6 Best Plumbing Inspection Cameras for Troubleshooting That End the Guesswork
See inside pipes for accurate diagnosis. Our guide to the 6 best plumbing inspection cameras helps you find the right tool to end guesswork and fix issues fast.
There’s a specific kind of dread that sets in when your RV’s grey tank isn’t draining, but the sensor says it’s half full. You’re left staring at a P-trap, wondering if the clog is three inches or three feet down a pipe you can’t even see. A plumbing inspection camera, or borescope, is the tool that replaces that frustrating guesswork with a clear, illuminated view of the problem.
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Why a Borescope Is Essential for RV Plumbing
RV plumbing isn’t like the plumbing in a house. It’s a compact, often convoluted system of pipes and tanks squeezed into walls, floors, and underbellies. Trying to diagnose a blockage or a leak without seeing it first can mean tearing apart cabinets or dropping the coroplast underbelly, turning a simple fix into a weekend-long project.
A borescope changes the entire equation. Instead of guessing, you can feed a small camera directly into a drain, vent pipe, or even a water tank to see exactly what you’re dealing with. Is it a grease buildup in the galley sink line? Did something fall into the black tank and block the outlet? You get an immediate answer.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about preventing unnecessary damage. I’ve seen people cut into PEX lines they thought were clogged, only to find the issue was further downstream. A five-minute camera inspection would have saved them hours of plumbing repair. It’s one of those tools you might not use every month, but when you need it, it pays for itself in a single use.
Depstech DS500: Pro-Grade Dual Lens Clarity
Gain total visibility in tight spaces with the dual-lens articulating borescope, featuring 210° rotation and a 4.5" HD screen for clear 1080P visuals. Its slim, 5ft flexible probe and IP67 waterproof design ensure reliable inspection in any environment.
The Depstech DS500 stands out for one brilliant feature: its dual-lens camera. Most borescopes have a single forward-facing camera, which is fine until you need to see the side of a pipe. With the DS500, a button press switches the view to a 90-degree side camera, letting you inspect for cracks or corrosion without having to twist the cable in an impossible way.
This is incredibly useful for diagnosing issues in RV holding tanks. You can drop the camera in and switch to the side view to inspect the tank walls or the condition of your sensors. The large 5-inch IPS screen provides a crisp, clear image, and the semi-rigid cable is stiff enough to push through pipes but flexible enough to navigate P-traps.
It’s a professional-grade tool at a prosumer price point. The built-in screen means you aren’t fumbling with your phone and a Wi-Fi connection. It’s self-contained, rugged, and gives you the kind of visual information that makes a difficult diagnosis feel simple.
Teslong NTS500: A Top Choice for Tough Jobs
Inspect engines, walls, and more with this dual-lens borescope featuring a 5" HD screen. Easily switch between front and side views with the 0.21" camera and see clearly in the dark thanks to adjustable LEDs.
When you need something a bit more rugged, the Teslong NTS500 is a serious contender. This is the kind of tool that feels like it belongs in a professional mechanic’s toolbox. It’s built to withstand job site abuse, with a reinforced screen and a sturdy, ergonomic design that’s easy to handle even with gloves on.
The image quality on its 5-inch screen is exceptional, and the camera probe itself is often available with different lengths and diameters, giving you options. The key differentiator here is its overall durability and performance under demanding conditions. The LED lights on the camera tip are powerful, illuminating even the darkest corners of a black tank or a murky water line.
While it might be overkill for someone who just wants to check a sink drain once a year, it’s a fantastic investment for the full-timer or dedicated DIYer. If you do most of your own maintenance and repairs, from plumbing to engine work, the Teslong’s robust build and reliable performance make it a tool you can count on for years. It’s less of a gadget and more of a permanent piece of diagnostic equipment.
NIDAGE Wireless Endoscope for Smartphone Use
Inspect hard-to-reach areas with this 5.5mm HD wireless endoscope camera. Its flexible 4.92ft cable and 6 adjustable LEDs provide clear visuals in any environment, connecting easily to your smartphone for automotive, plumbing, and machinery checks.
Not every tool needs its own screen. The NIDAGE wireless endoscope leverages the high-resolution screen you already carry: your smartphone. This design makes it incredibly compact and versatile. You just connect to the endoscope’s local Wi-Fi signal, open an app, and you have a live view.
The big advantage here is flexibility. You can hold your phone in one hand while maneuvering the camera cable with the other, without being tethered to a screen. It’s also easy to record video or snap photos directly to your phone to share with someone else for a second opinion. This is a huge benefit when you’re trying to explain a weird blockage to a friend or a mobile tech.
The tradeoff, of course, is that you’re relying on your phone’s battery and a stable Wi-Fi connection between the camera and the phone. In my experience, these are generally reliable, but it’s one more step than an all-in-one unit. For its portability and ease of sharing what you see, it’s an excellent, affordable option for most RVers.
