UEMSI Navigator Video Pipeline Camera
This could be either a bargain or a lemon, for reasons we'll explain. But first, we just find it fascinating that special "pipeline videocameras" for inspecting sewer lines even exist. Now, such a system might be overkill for your average building — or, maybe not; if we hadn't flunked out of plumbing school we would know these things — but for very large buildings or for multi-building co-op/condo complexes, having an inspection and recording device that can get deep into water lines, HVAC ducts and chimneys and the like could give you timely information that pinpoints problems early on, saving time and labor costs in the long run.
Now, this particular brand and model has a 300-foot video "push cable," with water-blocking gel, that's capable of inspecting a pipe as narrow as two inches diameter. It has an interchangeable 1.4-inch by two-inch color camera head transmitting to a nine-inch color monitor, a DVD recorder/player and VCR, and a handheld microphone so the operator can add notes and observations to the video. The portable system works on either AC or DC electricity.
Here's the thing: As of April 15, 2008, manufacturer UEMSI no longer manufactures it. That means companies like ProfessionalEquipment.com and Plumbing-Tools.net are selling out their inventory, and that means you might be able to strike a bargain (so long as the seller agrees to a reasonable warranty). These two companies offer the system for $5,735 and $5,535, respectively. Or, you could check out UEMSI's next-generation ProCam. It all depends, of course, on your view.
UEMSI • W137 N5560 Williams Place, Menomonee Falls, Wisc. 53051 • toll-free (800) 666-0766 • Website e-mail form