Buying a House? Read This About CCTV Drain Surveys!

Hi, I’m Jon and I’m a drainage expert and Managing Director here at Maintain Drains. I’ve seen it all when it comes to drainage systems—blockages, collapsed pipes, tree roots causing havoc, and even a few unexpected finds that you wouldn’t believe! One of the most valuable tools we use in the field is the CCTV drain survey.

Over the years, I’ve come to see these surveys as the backbone of effective drainage work. They help us diagnose issues quickly, accurately, and without guesswork. In this article, I’m going to share everything you need to know about CCTV drain surveys—from why they matter to how much they cost—and why, as an expert, I always recommend them.

What is a CCTV Drain Survey? (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)

At Maintain Drains, we use CCTV drain surveys to take the guesswork out of drain inspections. A CCTV drain survey involves sending a small, high-definition camera into your drains to capture live footage. The camera can navigate even the trickiest pipe systems, showing us exactly what’s going on inside.

We can spot cracks, blockages, and even more serious issues like pipe collapses, all without digging up your property. Before CCTV surveys were available, diagnosing these issues was like playing detective—sometimes it took days to figure out what was going wrong, and often, it involved a lot of invasive digging. Now, we can do it in a fraction of the time, without any mess.

Real-Life Example: Saving a Client from a Costly Repair

One of the most memorable surveys I’ve done was for a homeowner who was experiencing slow drainage in multiple areas of the house. They were worried it was a massive problem and expected a hefty repair bill. When we did the CCTV drain survey, we discovered a small section of pipe had shifted slightly due to soil movement—something that could be fixed quickly and cost-effectively. Without the survey, they might have spent thousands guessing at the problem!

How Much Does a Drain Survey Cost?

The cost of a CCTV drain survey can vary depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the drainage system. At Maintain Drains, we aim to keep our pricing transparent and competitive. On average, you’re looking at a range of £100 to £350 for a residential CCTV survey.

I know what you’re thinking—”Is it really worth it to spend that much just to check the drains?” My answer: absolutely. A CCTV drain survey is a small investment that can save you thousands in the long run by catching problems early before they become full-blown disasters.

What Influences the Cost?

Factors like how accessible the drains are, how extensive the system is, and whether you need a simple inspection or a more detailed drainage report can affect the cost. If you’re dealing with persistent drainage issues, that initial survey fee will seem like a bargain compared to the cost of emergency drain repairs.

Is a Drain Survey Worth It?

This is a question I get asked all the time: “Is a drain survey worth it?” As someone who’s been in this business for years, I can confidently say yes. I’ve seen too many people try to ignore their drain problems, only to face much larger issues down the road.

A CCTV drain survey is worth every penny if you’ve been experiencing persistent drainage issues. It gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid the guessing game that often comes with traditional drainage inspections. By identifying the problem early, you can prevent expensive and disruptive repairs in the future.

Think Long-Term: Preventing Future Problems

One of the biggest benefits of a CCTV drain survey is that it not only solves current problems but also helps prevent future ones. For example, we’ve had cases where a survey revealed tree roots starting to penetrate pipes – something the homeowner had no idea was happening. A quick fix early on saved them from what could have been a major drain collapse down the line.

Do I Need a Drainage Report?

Another question that comes up frequently is, “Do I need a drainage report?” A drainage report is often required in specific situations, especially if you’re buying or selling a property, planning major renovations, or experiencing recurring drainage issues.

A detailed drainage report from us includes everything you need to know about the health of your drains. It outlines any damage, blockages, or structural issues, as well as recommendations for any necessary repairs. This is especially valuable when you need to present documented proof of your drainage system’s condition—for example, during a property sale.

When Do We Recommend a Drainage Report?

I usually recommend a drainage report in cases where there are ongoing or complex drainage issues. But it’s also something you should consider if you’re making major changes to your property. You wouldn’t want to start building a home extension, only to find out halfway through that the drain underneath is cracked or leaking. We’ve seen it happen!

How Often Should Drains Be Inspected?

As a drain expert, one of my main pieces of advice is that prevention is better than cure. I recommend having your drains inspected every 2 to 3 years, but it really depends on the age of your property, the condition of your pipes, and your location.

For example, older properties with ageing drainage systems should have more frequent inspections. Likewise, if your home is surrounded by trees, it’s a good idea to inspect your drains for root intrusions every couple of years.

Tailoring Inspections to Your Needs

I recently worked with a client who had a gorgeous, old property surrounded by mature trees. Over the years, the tree roots had started growing into the pipes, causing blockages. We now do annual CCTV drain surveys for them to keep everything in check. In contrast, newer properties with modern drainage systems might only need inspections every few years unless an issue arises.

Do I Need a CCTV Drain Survey When Buying a Property?

If you’re in the process of buying a property, you might be wondering, “Do I need a CCTV drain survey?” The short answer: yes, and here’s why.

A standard home survey doesn’t usually include a thorough drainage check. That means you could move into your new home only to find out that the drains are blocked, cracked, or worse—collapsing. A CCTV drain survey before you buy can uncover hidden problems that the seller might not even be aware of. And if we do find something, you can negotiate repairs or adjust the sale price to reflect the costs.

A Common Scenario: The Hidden Drainage Problem

I’ve worked with quite a few clients who were grateful they opted for a CCTV drain survey during the home-buying process. One client found significant damage to the drainage system of their prospective new home—something that wasn’t flagged in the standard home survey. We were able to fix the issue before they moved in, saving them from major inconvenience and cost later.

Final Thoughts: Why I Always Recommend a CCTV Drain Survey

As someone who’s been in the drainage business for years, I can’t stress enough how valuable a CCTV drain survey is. It’s a non-invasive, cost-effective way to get a clear understanding of what’s going on in your drainage system. Whether you’re buying a property, dealing with recurring drainage issues, or just want peace of mind, a CCTV drain survey is always a good idea.

At Maintain Drains, we pride ourselves on providing honest, expert advice. If you’re ever in doubt about the condition of your drains, give us a call. We’ll be happy to chat through your options and help you keep your drainage system running smoothly.