In the world of sewer assessment, visual pipe inspection tools are extremely helpful for gathering detailed data on sewer conditions. While this equipment is popular in the industry, it only represents one kind of inspection method. Non-visual inspection technologies are a category in themselves, and include a range of solutions, including acoustic pipe assessment, electrical leak location and other leak testing, laser profiling, and the use of ground-penetrating radar and geospatial probes.

When it comes to finding the right sewer video inspection equipment for your projects, there are several things you should ask yourself: 

• What is the scope of my project? 
• What kind of access do I have to the line being inspected? 
• What size pipe will I be working with? 

Different cameras have different capabilities and benefits, so these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the best inspection camera for the job. 

Connecticut-based Savy & Sons was growing, and the contractor needed new sewer assessment equipment. It was running a popular brand’s crawlers, but had a longstanding partnership with PRT, Envirosight’s sister company in rehab equipment, which introduced the team to the ROVVER X sewer inspection crawler.

Side-scanning is an inspection technique utilized in the sewer industry to assess pipe condition. Side-scanning cameras have ultra-wide “fish-eye” lenses that capture 360-degrees of a pipe’s wall, running the entire length of the pipe. 

Sewer inspections aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some inspections are routine, others are emergency callouts to explore unknown conditions underground. So when it’s time to invest in a new crawler system, it’s important to consider both your current and your future inspection needs for your sewer camera. 

Integral Lift Simplifies ROVVER X Adjustments

When you’re confronted with the unexpected underground, things can quickly take a turn for the worst. Our new ROVVER X crawler with integral lift easily factors in the unknowns of sewer assessment, supporting a more fluid and efficient inspection process. 

Driving an inspection crawler through sewers is challenging work in of itself. But when the equipment isn't built well, the task becomes even harder. No sewer pro wants to waste time fiddling with bolts and losing screws to swap out wheels and adjust inspection crawler height. Throw in a pair of heavy work gloves and uncooperative weather, and a regular day in the field can become a real hassle.

What Is Photogrammetry?

Photogrammetry is a 3D coordinate measuring technique that uses photographs to determine distance. It was developed in the mid-1800s, just years after the invention of photography itself in 1826. At its core, photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. This method has many possible applications, including measuring coordinates, creating topographic maps and digital models, and quantifying distances, heights and volumes. It is commonly used to measure sites that are difficult or dangerous to access. In the sewer inspection industry, photogrammetry offers a host of insights into sewer condition and rehabilitation options.

Lateral launch doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, there’s no real reason why aiming and launching a camera from one pipe to another should require sharpshooter skill. The technology is out there–it’s just a question of putting it to work.