Endoscope inspection, sometimes referred to as borescope inspection or inspection camera inspection, is a non-destructive method used to visually inspect concealed areas that would otherwise be difficult to access. Using a specialist inspection camera, investigators can look inside wall cavities, beneath floors, behind tiles and within boxed-in pipework without unnecessary disruption.
It is one of several techniques used during leak investigations. The most appropriate method depends on the type of leak, the pipe material, the construction of the property and the evidence available on site. To explore related techniques, visit our Leak Detection Technology page. You can also view our main Leak Detection service page for a wider overview.
What Endoscope Inspection Is
An endoscope, sometimes referred to as a borescope or inspection camera, is a flexible camera system designed to inspect hidden spaces. It allows investigators to see inside areas that would otherwise require extensive opening up.
Rather than locating the leak itself, an endoscope provides visual evidence that helps confirm pipework, identify pipe materials, inspect joints and fittings, assess damage, review previous repairs and support repair planning.
The camera can capture both high-resolution photographs and video footage, creating a permanent visual record of the investigation.
How Endoscope Inspection Works
Specialist inspection cameras are inserted through a small access point into the concealed area being investigated. Modern systems use high-definition cameras with LED illumination to provide a clear view inside spaces that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Depending on the application, flexible endoscopes, rigid borescopes or articulating inspection cameras may be used to inspect different areas of the property.
- A small inspection hole or existing inspection port is used where possible.
- Where necessary, a discreet access hole may be created to inspect the concealed space while keeping disruption to a minimum.
- The inspection camera is introduced into the concealed area.
- Photographs and video footage are captured.
- Pipework, fittings and surrounding materials are visually inspected.
- The findings are interpreted alongside other evidence gathered during the investigation.
The aim is not simply to look inside a hidden space, but to obtain visual evidence that supports the wider leak investigation.
Small Access, Big View
In many situations, a small inspection hole is all that is needed to examine a concealed area. Rather than removing large sections of plasterboard, flooring, wall tiles or boxing-in, an endoscope can often be inserted through a discreet access point to inspect the space behind.
Depending on the location, the camera can be used to inspect beneath baths and shower trays, inside wall cavities, beneath suspended timber floors, within ceiling voids, behind tiled walls, inside service ducts, beneath kitchen units and around concealed pipework.
The camera captures high-resolution photographs and video footage, providing a permanent visual record of the findings. This can help explain the cause of a leak, support repair planning and provide useful evidence for customers, insurers and loss adjusters.
Why Endoscope Inspection Is Used Before Opening Up
Rather than removing large areas of flooring, walls or tiles based on assumptions, an endoscope inspection can often provide valuable visual evidence through a much smaller access point.
This allows investigators to confirm what is actually present before deciding whether further access is required, helping reduce unnecessary disruption wherever possible.
When Endoscope Inspection Is Most Useful
Endoscope inspection is most effective once other leak detection methods have narrowed down the area requiring investigation.
It is commonly used to inspect:
- Wall cavities.
- Suspended timber floors.
- Ceiling voids.
- Behind bath panels.
- Beneath shower trays.
- Behind tiled walls.
- Boxed-in pipework.
- Kitchen units and concealed plumbing.
- Service ducts and risers.
By confirming what is actually present within the concealed space, unnecessary access work can often be avoided.
What Endoscope Inspection Can and Cannot Tell You
Endoscope inspection can provide visual confirmation of pipework, joints, fittings, corrosion, water staining, moisture damage, failed connections and other visible defects.
However, an endoscope cannot see through walls or floors, detect hidden moisture, measure pressure, identify leak noise or trace concealed pipe routes. It only shows what is physically visible within the area being inspected.
Where the route of concealed pipework needs to be established before inspection, Utility and Pipe Tracing may also form part of the investigation.
For this reason, endoscope inspection is normally used alongside other leak detection methods rather than as a standalone investigation.
Why Endoscope Findings Need Interpretation
Seeing water staining or pipework through an inspection camera does not automatically identify the source of a leak. Moisture may have travelled from elsewhere, and visible damage may be the result of a historic issue rather than an active leak.
An experienced leak investigator considers the visual evidence alongside pressure testing, moisture mapping, thermal imaging, acoustic testing and other investigation findings before determining the most likely cause of the problem.
Technology provides visual evidence. The findings still need to be interpreted within the wider context of the investigation.
How Endoscope Inspection Fits With Other Leak Detection Methods
Endoscope inspection is commonly used to confirm findings from other leak detection technologies.
- Thermal Imaging Leak Detection to investigate temperature anomalies.
- Moisture Mapping to assess moisture distribution.
- Pressure Testing to confirm system integrity.
- Acoustic Leak Detection where a pressurised leak is suspected.
- Tracer Gas Leak Detection where additional confirmation is required.
- Utility and Pipe Tracing to establish concealed pipe routes before inspection.
The objective is not simply to look inside a concealed space. The objective is to obtain visual evidence that helps confirm the condition of the pipework and supports accurate leak diagnosis.
Why Endoscope Inspection Matters
Endoscope inspection helps investigators see inside concealed areas while keeping disruption to a minimum. By providing clear visual evidence, it can reduce unnecessary damage and help plan repairs more accurately.
When interpreted correctly, photographs and video footage provide valuable evidence that supports the wider leak investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an endoscope inspection?
An endoscope inspection uses a specialist inspection camera to examine concealed spaces such as wall cavities, floor voids and hidden pipework without unnecessary opening up.
What is a borescope?
A borescope is another name for an inspection camera. It allows investigators to look inside confined or inaccessible spaces and capture photographs or video footage.
Can plumbers use a camera to look inside walls?
Yes. Flexible endoscopes and inspection cameras allow engineers to inspect wall cavities, floor voids, ceiling spaces and other concealed areas through a small access hole. They provide visual evidence without removing large sections of the building.
Will an endoscope inspection damage my property?
Endoscope inspections are designed to minimise disruption. In many situations only a very small inspection hole is required, although the amount of access needed depends on the construction of the property and the area being inspected.
Can an inspection camera take photographs and video?
Yes. Modern inspection cameras can capture high-resolution photographs and video footage, providing a permanent visual record of the investigation and supporting repair planning or insurance reports.
Need Help Locating a Hidden Leak?
Every leak investigation is different, and no single technology is suitable for every situation. The most effective approach depends on the type of leak, the pipe material, the construction of the property and the evidence available on site.
To learn more about hidden leak investigations, visit our Leak Detection hub page. If you need advice about a suspected leak or would like to discuss an investigation, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
