camera through bends. Do not force the camera head
through if there is a large amount of resistance. Be es-
pecially careful through Tee's, as the pushrod could fold
over in the Tee and make retrieval difficult or impossible.
Watch to make sure that the drum does not hang up
during use. If the drum hangs up and the pushrod con-
tinues to be pulled from the reel, the pushrod will tighten
around the hub of the drum and cause the pushrod to jam
in the drum and stress the pushrod.
Pushrod
Figure 18 – Avoid Pulling At Sharp Angles
When inspecting the line, moving the camera head past
the area to be inspected and slowly pulling it back may
give better results. Usually pulling the camera head back
allows for more controlled and consistent viewing. When
pulling the pushrod, keep clear of any sharp edges and do
not pull at sharp angles to the inlet to prevent damage to
the pushrod (Figure 18) . If needed, jiggle the camera
head in any standing water to rinse any debris from the
camera window.
Depending on what is encountered during the inspection,
it may help to add, remove or change the position of ball
guides on the camera head. Ball guides may be able
direct the camera towards a section of the line (such as
the top), raise the camera head out of the liquid in the
pipe, or help negotiate bends. This is especially so at tight
turns such as in a toilet flange (See Figures 19-22) . See
the Assembly Section for information on ball guide at-
tachment.
Spring
Figure 19 – Ball Guide In Use
Drain Inlet
Ball Guide
Camera
Ridge Tool Company
SeeSnake
®
microDrain™ Inspection System
Figure 20 – Camera Head Blocked in Turn
Figure 21 – Camera Head with Ball Guide in Turn
Figure 22 – Successful Passage
Locating The microDrain System Sonde
Some microDrain System units are equipped with a
Sonde (In Line Transmitter) just behind the camera head.
If equipped with a Sonde, a locating unit can be used to
detect the Sonde and locate features in the drain being in-
spected.
11