With MILWAUKEE TOOL’s Modular Pipeline Inspection system, J. F. Ahern Co. has not only overcomes the challenges of managing multiple devices for viewing and recording plumbing inspections, they are also getting clearer images, so they can better identify issues and communicate them to clients. Ahern plumbing service superintendent Kyle Strankowski said the Milwaukee system saves time and “it’s just all-around great.” MILWAUKEE TOOL is a benefactor of MCAA26.
Contractors are well aware of the challenges associated with sewer and drain inspections, particularly when working with older infrastructure and tight deadlines. Traditional inspection systems frequently fall short, requiring cumbersome setups and limiting the ability to provide clear, immediate answers to customers.
Strankowski has spent 17 years in the field and is familiar with these frustrations. He recalled a key challenge being “the cart that the reel was on, since it was awkward the way it was set up.” With the new Milwaukee system, Strankowski explained, “you only need one hand for operation, then you have your other hand free to carry other things, your toolbox, etc. It’s one trip, rather than getting the old one going and then going back out to get your other stuff.”
Milwaukee’s Modular Pipeline Inspection System delivers a clear image and simplifies inspections through high dynamic range, self-leveling camera heads; 4X digital zoom; and pitch sensing for accurate reporting. These features allow you to see more detail in harsh conditions, reduce washed-out areas, and provide better visibility in dark environments.
Strankowski confirmed, “It is definitely a clear image, you know there’s no issues that way.” He added that “moving the camera lens around, the ability to zoom up or down, is definitely a huge benefit.” Being able to capture, create, and share high-definition recordings directly from a wireless monitor or mobile device has streamlined reporting and improved communication with clients.
Beyond image clarity, the system’s modular design offers flexibility. The M18™ 500-gigabyte Control Hub powers multiple reel sizes—100’ Flexible, 120’ and 200’ Mid-Stiff, and 200’ and 325’ Stiff—enabling inspections of 1.5”–10” lines without changing platforms. Reels can be swapped easily, and the internal battery maintains live video during battery changes, ultimately reducing downtime on the job.
One of the biggest benefits for Strankowski is the wireless monitor. “That’s huge,” he explained, “the way you can now have one-man operation.” The other important factor he appreciates is that “the locator is always on with the Milwaukee, unlike others, where you have to push a button. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked 100 yards and realized I didn’t turn on the locator on the monitor.”
Recently, Milwaukee has expanded versatility with the M12™ Compact Pipeline Inspection System, designed for small-diameter applications. The M12 65’ Ultra Flex and 85’ High Flex Compact Inspection Cameras, paired with the M12 Wireless Monitor, provide unparalleled diagnostic capabilities for 1”–4” drain lines. Equipped with multifrequency sonde and integrated Wi-Fi, these solutions bring clearer images and easier inspections to more confined spaces. Strankowski and other users point to faster inspections, improved reporting, and a more professional experience for clients thanks to Milwaukee’s Pipeline Inspection System.
For more information, visit www.milwaukeetool.com. MCAA thanks MILWAUKEE TOOL for being a benefactor of MCAA26, sponsoring the Wednesday Awards of Excellence Breakfast and the Wednesday night reception.
