DIY Drain Inspection that Saves Money: SANYIPACE Sewer Camera Review (S5517DC)

Have you ever had a drain problem and wished you could just look inside the pipe to see what’s going on? I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. There’s something frustrating about calling a plumber, paying for a service call, and hoping they can actually diagnose the issue. In my case, I’ve had professionals come out to scope my main line drains, and their cameras were simply too big to navigate the angles in my pipes. They couldn’t complete the inspection, leaving me without answers and still having to pay for the visit. That’s when smaller, more nimble cameras like the SANYIPACE Screen Sewer Camera start to make a lot of sense. I haven’t tested it in my main line yet, but I suspect this more compact camera could get into places those bulky professional rigs simply can’t reach. And if you ever need work done, like trenchless main line replacement (which avoids tearing up your entire yard), having your own visual documentation could be incredibly valuable in those discussions. (*Disclosure below.)

SANYIPACE sent me their S5517DC model to test and review. This is a 5-inch screen sewer camera designed for homeowners who want to take a more active role in understanding and maintaining their homes. It’s not marketed as professional-grade equipment, but it gets surprisingly close in terms of capability. For someone who enjoys tackling home improvement projects and wants to know what’s actually happening beneath the surface (literally), this kind of tool can be a game-changer. It won’t replace the expertise of a licensed plumber, but it can help you make more informed decisions about when to call one and what to tell them when they arrive.

In this review:

• The SANYIPACE S5517DC is a compact drain inspection camera with a 5-inch built-in screen
• Available in 66ft or 100ft cable lengths with multiple color options (I tested the black version)
• Designed for DIY homeowners who want professional-level diagnostics without professional-level costs
• Priced between $200-$275, depending on cable length and color choice
• Best for those comfortable with home improvement projects who want visibility into their plumbing issues

Hands-on Video Review of the SANYPACE S5517DC Sewer Camera

I put together a hands-on video review of the SANYIPACE S5517DC, where you can see me test it in a real drain scenario. The video shows the actual footage captured by the camera, demonstrates the controls and interface, and gives you a much better sense of what you’re getting than static photos ever could.

In the video, I walk through the setup process, show you what comes in the box, and then take the camera into the field to inspect a drain pipe running beneath my concrete foundation. You’ll see exactly what the camera sees, how the cable handles, and what challenges you might encounter when doing your own drain inspection. If you’re seriously considering this purchase, I’d recommend watching the video alongside reading this review to get the complete picture.

What Makes the SANYIPACE S5517DC a Practical DIY Tool

The SANYIPACE S5517DC sits in an interesting sweet spot. It’s not a cheap toy camera that will frustrate you with poor image quality, but it’s also not a $3,000 professional rig that only makes sense if you’re running a plumbing business. For homeowners who are reasonably handy and want to understand what’s happening in their pipes, this camera delivers legitimate diagnostic capability.

The standout feature is the built-in 5-inch screen. You’re not squinting at a tiny smartphone display or dealing with wireless connectivity issues. Everything you need is integrated into one unit. The screen is bright enough to see clearly even in outdoor lighting conditions, and the resolution is solid enough to identify blockages, cracks, or other issues in your pipes. I found the image quality to be surprisingly good considering the price point. (And, you can remove the microSD card and download the captured images and videos to your computer for closer inspection.)

The camera head itself is compact, which matters more than you might think. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve had professional plumbers unable to navigate certain sections of my drainage system because their cameras were too large. The SANYIPACE’s smaller profile means it can potentially squeeze through tighter bends and smaller pipe diameters. The cable comes in two length options: 66 feet or 100 feet. I tested the 100-foot version, which gives you substantial reach for most residential applications. The cable has a semi-rigid quality, which is actually helpful because it allows you to push through some resistance without the cable bunching up on you.

One feature that’s prominently advertised is the meter marker capability. Here’s where I need to be honest: I could not find any meter markings on my cable. The product page mentions this feature, and it’s even in the product name, but either I received a version without it, or the markings are so subtle I completely missed them. This is worth noting because knowing how far your camera has traveled into a pipe can be really useful for pinpointing the location of a problem.

Getting Started with the SANYIPACE S5517DC

Unboxing the SANYIPACE is straightforward. The camera comes fairly well packaged with the main unit, the cable reel, a charging cable, and some basic accessories. There’s no elaborate setup process or complicated calibration. You charge the battery, attach the camera, turn the monitor on, and you’re basically ready to go. The interface is intuitive enough that I didn’t need to spend much time with the manual.

The unit feels solid in hand. It’s not flimsy plastic that feels like it might break if you look at it wrong. The build quality suggests this tool was designed to handle some abuse, which is good because drain inspection isn’t exactly a delicate operation. The controls are clearly labeled and easy to access, even with gloves on.

