Drain camera inspection service
Use a drain camera to find blockages, cracks and root damage, and give clear reports to owners, buyers and plumbers.
- A$6k-25k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A specialist inspection service that feeds a waterproof camera through drains and sewers to locate faults, then gives the customer a video and a simple report. It suits people who want less heavy work than clearing or digging.
Your first three steps
- Check with your state's plumbing regulator whether inspection-only work needs a licence, and what you may do if a fault turns up
- Compare drain camera and locator kits and get a quote for a basic setup
- Introduce yourself to local plumbers, building inspectors and property managers and offer a sample report
Who pays
Home buyers and sellers, landlords, property managers, builders, strata managers and other plumbers who want a second pair of eyes.
How it makes money
A fixed fee per inspection, with extra for a written report, location tracing or follow-up. Referral work from plumbers and real estate agents can keep you busy.
Skills that help
- Understanding of how house drains work
- Clear report writing
- Comfortable using camera and locating equipment
- Good customer communication
Watch out for
- Licensing for inspection versus repair differs by state, check before you advertise any fixing work
- Public liability insurance, and consider professional indemnity for reports
- Camera and locator gear can be costly, so check the warranty and repair costs
- Reports can be relied on in a property sale, so be careful about what you state as fact
- Work can depend on referrals, so allow time to build them
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: drain camera inspection service
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a drain camera inspection business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $6,000 to $25,000, depending on the camera and locator gear you buy. Camera equipment can be costly, so check the warranty and repair costs before you buy.
How much can a drain camera inspection service earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many inspections you win and your referral sources. Work can depend on referrals, so allow time to build them.
Do I need a licence or insurance for drain inspections?
Things to check: licensing for inspection versus repair differs by state, so check before advertising any fixing work. Also check public liability insurance, consider professional indemnity for reports, and be careful about what you state as fact in them.
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