Best Pipe & Sewer Inspection Cameras for Contractors in 2025 (Complete Forbest Guide)
Professional plumbers, home inspectors, and facility maintenance teams are upgrading their gear for 2025. But with so many systems on the market, choosing the right sewer camera can feel overwhelming, especially when every job requires different pipe sizes, cable thicknesses, and camera head types.
- Best for kitchen & bathrooms P-Traps
- Best for 4–8" pipes
- Best entry-level system
- Best overall bestseller
- Best pan-tilt system
Every section includes a quick description, key features, and pros/cons so you can compare fast and buy confidently.
Table of Contents
1. Best for Kitchens & Bathrooms P-Traps (4188-C12B)
2. Best for 4–8” Pipes (3388MT-C40)
3. Best Entry-Level System (3188SD)
5. Best Pan-Tilt System (3688HDET)
Buyer’s Guide - How to Choose the Right Sewer Camera
1. Best for Kitchens & Bathrooms P-Traps (4188-C12B)
The Forbest 1/2 Mini drain system is a flexible, lightweight system built for tight indoor plumbing: P-traps, sinks, tubs, and 1–2” lines. Perfect for service plumbers and property maintenance teams.
Key Features
-
Camera Head:
- 1" (12mm) C12B camera head
- Optional 512Hz sonde transmitter upgrade
-
Cable & Reel:
- 100ft × 4.8mm flexible cable & reel
- Optional meter counter upgrade
-
Control Device:
- 10” control station or portable WiFi-Box setup
- Recording USB/SD card via control station or with you device via the WiFi Box
-
Ideal pipe size:
- 1"-2"
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|
Excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces |
No Sonde Transmitter & Self-leveling in most basic model |
|
Lightweight and easy to carry |
Not suitable for 3”+ pipes |
|
Optional WiFi Box for mobile recording |
|
|
Perfect for daily service calls |
2. Best for 4–8” Pipes (3388MT-C40)
The 3388MT is the go-to choice for contractors handling residential and commercial sewer laterals. Durable 200ft cable, 512Hz sonde, and upgradeable camera options make it a strong mid-range system.
Key Features
-
Camera Head:
- 1.5" (40mm) C40 Self-leveling camera head
- 512Hz Sonde transmitter
- Optional upgrade to 1.1” (28mm) C28 Pan-tilt camera
-
Cable & Reel:
- 200ft × 8mm cable & reel
- Meter counter
-
Control Device:
- 10” control station or portable WiFi-Box setup
- Recording USB/SD card via control station or with you device via the WiFi Box
-
Ideal pipe size:
- 4–8”
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|
Strong durability for long runs |
Standard version is not pan-tilt |
|
Upgradeable to pan-tilt |
Not HD System |
|
Great price-to-performance ratio |
|
|
Reliable for both residential & light commercial jobs |
3. Best Entry-Level System (3188SD)
The 3188SD is ideal for new plumbing businesses, homeowners, and maintenance teams needing a simple, affordable inspection solution without sacrificing reliability.
Key Features
-
Camera Head:
- 1" (23mm) C23 camera head
- Optional 512Hz Sonde transmitter upgrade
- Optional Self-leveling upgrade
-
Cable & Reel:
- 130ft × 5.2mm cable & reel
- Optional meter counter upgrade
-
Control Device:
- 7” control station or portable WiFi-Box setup
- Recording USB/SD card via control station or with you device via the WiFi Box
-
Ideal pipe size:
- 2-4”
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|
Most affordable professional system |
No sonde unless upgraded |
|
Compact and lightweight |
Not HD System |
|
Upgradeable as your business grows |
Not ideal for pipes above 4” |
|
Great starter tool for daily jobs |
4. Best Seller (4188XT)
The best-selling 4188XT is loved by contractors for its reliability, self-leveling camera head, and balance of portability and performance. Perfect for everyday jobs in 2–6” lines.
Key Features
-
Camera Head:
- 1" (23mm) C23 Self-leveling camera head
- 512Hz Sonde transmitter
-
Cable & Reel:
- 200ft × 6mm cable & reel
- Optional meter counter upgrade
-
Control Device:
- 10” Lay-flat control station
- Recording USB/SD card
-
Ideal pipe size:
- 2-6”
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|
Self-leveling for clear, professional footage |
Not pan-tilt |
|
Works for most common pipe sizes |
Not HD System |
|
Contractor-trusted durability |
Not ideal for pipes above 4” |
|
Great for both residential & commercial use |
5. Best Pan-Tilt System (3688HDET)
The 3688HDET is Forbest’s most advanced inspection system, designed for professional contractors who need full control inside large sewer lines. With a 3" HD pan-tilt camera head and a robust 200ft cable, it provides unmatched visibility and precision.
Key Features
-
Camera Head:
- 3" (80mm) C80HD Pan-Tilt camera head
- 512Hz Sonde transmitter
- Full 360° rotation + 180° til
- Self-leveling + 10x zoom
-
Cable & Reel:
- 200ft × 9mm heavy-duty cable & reel
- Meter counter
-
Control Device:
-
10” multifunctional control station with keyboard + joystick
- Recording USB/SD card
-
10” multifunctional control station with keyboard + joystick
-
Ideal pipe size:
- 6-12”
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
| Best visibility and maneuvering for large sewer lines | Not suitable for small residential pipes |
| HD image quality | Higher price point due to advanced technology |
| Extremely accurate for diagnosing complex issues | |
| Advanced control station built for professional environments |
Comparison Table
Use this quick comparison table to see how each system stacks up in cable length, camera head, pipe size, features, and performance.
Buyer’s Guide - How to Choose the Right Sewer Camera
Want a fast way to choose the right system?
👉 Download the full Forbest Buyer’s Guide – Inspection Camera Selector Chart for a simple, visual comparison of all models by pipe size, features, and performance level.
This guide helps you quickly identify the best camera for every job!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most affordable sewer camera for beginners?
The Forbest 3188SD is one of the most affordable professional options. It’s reliable for 2–4” pipes and can be upgraded later with self-leveling and a 512Hz sonde as your business grows.
2. What is the best sewer camera for commercial or municipal use?
The 3688HDET is designed for commercial and municipal inspections. It offers a heavy-duty frame, HD pan-tilt camera, and strong push cable, making it ideal for 6–12” pipes and detailed reporting.
3. Which sewer cameras offer pan-tilt capability?
Forbest offers pan-tilt systems across multiple pipe sizes, from small residential lines to large commercial pipes, allowing inspectors to view joints, offsets, and defects from multiple angles.
4. What camera system works best for 4–8” sewer pipes?
For 4–8” pipes, the 3388MT system provides the right balance of stability, push strength, and image clarity for mid-range residential and commercial inspections.
5. Do all sewer cameras include a 512Hz sonde transmitter?
No. Some systems include a 512Hz sonde by default, while others offer it as an upgrade. This allows users to add locating capability only when needed.
6. Can one sewer camera system cover all pipe sizes?
No single system performs well across all pipe sizes. Most professionals use one system for small drains and another for main or commercial lines to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Related Reading
For more tips and product insights, check out our latest blogs:
5 Reasons to Upgrade Your Pipe Inspection Camera with a Wi-Fi Box
For questions about Forbest inspection cameras, contact a Representative by calling 1-877-369-1199 or message us by clicking here.