One thing I appreciated right away was the cable management. The reel system keeps everything organized, which matters more than you’d think when you’re dealing with 100 feet of semi-rigid cable. It’s definitely no fun dealing with tangled cables and lines – trust me, I’m a fisherman! The SANYIPACE’s reel design minimizes frustration. You can feed the cable out and reel it back in without too much hassle.

My first impression was that this feels like a tool that could actually get regular use if you’re the kind of homeowner who tackles your own maintenance. It’s not so complicated that you’ll forget how to use it between applications, but it’s capable enough that you’ll get legitimate value from it.

Real-World Performance: Testing in an Under-Foundation Drain

For my testing, I chose a drain pipe that runs underneath my concrete foundation. I wanted something relatively straightforward and simple for the video because, frankly, I didn’t want to do a gross exploration of my main sewer line on camera. Nobody wants to see that level of detail (even though with this camera, you could). This particular drain gave me a good opportunity to see how the camera handles a real-world scenario without venturing into truly disgusting territory.

The camera fed into the pipe smoothly at first. The LED lights on the camera head are adjustable, which is essential because you need different brightness levels depending on pipe conditions and how much water might be present. The image on the 5-inch screen was clear and detailed enough to see the pipe walls and identify any obvious issues.

Here’s where things got interesting. As I fed the camera deeper into the pipe, I encountered dirt and debris that had accumulated. The camera captured this clearly, but it also meant I hit a point where I couldn’t push through without potentially getting the camera stuck. And I lost visibility due to mud covering the lights and camera. This is an important reality check: having a camera doesn’t mean you can always navigate through whatever is blocking your drain. In fact, you need to be careful not to push too aggressively, or you risk lodging the camera in there permanently. That would turn a diagnostic tool into a very expensive problem.

The cable’s semi-rigid nature was both helpful and limiting. It was stiff enough to push through some light resistance, but not so stiff that I could force it through heavier blockages. This is probably a good thing from a safety perspective, because it naturally limits how aggressively you can push. Still, it meant my exploration was limited to the section of pipe before the significant dirt accumulation.

The recording feature worked well. You can capture both photos and video of what the camera sees, which is valuable for documenting issues or showing a plumber exactly what you found. The files save to a micro SD card, making it easy to transfer footage to your computer or share it with professionals.

Who Should Consider the SANYIPACE S5517DC

This camera isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. It’s specifically valuable for a certain type of homeowner and specific situations.

DIY-Minded Homeowners: If you’re someone who enjoys understanding how your house works and tackling your own maintenance when possible, this camera extends your capabilities. You can diagnose drain slowdowns, verify that repairs were done properly, or investigate issues before deciding whether to call a professional.

Pre-Professional Diagnosis: Before spending several hundred dollars on a plumber visit, you can do your own initial inspection. You might discover the problem is something simple you can address yourself, or you’ll have specific information to share with the plumber that makes their job more efficient.

Property Inspections: If you’re buying a house and want to know more about the condition of the drainage system, this camera could pay for itself in one use by revealing issues the standard inspection might miss.

Tight-Space Applications: For situations where professional cameras are too large to navigate tight bends or smaller pipes, the SANYIPACE’s compact camera head could be the only option short of excavation.

Under the Hood: SANYIPACE S5517DC Specifications

Understanding the technical details helps you know whether this camera will work for your specific needs.

Specification	Details
Screen Size	Rechargeable lithium battery with several hours of runtime
Cable Length Options	66 feet or 100 feet
Camera Diameter	Compact size for navigating tight spaces
Waterproof Rating	IP68 (fully submersible)
Battery Capacity	Rechargeable lithium battery with several hours runtime
LED Lighting	Adjustable brightness LEDs on camera head
Recording	Photo and video capture to micro SD card
Video Resolution	Clear enough for pipe inspection and documentation

The IP68 waterproof rating is particularly important. It’s designed for full submersion, exactly what you need for drain inspection. The adjustable LED lighting makes a significant difference in image quality, as pipe conditions can vary dramatically from bone dry to fully flooded.

One thing to note is that battery life seemed solid during my testing. I didn’t run it until it died, but I got through my entire inspection session with plenty of charge remaining. For most residential applications, you should be able to complete your inspection on a single charge. The rechargeable design is much better than dealing with disposable batteries.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

After spending time with the SANYIPACE S5517DC, here’s my honest assessment of what works and what doesn’t.

