How to Create a Professional CCTV Drain Access Point (Without Silicone or Mess)
CCTV drain inspections are now a standard part of modern plumbing — but how you create and finish your access point can make or break the job.
Too often, plumbers are forced to improvise: drilling holes, sealing with silicone, or leaving behind temporary fixes that don’t last. The result?
Messy finishes, wasted time, and unhappy clients.
There is a better way.
This guide explains how to create a clean, professional, reusable CCTV drain access point — without silicone, without guesswork, and without compromising workmanship.
Why Access Points Matter in CCTV Drain Inspections
Every CCTV inspection requires a reliable entry point into the drainage system. That access point should:
Be quick to create
Allow smooth camera insertion
Seal properly after inspection
Remain accessible for future work
When access points are poorly sealed or improvised, they can lead to:
Water ingress
Odours
Callbacks
A visibly unprofessional finish
For plumbers, consistency and reliability on site matter.
The Problem With Silicone-Sealed Access Holes
Silicone is often used as a quick fix — but it’s not designed for repeated access.
Common issues include:
Silicone breaking down over time
Messy finishes that are hard to clean
Difficult re-entry for future inspections
Poor long-term sealing
Once silicone is applied, reopening the access point usually means re-drilling, re-sealing, and more wasted time.
The Professional Alternative: Purpose-Built Drain Caps
A purpose-built drain cap allows plumbers to create a standardised access point that can be reopened whenever needed.
A proper solution should:
Fit a standard 35mm hole saw cut
Seal watertight without sealants
Be reusable
Sit flush and look professional
This approach eliminates improvising and creates consistency across all CCTV jobs.
How Plumbers Create Clean CCTV Access Points
A professional CCTV access process looks like this:
Drill a clean 35mm hole at the inspection point
Insert the CCTV camera and complete inspection
Seal the hole with a reusable drain cap
Remove the cap easily for future inspections
This method keeps the site tidy, reduces labour time, and leaves behind a proper access solution — not a temporary fix.
Why 35mm Is the Industry Standard
Most CCTV drain cameras are designed to pass comfortably through a 35mm opening, making it the ideal size for inspections without compromising pipe integrity.
Using a consistent 35mm access point means:
Faster setup on site
Compatibility with most CCTV equipment
Clean, repeatable results on every job
Consistency is key for plumbers working across residential, commercial, and insurance jobs.
A Better Finish = Fewer Callbacks
Professional access points don’t just look better — they reduce future problems.
Plumbers using proper access caps report:
Fewer client questions
Cleaner final inspections
Easier follow-up maintenance
Less time spent reworking access points
It’s a small change that makes a big difference across hundreds of jobs.
Final Thoughts
CCTV drain inspections shouldn’t rely on silicone, guesswork, or temporary fixes. A clean, reusable access point improves efficiency, professionalism, and long-term outcomes — for both plumbers and clients.
If you’re running CCTV inspections regularly, it’s worth using a solution designed specifically for the job.
👉 View Quick Cappz drain caps here
https://www.quickcappz.com.au/buy-now