DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet -Black(11.5FT)

>fell into a floor vent under the dash. I tried sticking my arms in there but my wrists didn't like the angle.

Fiber optic cameras are pretty cheap on Amazon. I bought this one.

You can get endoscopic cameras cheap on Amazon. You'd only need to drill a 3/8" hole to view each stud bay.

I have this one, and it's fine. About the quality you'd expect for a $35 camera (low quality). https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4/

Get one of these so you can see what is potentially blocking your path:

DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope

these cameras will save your sanity when fishing wires:

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4

straighten a coat hanger, tape the camera to one end, and put it in the wall.

I had the same issue, found the little notch on the horizontal board in no time.

Buy this and have a look. I have this exact model and it works great.

Use something like this (https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Snake+Inspection+Camera&qid=1599060332&sr=8-3)

to look under the door

You can buy a $30 led inspection camera from amazon, you’ll need to confirm if you have a p trap under the floor, you could also hand dig out around that hole, but it won’t tell you about the pipe on the right

You’ll need a 3” line in the floor for your toilet drain and a 1-1/2”-2” line for a sink drain

If you happen to get lucky and have 2” on the right, you could actually put a shower in!

A camera like this:

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4

If you hunt around you can find rough in dimensions for a toilet and sink, that will let you know if the contractors tape measure was working that day.

I bought something similar to this. Just pop a spark plug out.

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=zg_bs_401578011_1/144-9338494-6834755?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QSVP3RS27VQ1SZZ0WW4D

A couple thoughts

• if wires are run to code in the walls they will be stapled to the studs (for the most part) so if you avoid the studs the risk of hitting a wire should be minimal
• if you want extra assurance or run into a weird situation a scope can be useful: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_t4TUFb4DRQMSD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This could help you know where the cable goes with having to cut a bigger hole.

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

That being said, looks like its just dry wall. I'd probably just cut sightly bigger hole around the dry wall the try and figure more where it comes from. a hole of that size shouldn't be to to hard to patch after, especially since there is a stud in the center of the hole

Per my last post, I used a black 55 gallon barrel for my chop top aquaponics unit and that made it hard to see my fishies.

I went out and bought a wireless endoscope which solved my problem. Now I can log into my camera whenever I want and see how my tilapia are doing.

Suggest also getting a small wireless endoscope camera like this one

Useful for not only checking the barrel but lots of other tight corners around the house.

If it's on an interior wall then insulation should not be an issue and you can use a little phone camera to look for the smoke detector before you open the wall up. It easy to patch a small hole smaller than a thimble.

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4

Another trick I use is cutting a thin slit for an inspection hole. Just small enough for me to slide my cell phone in for photos inside the wall. Don't go big hole until you have actually seen it with your phone or inspection camera.

You could try this, it comes with a hook attachment and I use mine for retrieving things from time to time: DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet -Black(11.5FT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_dlC_kB0QFbC3DYXFF

Ive never had your particular problem, but worth a try I think. You could also just unbolt the seat, get the key out, and put it back on. I haven’t done it in an RRS, but i cant imagine it’s too bad if all you are doing is shifting the seat, rather than actually removing it.

Ooo definitely possible. Check out these bad boys little investment, might be able to get the guy to buy it. Way cheaper than bringing a plumber out for just a diagnostic call. Open up that shower drain and start peaking around. Might be able to find eroding pipe.

Easier first attempt DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet -Black(11.5FT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lJ2.EbH3A0QHY

Definitely don't need to pay for an engineer. Seconding the advice to cut a small hole and see what's there. Patching drywall is not hard.

Consider getting a small camera for checking out what is in the walls.

My dad had an older version he bought at Harbor Freight (I believe) but we just bought this one yesterday: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4

The small hole needed for this will be super easy to patch (if it turns out there is anything inside).

Also live in Texas (Austin area) and based on the age of the house I guess there's nothing important in there. You would likely have access panels if there was. Maybe a pipe, which could easily be boxed in and hidden by the new mudroom storage.

Consider running a wire and putting an outlet by a shelf, so you can charge phones and such.

Enjoy your new home!