Pros:

• Integrated screen eliminates connectivity hassles: Having a built-in 5-inch screen means you’re not dependent on your phone, apps, or wireless connections. It just works, which is exactly what you want when you’re focused on inspecting a drain.
• Compact camera head fits where larger cameras can’t: The smaller profile is a legitimate advantage for residential applications where pipes might have tight bends or smaller diameters.
• Solid build quality for the price: This doesn’t feel like a disposable tool. The construction quality suggests it can handle regular use and some rough handling.
• Recording capability provides valuable documentation: Being able to capture photos and video means you have evidence of what you found, which is useful for your own records or for showing professionals. And recording voice-over narration is a definite advantage.
• Reasonable price point for DIY homeowners: At $200-$275, it’s a significant investment but potentially pays for itself by avoiding even one or two unnecessary plumber calls.

Cons:

• Missing advertised meter markers: The lack of distance markings on the cable is a real limitation. Knowing how far you’ve traveled into a pipe helps you pinpoint problem locations.
• Risk of getting the camera stuck is real: This isn’t unique to the SANYIPACE, but it bears repeating. If you push too aggressively into a blockage, you could lodge the camera in your drain, creating an expensive extraction problem.
• Not a replacement for professional expertise: Having a camera doesn’t give you the knowledge to interpret everything you see or determine the best solution. It’s a diagnostic tool, not a substitute for professional assessment.
• Cable stiffness limits some applications: While the semi-rigid cable is helpful for pushing through light resistance, it can make navigating certain pipe configurations more challenging.

After weighing everything, the SANYIPACE S5517DC delivers solid value for homeowners who want visibility into their drainage systems. The missing meter markers are disappointing given they’re advertised, but the core functionality is sound. Just remember that owning this camera comes with the responsibility to use it carefully. Getting it stuck would be a costly mistake.

Common Questions About the SANYIPACE S5517DC

Where to Buy and What It Costs

The SANYIPACE S5517DC is available directly from the manufacturer and through Amazon. Pricing varies based on which cable length you choose and which color option you prefer. The 66-foot version runs around $199.88, while the 100-foot option comes in at approximately $268.88. That puts the range between $200-$275, depending on your specific configuration.

From a value perspective, this camera could pay for itself quickly. A single plumber service call for drain inspection can easily run $200-$400 or more, depending on your location and the complexity of the work. If you use the SANYIPACE even a couple of times to diagnose issues yourself or to verify that claimed repairs were actually completed, you’ve recovered your investment. For homeowners who are comfortable tackling their own maintenance and want to make informed decisions about when professional help is needed, the cost is reasonable.

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Final Thoughts: A Solid Tool for the Right Homeowner

The SANYIPACE S5517DC delivers on its core promise: giving DIY-minded homeowners a way to see inside their drains and pipes without spending thousands on professional-grade equipment. It’s not perfect – the missing meter markers are a legitimate disappointment, and you need to be mindful about not getting the camera stuck. But for someone who enjoys understanding how their home works and wants to make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs, this camera significantly extends their diagnostic capabilities.

I keep thinking about those professional plumbers who couldn’t navigate my main line with their bulkier cameras. I genuinely believe the SANYIPACE’s more compact design could get into places those larger rigs simply can’t reach. That alone could make it valuable for certain situations where the alternative is excavation or giving up on inspection entirely. And if you’re documenting issues for discussions with professionals, having your own footage gives you a starting point for those conversations.

Speaking of professional work, let me circle back to that trenchless main line replacement technology I mentioned earlier. If you’re facing serious drainage issues, trenchless replacement can save you from tearing up your entire yard. It’s fascinating technology, and if there are any local trenchless companies reading this who want to be featured in a HighTechDad article showcasing the process and advantages, I’d be interested in discussing it. No pressure, just putting it out there.

For the SANYIPACE specifically, I’d recommend it for homeowners who are reasonably handy, comfortable with DIY projects, and want to take a more active role in maintaining their property. If you’re the type who calls a professional for everything and prefers not to get involved in the details, this probably isn’t for you. But if you enjoy understanding your home systems and want the ability to diagnose drain issues before deciding how to address them, the SANYIPACE S5517DC is a capable tool at a reasonable price point. Just remember: proceed carefully, don’t force it, and understand that this tool empowers you with information but doesn’t replace professional expertise.

Have questions about drain inspection or experiences with similar cameras? I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

Disclosure: I have a material connection because I received a sample of a product for consideration in preparing to review the product and write this content. I was/am not expected to return this item after my review period. All opinions within this article are my own and are typically not subject to editorial review from any 3rd party. Also, some of the links in the post above may be “affiliate” or “advertising” links. These may be automatically created or placed by me manually. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item (sometimes but not necessarily the product or service being reviewed), I will receive a small affiliate or advertising commission. More information can be found on my About page.

HTD says: The SANYIPACE S5517DC puts professional-level drain diagnostics in DIY hands at a fraction of the cost, but remember to treat it with respect, or you might turn a diagnostic tool into an expensive plumbing problem.