There are a huge number of drain cameras available to hire throughout the UK. Different models of inspection camera have different capabilities, however, and organisations must consider their requirements in detail – ensuring that any unit they hire possesses the capabilities and features they require – before proceeding. Failing to do so is likely to lead to delays and is certain to result in wasted spend.
DCR has been hiring out drain cameras for more than a decade and, in this time, we’ve learnt exactly what organisations need to consider before they hire an inspection camera. Here, then, are the most important things an organisation needs to consider before they hire a drain camera:
Can the system record?
More often than not, any organisation that needs to hire a drain inspection camera will need one that can record. Recordings are almost always needed to compile reports, which are usually a required part of a survey. Even if you only need a camera to identify a defect or blockage or similar, it’s still in your best interests to hire a camera that can take recordings. These recordings can be used to provide evidence of the problems that you encounter, as well as proof of the steps taken to rectify them. Not only can this be useful in the event that a customer claims a job was not completed or not completed to an acceptable standard, but – by proactively providing clients with relevant records – can also be leveraged to provide a better service.
Will the camera fit in the pipe/s you need to inspect?
It’s essential that organisations check the diameter of pipes they need to inspect before settling on which inspection system best meets their requirements.
When only one pipe needs to be inspected, identifying which camera you need is a relatively straightforward task. If several sizes of pipe need to be surveyed, then more consideration will need to be given to the system an organisation decides to hire.
Most inspection systems can operate across a range of pipe sizes, so it’s entirely possible that a project can be successfully completed with just one system. This isn’t guaranteed, however, so it’s always advisable that organisations determine whether an additional system or accessory will be required before commencing with large projects to prevent delays that could have been easily avoided.
What’s the camera’s inspection range?
As we’ve discussed previously, different models of inspection camera have different capabilities. One key difference is the maximum length of pipe they can survey in a single run.
It may seem sensible to hire the system capable of inspecting the longest run as a result, but this can result in wasted spend. It’s obvious that hiring a system with an inspection range of 120 metres when you only need to inspect 30 metres of a pipe is unnecessary, but hiring the system with the greatest range isn’t always the best decision even if you’re inspecting a long run.
By planning out your survey in advance and identifying all of the relevant entry points, you’ll be able to determine how long it will take you to complete the survey using systems with various inspection ranges. With this information, you can determine which system offers the most cost-effective solution.
How will you power the system?
Some drain cameras can be powered by built-in batteries. Others require additional power sources, whether it be mains power, a vehicle with an inverter or, possibly, an external battery pack.
Before hiring an inspection system, it’s worth checking whether any additional power source is needed. If you’re hiring a system that requires an external battery pack, it’s also worth considering how long this will be able to power the system for. In the event that it’s likely to take longer to complete the job than the battery’s charge will last, hiring an additional battery can prevent delays.
Are there cancellation and/or late return fees?
Jobs will, of course, be cancelled from time to time. What’s more, there’ll be occasions when it’s necessary to keep hire equipment for longer than initially planned.
Often, hire companies will charge their customers a fee should they either cancel a hire, or if the company keeps the equipment for a longer period than originally agreed. For this reason, organisations should always check whether a company charges these fees before using them. DCR, for example, charge neither cancellation nor late fees.
Conclusion
Before hiring a drain camera, organisations need to consider their requirements carefully and then either determine which system best suits their needs or, alternatively, ask the company they’re considering hiring from for their advice.
We’re always happy to offer assistance; simply contact us, let us know the details of any job/project and we’ll be happy to advise you. We’ll develop an in-depth understanding of it and will provide advice designed to help you complete your task with the utmost efficacy.
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