I bought an endoscope camera for looking into tiny spaces in our RV. It’s worked really well. Would let you see more but if it were me I’d want the panel out to do a thorough inspection.

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4

FWIW soft furnishings that smell like that usually indicate mold. If the RV has been sitting around unused it could be full of toxic mold.

Easiest way to check:

• Drill a 3/4" hole with a spade bit along the outside at the very bottom.
• Run a cheap endoscope and look around.
• If its not okay, likely you want to air that section out using a fan.
• Cover up with baseboard along the front side. Vinyl baseboard is easier to work with, wooden will look better.

The best way to look behind the panel is to remove one. You could also consider an endoscope camera though you'd still need to move a panel enough to get access.

I am no expert but based on what you said I would be surprised if mold has already started to grow. That usually takes days or weeks. Unless water has been getting in there more than you are currently aware.

Too bad you didn't peak around behind there with a mirror while everything was down. :(

Anyway, there absolutely have to be cripple studs behind there maybe just not on 16" centers.

This camera snake was $35 on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYTHWK4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I bought it to scope a plumbing issue. Worked fine (but very difficult to use in a drain pipe I learned). You pair it to your phone to watch the video.

Before you attempt a drain snake, please put a camera down there!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_omCgFb7VVRN02

They're decent quality, affordable, and will help you avoid making a bad situation worse. They also help you figure out if you're in over your head on a plumbing project.

I THINK what might be going on (beacuse most municipal codes no longer allow gutters to drain into the home's sewer line) is that you have a french drain/drain tile or dry well setup. Leaf litter and twigs have blocked the pipe and it is draining everything too close to the house.

Do you have something like this installed somewhere on that downspout?

One of my kids put an Easter egg into our sub. It was a pain to get out but I was able to get it out with the following tools. The challenge was being able to see what you were doing inside the sub.

Used this to get behind the Easter egg

Omont Drain Clog Remover Drain Hair Remover Tool Kit,3 Pack 19.7 Inch Drain Auger 1 Pack 24 Inch Drain Relief 1 Pack 27.5 Inch Drain Cleanning Brush 1 Pair Housework Gloves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S9YCSCC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SnXkFbH9356FM

Used this to see up the sub

DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet -Black(11.5FT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sqXkFb2ZS0WZG

Cut a small square of the ceiling out where the leak is (that you have to replace anyway) and get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4 to see WTF is going on. Or call a plumber to do it (but they will be less kind to your drywall). Why is anyone even thinking about re-doing drywall when you dont know where the leak is?

Much better video than the last one. Definitely not normal.

Since you just did cam phasers, I would say piston to valve clearance issue. Possibly hearing the pistons slapping the valves. I know you said previously that the cams were supposed to be okay, but could be possible that they weren't timed correctly, or the seller was wrong, maybe the different year motors have different piston styles, dished vs flat tops, or different sized valve reliefs, or no valve reliefs.

I highly suggest doing a leak down test. Many different leak down testers available for cheap on amazon. Just need a air compressor, doesn't need to be a big one. With the piston at TDC and both valves close, you're just listening for air coming out of the exhaust or intake. Technically can do this with your compression tester piece that goes into the spark plug hole, and then adapt the end of that to a nipple to connect to your air hose, complicated to explain, probably just buy the tester. Tester This should have been noticeable on the compression test, but not always depending on how bent they are. You might be able to rent this tool from an auto parts store also.

I also suggest getting a borescope/endoscope, many that just connect to your cellphone, and look through the spark plug hole to see any marks on the pistons from the valves. This one has some pretty good reviews with pictures.

Do you have any "handy" resources you can lean on? I know some flip horror stories. They usually involve old plumbing, shark bites, and...

I don't think that your gender prevents you from becoming "handy". I am a firm believer we can do all things with the right tools and "YouTube". I'm happy to help you do some exploratory surgery. But I understand if you want to pay someone else.

https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4/

Pick that up and a 1/2" drill bit so you can do some exploring in your walls. You can plug the holes with some drywall spackle.

