I've had mixed luck with inspection cameras myself. Yeah, the image quality can be iffy, especially in tight spots—but honestly, once you get the hang of maneuvering the cable, they're pretty useful. Moisture meters are great for general checks, but I've had situations where a camera saved me from cutting into drywall unnecessarily. Maybe it's just about getting comfortable with it? Or you might've just gotten unlucky with a lower-quality model...
"Moisture meters are great for general checks, but I've had situations where a camera saved me from cutting into drywall unnecessarily."
Totally agree with this. Moisture meters can give false positives sometimes, especially if there's older plumbing or previous leaks that dried out but left stains behind. I've learned to trust the camera more over time, but yeah, the first one I bought was pretty much garbage—blurry, hard to control, and the LED was weak. Upgrading to a mid-range model made a big difference; still not perfect, but way more manageable.
Also, I'd add that getting a camera with a shorter focal length really helps in tighter plumbing areas. Some models are meant more for HVAC ducts and won't focus well on close-up plumbing issues. And try to get one with a semi-rigid cable instead of the floppy kind—it gives way better control navigating around corners and tight bends.
Honestly though, even a decent camera takes practice and patience...but once you get used to it, you'll wonder how you managed without one.
Yeah, moisture meters are handy but definitely not foolproof. I've had a couple false alarms myself—ended up cutting drywall for nothing. Cameras are a lifesaver, but like you said, the cheap ones aren't worth the hassle. I'd also suggest getting one with adjustable brightness on the LED; too bright and it washes everything out, too dim and you can't see squat. Took me some trial and error to figure that out...
"ended up cutting drywall for nothing."
Been there, done that... drywall dust everywhere and nothing to show for it. Don't sweat it though, plumbing's half detective work and half guesswork anyway. You're learning the ropes—trial and error is part of the fun.
I feel your pain on the drywall dust—it's like glitter, you find it everywhere for weeks afterward. Reminds me of when I was trying to track down a leak behind our shower wall. Thought I had pinpointed exactly where it was coming from, confidently cut out a neat little square of drywall, and... nothing. Bone dry. Turns out the leak was actually coming from a completely different spot near the faucet handle, dripping down along the pipe and fooling me completely.
Anyway, since you're already knee-deep in drywall dust, maybe it's worth double-checking your pipes and fittings before patching things back up? One thing I've learned through trial and error (mostly error, if I'm honest) is that plumbing leaks can be sneaky—they rarely show up exactly where you'd expect. A flashlight and some patience go a long way.
Also, if you're looking for a more eco-friendly way to deal with all that drywall dust mess next time, I've found that setting up a simple DIY dust barrier with reusable drop cloths or old sheets really helps keep things contained. Saves you from vacuuming every surface in the house afterward.
Good luck with the rest of your bathroom fix-up—sounds like you're getting some valuable detective experience under your belt.
