Ridge Tool Company
13
Figure 28 – Proper Cable Push
2. Folding the pushrod on the sharp edge of an entry
can cause it to snap. Caution must be used to avoid
bending the pushrod on sharp corners. This can
cause pushrod failure. If the camera just does not
seem to want to go any farther, do not force the
camera. Try another entry-point if one is available. Or,
try running water down the line.
NOTE! Hands should be close to the line opening.
DO NOT catch the cable on the edge of an
entry and continue to push.
The camera can almost always be pushed farther
when grip-style rubber gloves are worn.
It is much eas-
ier to get a grip on dirty pushrod, and the gloves also keep
sludge off the hands.
Run water down the pipe undergoing inspection if
possible.
This will keep the system much cleaner and
allow you to push noticeably farther with less friction.
This will also help you locate the bottom of the pipe.
This can be accomplished by feeding a hose with a small
amount of flow into the entry or occasionally flushing a toi-
let that drains to the pipe. If the water is preventing you
from seeing an area of importance, temporarily turn it
off.
When inspecting a pipe, it is usually necessary to give
a little extra push in the bends.
Back the camera head
approximately 8” from the bend, if necessary and give it a
quick push, “popping” the camera through a turn, using the
least amount of force required. Be as gentle as possible.
Do not hammer or snap the camera head through corners.
The best way to inspect a section of pipe in some situa-
tions is to push the camera through quickly and draw
the camera back home slowly and evenly. It is easier to
control the camera when pulling than when pushing.
Make sure the sapphire window is clean prior to
entry.
Some users claim that a slight film of detergent on
the lens minimizes the possibility of grease sticking to the
port. If necessary, take advantage of any standing water
in the pipe to wash the front of the camera by jiggling it in
the water.
Take advantage of the lighting to keep track of where
the camera is headed.
If the particular pipe you are in-
specting is easier to evaluate with other than the maximum
lighting, periodically maximize the lighting (using the dim-
mer knob) to get a look at what lies ahead. Be aware of
any obstructions, such as a crushed section of pipe or ex-
cessive hard build-up that may prevent retrieval of the
camera.
When you place the camera head into the pipe, re-
member, as the materials of pipe vary, it will be nec-
essary to adjust the lighting settings to maximize
picture quality.
For example, white PVC pipe requires
less lighting than black ABS. As experience is gained with
the system, operators will learn that slight adjustments in
these settings can highlight problems within a pipe.
Always use the minimum illumination required to pre-
vent excessive heat build-up and to maximize picture
quality.
Adjustment of the contrast and brightness settings on
the monitor, as well as the light dimmer after the
camera is within the pipe, can greatly increase picture
quality.
This is particularly important when your cus-
tomer is supervising and when making recordings.
Do not clear obstructions with the camera
head. This may cause premature failure to your cam-
era head. The SeeSnake is a diagnostic tool that
identifies problems. Other tools should be used to
make effective repairs. It should never be used to
clear obstructions.
See Figure 29.
Figure 29 – Improper Use of Camera to Clear
Obstruction
SeeSnake
®
Standard and Mini Pipe Inspection Systems
NOTICE
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