When inspecting sewer pipes, getting a clear view of the pipe interior is essential for identifying blockages, cracks, damaged joints, and other problems. However, depending on the pipe size and conditions, your sewer camera may not always be positioned where you need it.
That's where a sewer camera skid comes in.
A sewer camera skid is an attachment designed to help position and protect the camera head as it travels through a pipe. It can help keep the camera centred, improve visibility, and reduce direct contact between the camera head and the pipe interior.
But does every sewer camera need a skid? And how do you know when to use one?
This guide explains what sewer camera skids do, their main benefits, and how to choose the right skid for your inspection system.
Table of Contents
Why Should You Use a Skid on a Sewer Camera?
When Should You Use a Sewer Camera Skid?
How to Choose the Right Sewer Camera Skid
What Is a Sewer Camera Skid?
A sewer camera skid is an accessory that attaches to or around a compatible sewer inspection camera head.
Its main purpose is to help position the camera inside the pipe while reducing direct contact with the pipe walls and bottom.
Depending on the design, a skid may have a cage-like frame, runners, or another structure that supports the camera as it moves through the line.
Skids are particularly useful in larger pipes, where a small camera head may otherwise travel along the bottom instead of remaining closer to the centre.
How does a sewer camera skid work?
A skid creates additional clearance between the camera head and the pipe interior.
As the camera moves forward, the skid helps guide the camera through the pipe while keeping the lens elevated above the bottom.
This can improve the camera's viewing position and reduce the likelihood of the lens coming into direct contact with debris, sediment, or rough pipe surfaces.
However, the effectiveness of a skid depends on its size, design, and compatibility with the camera and pipe.
Why Should You Use a Skid on a Sewer Camera?
Using a skid can provide several important benefits during sewer inspections, especially when working with larger pipes.
Keeps the camera closer to the centre of the pipe
One of the biggest advantages of a skid is improved camera positioning.
Without a skid, a smaller camera head may rest along the bottom of a larger sewer pipe.
This can limit visibility, particularly when trying to inspect the upper pipe wall, joints, or connections.
A properly sized skid helps raise the camera toward the center of the pipe, providing a more balanced viewing position.
This can make it easier to inspect the overall condition of the pipe instead of primarily viewing the bottom.
Improves visibility inside the pipe
Camera positioning has a direct effect on what you can see during an inspection.
If the camera is too close to the bottom, water, sludge, and debris may obstruct part of the image.
By elevating the camera head, a skid can help provide a clearer view of the surrounding pipe walls.
This is especially helpful when inspecting:
- Cracks and structural damage
- Pipe joints
- Root intrusion
- Corrosion
- Connections and laterals
- Deposits along the pipe walls
A skid does not improve the camera's actual image resolution, but it can improve the viewing angle and reduce obstructions in front of the lens.
Helps protect the camera head
Sewer inspection cameras regularly encounter rough surfaces, debris, and damaged pipe sections.
Without additional protection, the camera head may scrape directly against the pipe interior.
A compatible skid can act as a protective barrier, reducing direct contact between the camera housing and the pipe.
This may help limit scratches, impact damage, and unnecessary wear during regular inspections.
However, a skid does not make the camera damage-proof. Careful handling is still necessary when navigating damaged pipes and obstructions.
Keeps the lens away from debris and standing water
Sewer pipes often contain sediment, sludge, debris, or standing water.
When a camera travels directly along the bottom of the pipe, these materials can interfere with visibility.
A skid can help elevate the lens above shallow water and debris, allowing the operator to maintain a clearer image.
This is particularly useful in larger pipes where the camera has enough clearance to remain elevated.
If the pipe is heavily flooded or blocked, a skid may not be enough to maintain visibility.
Can improve inspection consistency
A skid can also help the camera maintain a more consistent position as it travels through a relatively straight pipe.
Without a skid, the camera head may tilt, drag, or change its position as it moves across uneven surfaces.
Keeping the camera closer to a consistent height can make it easier to compare different sections of the pipe and document potential defects.
For contractors who regularly record inspection footage, this can help produce more useful inspection results.
When Should You Use a Sewer Camera Skid?
Not every inspection requires a skid.
Whether you should use one depends on the pipe diameter, camera head size, and inspection conditions.
Inspecting larger-diameter pipes
Skids are especially useful when the pipe is significantly larger than the camera head.
For example, a relatively small camera may sit near the bottom of a large sewer line, limiting its view of the surrounding walls.
A properly sized skid can help elevate the camera and provide a better viewing position.
Inspecting pipes with sediment or shallow water
If the pipe contains sediment or shallow standing water, raising the camera head can help keep the lens clear.
This may reduce the amount of time spent trying to reposition the camera to obtain a usable image.
Using pan-tilt sewer cameras
Skids can be particularly helpful with compatible pan-tilt camera systems.
A pan-tilt camera allows the operator to rotate and tilt the lens to inspect different areas of the pipe.
However, if the camera head is resting directly against the bottom or side of the pipe, its movement may be restricted.
A properly sized skid can provide additional clearance around the camera head, making it easier to inspect the surrounding pipe walls.
Always use a skid designed for the specific camera head, and make sure it does not interfere with the pan-tilt mechanism.
When might a skid not be suitable?
Skids are not always recommended for small pipes or tight bends.
Because a skid increases the overall diameter of the camera assembly, it may make it more difficult to pass through narrow sections, elbows, or transitions.
If the skid is too large for the pipe, it can increase resistance or cause the camera to become stuck.
