Looking for the best thermal imaging camera for plumbers? You have come to the right place. This post sheds light on the best thermal imaging cameras that are ideal for plumbing applications.
A quality thermal imaging camera is a valuable piece of gear in the plumbing sector. It detects even the smallest anomalies in different surfaces and help the plumber identify areas that are leaking or need repair.
Thermal imaging cameras for home repairs and inspections are extremely diverse. From mobile-compatible devices to handheld cameras, present-day technology offers plumbers a broad range of devices to choose from based on their individual needs and scope of work.
What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?
A thermal imaging camera is a camera that uses thermal energy to produce a visual representation of the object emitting heat. When an object emits infrared radiation, the camera collects and converts it into a visible image.
Since thermal cameras work by detecting the thermal radiation an object emits, they work day and night in all lighting and weather conditions. This makes them ideal for a wide variety of applications, including electrical maintenance, medical imaging, and building inspections.
What Makes a Good Thermal Camera for Plumbers?
When looking to buy a thermal imaging camera for plumbing works, it is important to find the right tool for the job. The camera you get should have a high resolution that yields more detailed image views in all conditions.
Furthermore, a good thermal camera for plumbers should have a wide temperature range that makes it operable in different environments. A wide field of view in another important feature the camera should have for scanning large areas quickly.
The best thermal imaging camera for plumbers should be built to last. Plumbing works can be tough on the equipment, so it is vital to get a camera that is built tough to withstand rough handling.
Last but not least, a good thermal camera for plumbing works should have a display that is large, clear and easy to read in all lighting conditions.
Best Thermal Imaging Camera for Plumbers
If you are having a hard time finding the best thermal imaging camera for plumbers, listed below are the best-rated models you can choose from. Let’s take a look.
1) Seek Thermal Compact – All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera
The Seek Thermal Compact Thermal Imaging Camera is an all-purpose thermal camera that offers incredible performance in all environments. It has a 206 x 256 thermal sensor for use at home or job sites to detect energy loss, electrical failure, leaking pipes, and other heat-related problems making it the best Thermal Imaging Camera for Plumbers.
This thermal imaging camera has a detection range of 1,000ft to meet the needs of every plumber out there. Additionally, it boasts a wide field of view of 36° and 9 different color palettes to enhance the contrast between objects
Another feature that makes this device the best thermal imaging camera for plumbers is the wide temperature detection range. It has the ability to detect the temperature of objects ranging from -40°F to 626°F for greater versatility
Above all, this multifunctional thermal imaging camera has dual day and night functionality, and it displays the temperature readings in spot, Hi/Low, and threshold modes.
Features
- Focusable lens
- 206 x 156 thermal sensor
- Made for builders, DIY homeowners, contractors, and engineers
- 9Hz frame rate
- 9 different color palettes
- Three temperature modes
- -40F° to 626°f detection range
- 1000ft detection range
Pros
- Multifunction (DIY homeowners, contractors, builders, and engineers)
- Simple to use
- Long battery life
- Captures Photos and Videos
- Compact and lightweight design
- Does not require batteries or charging
- Comes with a Waterproof case
- Works day and night
Cons
- None
2) FLIR Systems T865 Thermal Imaging Camera
FLIR Systems, a highly respected name in the world of thermal imaging optics is known for its high-quality thermal imaging devices and this is clear in T865 Thermal Imaging Camera. This high-end thermal camera offers the best balance between quality, performance, and versatility.
Getting this camera for your plumbing jobs will not only enhance your workflow efficiency but also help you detect the anomalies that would otherwise be hard to find with your naked eyes or cheap quality thermal cameras.
Furthermore, safety is guaranteed when you are working with this camera. It provides a way where one is able to determine the state of the area being inspected from a safer distance, at any angle or lighting condition. This is made possible by the 180° rotating optical block, integrated eyepiece viewfinder, and the crisp clear 4” color IPS display.
To complement the large and clear IPS display, the camera features a high 30Hz frame rate that works together with advanced thermal imagery to optimize workflow. The high frame rate is also known to enhance the accuracy and performance of the camera.
