Camera to see under Sinking floor?

chorlton

Hi there

Around 20 years ago we had a new kitchen + floor fitted. The room was originally half suspended floor and half solid floor ( it was 2 rooms knocked into one)
The builders dug out the solid floor and installed joists with chipboard sheets and then fitted wooden floorboards over. 
(at least thats what they said - we were away when it was done!)

Over the past few years the floor has sunk in one corner - very gradually at first but lately by a couple of inches, so obviously either the 'new' joist, or whatever supported it has failed...

I want to see what's going on before working out what to do - ideally without taking out half the kitchen and the floor. 

If i drill/cut a fist sized hole through the floor...  is there any sort of camera that would fit through and allow me to see underneath? I've seen a few on Amazon etc but i dont want to spend money on something that won't show enough detail to work out likely cause.


Thanks in advance 

Doozergirl

Yes, you could probably hire a decent inspection camera from a tool hire shop rather than buy a cheap one.  

TELLIT01

Something like this  https://www.hss.com/hire/p/inspection-endoscope

Sandtree

I would concur with not buying a cheap one having done so... it actually was ok if there was plenty of light but terrible in dark conditions even with its own light on. In theory you could cut two holes or a larger one for a light source in one and the camera in the other but that then starts deifying the purpose of having a tiny camera. 

Unless you think you'll have lots of future use then stick with hiring a decent one instead

travis-powers

Was air bricks added to the new floor area?

Norman_Castle

I've used a compact digital camera for similar checks. It depends how easily you can make then repair a suitable hole.

chorlton

Thanks folks - i was sceptical about the capability of cheap purchased cameras (though tempted by the prices!) I'll investigate rental.

The sagged corner is against the neighbours on one side and the back, non structural, single story kitchen wall... No ventilation. There's also a drain on the other side...

My worst fear is the drain has collapsed, soil is washing away and the house is about to fall into a massive hole!!
Best hope is that it's something we can live with because we are planning an extension in next 3-5 years which would mean removing that wall and taking up floor anyway.

Another_Level

If your making a fist sized hole in the floor or drilling with a 120mm ish hole saw,  then maybe an old mobile phone set to record video with led light turned on attached to a selfie stick or similar.

Works well   

mandy47

My chimney sweep uses a camera to inspect before sweeping, also my brother uses a camera to inspect drains. Perhaps enquiring with a sweep or someone who clears drains if they could take a look for you. May work out cheaper. my sweep charges £40 for inspection and sweeping. 

womble12345

I bought a cheap endoscope camera that plugs into my phone from Aliexpress, cost me £4.42 delivered but did take 6 weeks to arrive. The footage is very blurry and no good in the dark but in your situation I would try with it and maybe stick a torch in the hole as well to help with lighting.