Klein Tools ET16: A Rugged, Reliable Borescope
Inspect hard-to-reach areas with the Klein Tools ET16 Borescope. Its 10-foot armored, waterproof gooseneck cable and adjustable LED lights provide clear digital inspection images and videos directly to your Android device.
Klein Tools has a long-standing reputation for making no-nonsense tools for electricians and tradespeople, and the ET16 borescope is no exception. It doesn’t have a fancy screen or dual lenses. It’s a simple, rugged tool designed to do one job reliably: show you what’s inside a dark, inaccessible space.
The ET16 features a 9mm camera on a 6-foot armored gooseneck cable, connecting directly to a dedicated 2.4-inch color screen. There are no apps to download or Wi-Fi to connect. You turn it on, and it works. This simplicity is its greatest strength.
This is the perfect borescope for someone who values durability and straightforward function over extra features. It’s tough enough to be tossed in a toolbox and is ideal for quick inspections of drains, wall cavities, or engine bays. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the best tool is the one that’s the easiest to use.
Ridgid Micro CA-25: Handheld Diagnostic Power
Inspect hard-to-reach areas with the RIDGID Micro CA-25 inspection camera. Featuring a waterproof camera head with bright LEDs and a durable design for easy, one-handed operation.
The Ridgid Micro CA-25 is designed for quick, one-handed diagnostics. Its pistol-grip design is comfortable to hold and makes it easy to maneuver the camera head while keeping your eyes on the screen. Ridgid is a name synonymous with professional plumbing tools, and that quality is evident in the CA-25’s construction.
This model is all about efficiency. It’s a compact, grab-and-go inspection tool with a 2.4-inch screen and a 17mm camera head that comes with hook, magnet, and mirror attachments. These little accessories can be surprisingly useful for retrieving a dropped screw from an engine bay or getting a different angle inside a pipe.
While the screen is smaller than some other models, the handheld form factor makes it incredibly practical for the tight confines of an RV. It’s less about detailed, long-form recording and more about getting a quick, clear look at a problem so you can figure out your next move. It’s a professional-grade diagnostic tool scaled down for portability.
Fantronics Endoscope: Great for Tight Spaces
Inspect hard-to-reach areas with this 16.4ft USB-C borescope. Featuring 8 adjustable LEDs and a waterproof camera, it captures clear images and video for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Sometimes the problem isn’t the length of the pipe, but the diameter. The Fantronics endoscope often comes with a very small camera head—some models are as thin as 5.5mm. This makes it perfect for getting into places other borescopes simply can’t fit, like a clogged water pump filter housing or a narrow PEX line.
These are typically USB-based or wireless models that connect to a smartphone or laptop, which helps keep the cost down. The semi-rigid cable can be bent and shaped to hold its form, allowing you to navigate around corners and obstacles with more precision than a fully flexible cable.
The tradeoff for the small size and low price can sometimes be image quality or lighting power, but for many RV tasks, it’s more than adequate. If you need a camera for those exceptionally tight spots or are looking for a budget-friendly entry into the world of borescopes, this type of endoscope is an excellent choice.
Key Features in a Plumbing Inspection Camera
Choosing the right camera comes down to matching its features to your specific needs. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by specs, but focusing on a few key areas will help you make a smart decision. There isn’t a single "best" camera, only the best one for the job you need to do.
First, consider the cable. Its length and stiffness are critical. A 10-foot cable is plenty for most RV drains, but a longer one might be needed for checking a long vent pipe. A semi-rigid cable is almost always better than a flexible one, as it gives you the control to push the camera where you want it to go.
Next, look at the camera and lighting. The camera’s diameter determines where it can fit, so smaller is often better for RV plumbing. Good, adjustable LED lighting at the tip is non-negotiable; without it, you’re just looking at a black screen. Finally, decide on your preferred viewing method:
- All-in-one unit: A dedicated screen is simple and reliable. No apps, no connections, just turn it on and go.
- Wireless/Smartphone: More portable and allows for easy recording and sharing, but relies on your phone’s battery and a Wi-Fi link.
- USB/Laptop: The most affordable option, but requires you to have a compatible laptop nearby, which can be clumsy in tight RV spaces.
Ultimately, the best choice balances capability with usability. A camera with a dozen features you’ll never use is no better than a simple one that gets the job done quickly and easily. Think about the most likely problems you’ll face and choose the tool that solves them most directly.
An inspection camera transforms you from a hopeful guesser into an informed problem-solver. It’s a small investment that demystifies your RV’s hidden systems, saving you immense time, money, and frustration. By choosing the right tool for your needs, you can tackle plumbing issues with confidence, knowing exactly what you’re up against before you even pick up a wrench.
