Spent $400 on a fancy camera inspection system and honestly, I think it's overkill for most jobs.

My partner convinced me to get the Chim-Eye Pro last fall. The idea was to show customers clear video of every crack and creosote flake. But after using it on maybe 30 sweeps, I'm finding it just adds time and complexity. Most homeowners' eyes glaze over when you show them the inside of their flue, and they just want to know if it's clean and safe. A good mirror and a bright light tells me 95% of what I need. Now I'm hauling this extra case, charging batteries, and dealing with software, all for a 'wow' factor that rarely matters. Am I the only one who thinks the old-school visual check is still perfectly valid for a standard maintenance sweep?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_troy20d ago

Ever try using it just for the problem jobs? Might justify the cost if you save it for when you actually need to prove something tricky.

zara_king20d ago

Honestly, what if the cost is just too high to even start? You have to buy the thing, learn how it works, and keep it charged, all for maybe one bad job a year. That's a lot of hassle for something that just sits in your truck. Tbh, most jobs are straightforward and a few clear photos from your phone are enough. It feels like solving a problem you don't really have yet.

felix_henderson5420d ago

Oh man, @the_troy, that's like saying I'll only use my fire extinguisher for the really big, out of control fires. By the time I realize a job is a "problem job," I'm already covered in grease and the client is yelling. It's the weird little stuff that sneaks up on you, like trying to prove a pipe was leaking inside the wall last month. That's when you need the proof, not just when the whole kitchen is flooded.