Always confirm that the complete camera-and-skid assembly can safely navigate the intended pipe.
How to Choose the Right Sewer Camera Skid
Choosing the right skid is important for both inspection performance and equipment protection.
A skid that is too small may not provide enough elevation, while one that is too large may prevent the camera from passing through the pipe.
Match the skid to your camera head
Not every skid fits every sewer camera.
Camera heads vary in diameter, length, housing design, and connection style.
Before purchasing a skid, confirm that it is compatible with your specific camera model.
The skid should fit securely without placing unnecessary pressure on the camera housing, lens, or moving components.
Consider the pipe diameter
The skid must also be appropriate for the pipe you are inspecting.
A larger skid may provide better centering in a larger pipe, but it requires more clearance.
Remember that the nominal pipe diameter does not always represent the available interior space.
Pipe bends, joints, deposits, and damage can reduce clearance.
Consider the skid design
Different skid designs may be better suited to different inspection conditions.
Some are designed primarily to elevate and centre the camera, while others provide additional protection around the housing.
For pan-tilt cameras, the skid must allow the camera head to rotate and tilt without obstruction.
Make sure it is securely attached
A loose skid can shift during an inspection or interfere with camera movement.
Before inserting the camera into a pipe, confirm that the skid is properly installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Check that all fasteners are secure and that the camera head can operate normally.
Can You Use a Sewer Camera Without a Skid?
Yes. Many sewer cameras are designed to operate without a skid, particularly in smaller pipes.
For residential drain inspections, a compact camera head may already provide the maneuverability needed to navigate bends and narrow lines.
In these situations, adding a skid could make the camera assembly too large or difficult to maneuver.
However, when inspecting larger pipes, using a camera without a skid may result in less effective positioning.
The camera may travel along the bottom, making it harder to inspect the upper pipe walls and potentially exposing the housing to additional wear.
The decision should be based on the pipe size, inspection conditions, and the camera system's compatibility with available skids.
Best Practices for Using Sewer Camera Skids
A skid can improve an inspection, but it must be installed and used correctly.
Inspect the skid before every job
Before beginning an inspection, check the skid for damage, loose fasteners, cracks, or excessive wear.
Make sure it is securely attached and properly aligned with the camera head.
If the skid is damaged or unstable, repair or replace it before use.
Test the camera with the skid installed
Before inserting the camera into the pipe, check that the camera image and lighting are working normally.
For pan-tilt systems, test the movement to confirm that the skid does not interfere with rotation or tilting.
Avoid forcing the camera through bends
Even with a skid installed, the camera should move smoothly through the pipe.
If you encounter significant resistance, stop pushing.
Pull the camera back slightly and determine whether the skid is catching on a bend, joint, or obstruction.
Forcing the assembly forward can damage the camera, skid, spring, or push cable.
Clean the skid after inspections
Sewer inspections can leave debris, grease, and sediment on the skid.
After each job, clean the skid and camera head according to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions.
Pay attention to areas where debris can become trapped between the skid and camera housing.
Allow the components to dry before storage.
Remove the skid when necessary
If you need to inspect a smaller pipe or navigate a tight bend, you may need to remove the skid.
Using the camera without a skid may provide better maneuverability in certain situations, provided the camera is rated for the pipe.
The goal is to use the attachment when it improves the inspection, not simply to keep it installed for every job.
Key Takeaway
A sewer camera skid is a useful accessory that can improve camera positioning, visibility, and protection during pipe inspections.
By helping keep the camera head closer to the centre of the pipe, a skid can provide a better view of pipe walls, joints, and other important areas.
It can also help reduce direct contact with rough surfaces, sediment, and debris.
However, not every sewer inspection requires a skid.
For smaller pipes and tight bends, a compact camera without a skid may be the better choice. For larger pipes, a properly sized skid can make inspections easier and more effective.
Always choose a skid that is compatible with your camera head and suitable for the pipe diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does a skid do on a sewer camera?
A skid helps elevate and position the camera head inside a pipe. It can improve visibility, reduce direct contact with the pipe interior, and help protect the camera housing during inspections.
2. Do I need a skid for my sewer camera?
Not always. Skids are particularly useful in larger pipes where a small camera may otherwise travel along the bottom. In smaller pipes, a skid may reduce maneuverability.
3. Does a sewer camera skid improve image quality?
A skid does not increase the camera's resolution. However, it can improve the viewing position and help keep the lens away from sediment, shallow water, and debris, resulting in a clearer view of the pipe.
4. Can I use a skid with a pan-tilt sewer camera?
Yes, provided the skid is specifically compatible with the pan-tilt camera head. It should provide enough clearance for the camera to rotate and tilt without interference.
5. Can a sewer camera skid get stuck inside a pipe?
Yes. An oversized skid or one that encounters a tight bend, damaged joint, or obstruction can become stuck. Always choose the correct size and avoid forcing the camera through resistance.
6. How do I choose the correct skid size?
Check the camera head diameter, the skid's compatibility specifications, and the pipe's internal diameter. Also consider bends, fittings, and obstructions that may reduce available clearance.
7. Does a skid protect the camera head from damage?
A skid can help reduce direct contact with rough pipe surfaces and debris. However, it cannot prevent all damage, especially if the camera is pushed forcefully into an obstruction.
8. Should I remove the skid when inspecting smaller pipes?
If the skid makes the camera assembly too large or restricts movement through bends, it should be removed before the inspection. Always follow the camera manufacturer's pipe-size recommendations.
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