If you don't have a battery system yet, now's a good time to decide on a platform. Dewalt has a good 20v system. Makita an excellent 18v system.

I don't think it'd be expensive to have someone come in and cut some holes and find out what's going on. A few hundred bucks maybe? Assuming you clean it up and repair the drywall.

Drywall repairs are like a first order of business in home ownership.

Two relatively low cost things that have saved headaches:

Brake caliper wind back tool. You can rent them for free from Auto Zone, but the ones I've gotten from there don't have all of the options. For 20-ish bucks, knowing I have what I need in my own garage is reassuring.

Inspection camera like this. I've used this in my garage and house, but it's handy to be able to see around things without having to jack/lift the car or remove a bunch of panels.

Not really a tool, but I'm a stickler for safety stuff. You only get one body. Scuffed knuckles are one thing, but you don't want the recovery of a scratched cornea from getting something in your eye.

We have this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYTHWK4/

And it works great. I would tape it to a broom handle or something. Or as someone else said, maybe an RC car. But this little camera has decent enough quality, and I've been able to use the hook before while doing electrical fishing to grab a hook in an insulation filled joist bay lol.

I often use this paired with a battery bank(think battery for charging your phone on the go), as the built in battery will last about 5 minutes with the LED on. You could also plug it in to a phone charger if you have a long enough cord / extension cord.

If you want to investigate withour digging up your lawn, you could get one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4

As you mentioned, there is no water/sewage there. I also doubt its an access for a french drain or something, but again, can get the camera and go down to see if it stops or not.

so on my house for my PoE cameras there is no exposed cable on final install. all you see is the camera, the cable goes in side the wall from the inside of the base of a camera. no cables, no antennas, no nothing just a cleanly mounted camera.

if i'm testing a new location for a new one sure, you can see the cable but, you need ladder to get to it.

Same of the PoE doorbell, they are counter sunk OR they are like the camera and cable goes through the same hole as the door bell wire. HOWEVER with mine you keep both the doorbell wire AND the ethernet. it can ring the mechanical chime.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25EK4tnoOaw

i didn't have to open up any walls, now i had to run it horizontally i'd have to make small holes. but, i ran all my cables from the crawl space or attic and just popped a hole in the top plate like you do for regular power wires, in fact for my doorbell i used the same hole the doorbell wire was already in!!!

To top it off i grabbed this little baby for like $35-$40 and stuck an old wire or coat hanger in the hole if it got stuck. now i have trick wire fisher that can go around corners and stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYTHWK4/

it was son handy i used to it pull all the old rotten electrical wire out of my old plaster walls and dropping wired grounding without having to making any new holes in the top plate!

yes! lots of small and medium business as well as prosumers!!! some do know and you're probably right!!! most don't! but, it makes it easy for contractors and IT service providers. they sell unifi to IT service providers big time! they get discounts. i remember when one of the companies i work was putting it up in big hotel chains.

UI is just now starting to try grab the DIY market! i remember when they were mostly medium business/enterprise wireless / sector antenna type stuff. This DIY more normal Joe market is where the wifi doorbell will shine!

P.S. if you ever do have to open a wall here is a trick!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXhDlDBzXjY

I did something very similar to this when i accidently drilled through my coax wire in the wall! 😮

There are cameras that will snake in there.

USB Snake Inspection Camera,Fantronics 2.0 MP IP67 Waterproof USB C Borescope,Type-C Scope Camera with 8 Adjustable LED Lights for (16.4ft) Samsung Galaxy S9/S8, Google pixel, Nexus 6p(Not for iPhone) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HYRPND/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5OzvFbCH3RHMY

DEPSTECH Wireless Endoscope, IP67 Waterproof WiFi Borescope Inspection 2.0 Megapixels HD Snake Camera for Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, Samsung, Tablet -Black(11.5FT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYTHWK4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lRzvFbS880S1N

Industrial Endoscope with 4.3 inch LCD Color Screen 2MP Snake Camera 8mm Borescope Camera HD 1080P Sewer Camera Waterproof Inspection Cameras with 6 Adjustable LED Lights (5m/16.4ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08127CGGM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7PzvFb1A8VS9W