end of the line along with the camera, and many of the top brands have infrared. This allows the user to see everything that is occurring in the pipe, so they can get a better idea of what is causing the blockage and how to remove it.

The camera feeds the image back to a monitor. The user can watch the image on the screen to help them maneuver the camera in the pipe, and they can use it to determine what is causing the issue. Since these cameras are waterproof, you can use them in lines still filled with water.

In some cases, the user will not be able to get the camera past the blockage in the line. They will remove the camera, remove the blockage that they can see, if possible, and then continue with the inspection by placing the camera back in the pipe.
 

There are many companies offering various types of inspection cameras that you can use for plumbing and well as other applications. Some of the popular brands include Forbest, Fluke, and Fiberscope.