Why You Might Need a CCTV Drain Survey

A CCTV drain survey is used when you need clear evidence of what is happening inside your drainage system. Most drain problems can’t be diagnosed from the surface, and guessing often leads to wasted time, unnecessary work or missed faults. A camera survey provides accurate information so the right repair can be carried out.

Homeowners, buyers, builders and insurers rely on CCTV surveys whenever drainage issues need to be confirmed, documented or located precisely.

Here are the most common reasons you’ll need one:

1. Buying or Selling a Property

A standard homebuyer survey won’t inspect underground drains.
A CCTV drain survey will:

• uncovers hidden defects
• avoids unexpected repair bills
• helps negotiations
• prevents delays in the buying process

Often recommended for older homes or properties with unknown drainage layouts.

2. Planning an Extension, Driveway or Building Work

Before you build near or over drainage, Building Control often requires proof of:

• pipe condition
• pipe location
• depth and direction of flow

A CCTV survey prevents accidental damage and stops construction delays.

3. Recurring Drain Problems

If blockages, smells or slow draining keep returning, the cause is usually structural.

A CCTV survey identifies the root cause so a proper fix can be made.

4. Insurance or Compliance Requirements

Insurers and local authorities sometimes require evidence of drain condition, especially if:

• you’re making an insurance claim
• your property has subsidence
• you’re connecting to public sewers
• you’re dealing with an older drainage system

A written CCTV report fulfils these requirements.

5. Avoiding Unexpected, Costly Repairs

Small faults — cracks, displaced joints, early root ingress — always get worse if left unseen.

A CCTV survey catches problems before they turn into:

• collapsed drains
• flooding
• excavation work
• property damage

Early diagnosis always costs less than a major repair.

What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?

A CCTV drain survey is a non-invasive inspection that uses a high-definition camera inserted into your drainage system. As the camera travels through the pipe, it records live footage showing:

• Blockages
• Cracks and fractures
• Collapsed sections
• Misaligned joints
• Root intrusion
• Corrosion or wear
• Incorrect gradients or build-ups

You receive a full written report, along with still images or video footage, showing the exact condition of your drains and any faults that need attention.

This is the most reliable way to assess underground drainage without excavation.

How Our CCTV Drain Surveys Work

1. Locate Access Points

We identify the best access point (manhole or inspection chamber) to feed the camera through your drainage system safely.

2. Insert the Camera and Inspect

A high-definition, waterproof camera is fed through your drains, giving real-time footage of any blockage, defect or structural issue.

3. Record & Analyse Footage

The video is recorded and reviewed to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the problem — for example, “4.2 metres from chamber, joint displaced, root intrusion.”

4. Provide a Detailed Report

You receive a clear, easy-to-understand report with images/video explaining:

• What the problem is
• Where it is
• What caused it
• What your repair options are

5. Quote for Repairs (If Needed)

If we identify a fault, we provide a transparent quote for the appropriate work — from jetting and root removal to relining or excavation.