Features
- 4” color IPS display
- 4 hrs battery life
- 30Hz frame rate
- 180° rotating optical block
- Integrated eyepiece viewfinder
- 640 x 480 pixels resolution
- 1 – 8 x Magnification
- 0.15 m Minimum focus distance
Pros
- Incredible accuracy
- Captures pictures in thermal and regular modes
- High picture resolution
- Compact design with excellent ergonomics
Cons
- Heavy (1.3 kg)
- Big budget
3) FLIR TG165-X Thermal Camera
Next up on our best Thermal Imaging Camera for Plumbers list, we have the FLIR TG165-X Thermal Camera. Built with versatility in mind, the camera provides temperature measurements up to 300°C with unrivaled accuracy. Besides, it works well in any environment and detects faults quickly irrespective of how hidden the fault is.
This handheld thermal imaging camera is built with ease of use in mind. After it’s directed to the area being inspected, all the plumber needs to do is pull the trigger and the camera captures all the information needed in just a few seconds. Furthermore, it shows the size of the measured area and provides a wide field of view for quick identification of the faults.
For added convenience, the camera boasts a large 2.4” display that is simple to operate, even for beginners. The display has a bright LED work light that makes it easy to see in all lighting conditions and in hard-to-reach areas.
Features
- Bright LED work light
- 5 Color palettes
- Laser pointed
- Large 2.4” LCD display
- 80 x 60 pixels IR resolution
- Handheld design
- Measurements -25°C to to 300°C (572°F)
- ±1.5°C (±3°F) Accuracy
Pros
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Simple to use
- Solid construction
- Bright LED display
- Multi-purpose (HVAC/R, Mechanical, and Electrical)
Cons
- None
4) Hti-Xintai 320 x 240 IR Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera
Another best thermal imaging camera for plumbers on our list is the Hti-Xintai 320 x 240 Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera. This camera boasts a high 320 x 240 IR resolution that yields high-quality image views that are rich in detail.
To complement the high resolution, the camera features a bright 3.2” full-angle TFT display screen that is very easy to use. The screen offers 5 different color palettes that make it ideal for use in all lighting and weather conditions. Furthermore, the camera comes with an adjustable emissivity function to ensure that the measurements taken are as accurate as possible.
For convenient storage of the images captured, this handheld camera has a 3GB built-in memory card. Other than that, it is made with high-quality materials to stand up to rough handling. It also has a lightweight, ergonomic design to enhance comfort during use.
Features
- Sharp 3.2” full-angle TFT display screen
- 3GB built-in memory card
- 5 different color palettes
- High 320 x 240 IR resolution
- 2 to 3 hours battery life
- USB charging and image transmission
Pros
- Built-in rechargeable battery
- Lightweight, ergonomic design
- Versatile
- Adjustable emissivity
Cons
- None
5) UNI-T UTi89 Pro Thermal Camera
If you are on a budget, the UNI-T UTi89 Pro Thermal Camera suits you. This camera is cost-effective, reliable, and ideal for a wide range of home inspection applications including plumbing works.
The camera utilizes smart thermal sensors and processors which provide instant readings with great accuracy. Furthermore, it has a 4800-pixel IR resolution that yields detailed image views of objects in all environments. The high IR resolution coupled with the 320 x 240 display resolution guarantees remarkable performance in all conditions.
Another highlight of this handheld thermal imager is the solid construction. It has a 2m drop resistance to maximize durability and an IP65 weather-resistant rating that makes it ideal for use even in adverse weather conditions.
Other essential features included are 5 color palettes, adjustable emissivity, an image analysis function, and a compact design for easy portability.
Features
- 2M drop durability
- 5 color palettes
- 4800 pixels IR resolution
- 320 x 240 display resolution
- Waterproof and dustproof construction
- Adjustable emissivity
- USB data transfer
Pros
- Compact design
- Easy to use
- Fast and accurate
- Versatile and durable
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Slow refresh rate
6) FLIR MR160 -Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter
FLIR MR160 Thermal Imaging Moisture Meter is another high-quality thermal imager ideal for plumbing work. It features a Pinless Sensor for verifying the moisture level in pipes and detecting leaks and any other moisture anomalies like mold spots.
The selling point of this product is the Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM) technology that provides live thermal images during inspections. With such technology, a plumber is able to find cold spots and determine if the spots are caused by a moisture problem in the piping system.
Another feature that makes this tool the best thermal imaging camera for plumbers is the long battery life. When fully charged, it provides up to 18 hours of non-stop runtime to keep running even during lengthy inspection sessions.
Moreover, the camera is built with a focus-free wide-angle lens that captures and stores up to 9,999 BMP images with overland measurement values. It also comes with a bright 2.3” 64k color TFT display that stays readable in all lighting conditions.
Features
- Infrared Guided Measurement (IGM) technology
- 9,999 BMP image storage capacity
- Focus-free thermal camera
- Built-in Pinless Sensor
- 320 x 240 pixels display resolution
- 80 x 60 pixels IR resolution
- 3” 64k color TFT display
- 10cm/4” minimum focus distance
Pros
- Long battery life
- Simple to use
- Non-invasive moisture metering
- Compact, lightweight, and portable design
Cons
- Less versatile
7) Seek Thermal Revealpro Thermal Imaging Camera
The Seek Thermal Revealpro Thermal Imaging Camera is quickly becoming a favorite for plumbers and home inspectors and it’s for a good reason. It is loaded with many of the features found in high-end thermal imaging cameras at a cost that is reasonably affordable.
This camera has a 320 x 240 thermal sensor to help you find and fix defects faster on the job site. The lightweight design makes it portable and easy to use even for beginners. Besides, it comes with 4 emissivities presets to ensure that it provides the most accurate measurements in all conditions.
With the large 32° field of view, the camera provides a wide viewing area for quick identification of defects. Additionally, it features 9 different color palettes and a wide temperature detection range of -40°F to 626°F to outperform other thermal imaging cameras on the market.
Features
- Fixed focus lens
- 9Hz refresh rate
- Adjustable emissivity
- Highly sensitive 320 x 240 thermal sensor
- Durable rubberized casing
- 9 color palettes
Pros
- Great battery life
- Large color display
- Stunning picture quality
- Easy to use
- Compact and ultra-lightweight design
Cons
- Fragile
Related Reading
- 8 Best Thermal Cameras for Electronics Repair
- 7 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras for Hunting
- 7 Best Thermal Imaging Cameras for Wildlife
How to Choose the Best Thermal Imaging Camera for Plumbers
Explained below are the important factors you should take into account when shopping for the best thermal imaging camera for plumbers.
Resolution
Resolution in thermal cameras varies from one device to the other. The higher the IR and display resolution a camera has, the more detailed the thermal images will be. This is important for plumbing works especially when one is trying to find an anomaly in tight and hard to reach spaces.
Temperature Range
Like resolution, the temperature range of thermal imaging devices varies widely from one product to the other. For plumbing applications, make sure that you get a camera whose temperature range is wide enough to match the needs of your scope of work.
Display
The next thing to consider is the display. Look for a thermal camera that is built with a large and bright display. The best thermal imaging camera for plumbers should also have a display that is easy to read, as you might need to refer to it while still working.
Durability
Plumbing works can be really tough on equipment especially when you are working on a large area. It is therefore important to get a thermal camera that is built to last. With quality construction, the camera will withstand rough handling and last long.
Field of View
Another important feature to consider when looking for the best thermal imaging camera for plumbers is the field of view. If you want a device that provides a large scanning area, it is best to get a model with a large field of view. On the other hand, a camera with a narrower field of view is way better for more detailed inspections.
Conclusion
A good thermal imaging camera is a valuable tool that every plumber should have to improve their diagnostic capabilities. All the cameras we have listed above are versatile, reliable, and excellent for a wide range of plumbing and home inspection applications. Look at each camera in detail, see if it blends with your scope of work, and settle for the model that works best for your budget and needs.