Got a blocked drain that won’t go away? Thinking about buying a house and want to check the drains first? A CCTV drain survey is the quickest way to see what’s really happening underground.
Let me explain how it works.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
It’s simple. A small waterproof camera gets sent down your drains, and the engineer watches live footage on a screen. No digging needed. You see exactly what’s causing problems, whether that’s a blockage, crack, or tree roots pushing through the pipes.
The Survey Process
1. Finding Access
The drainage engineer locates a manhole or inspection chamber to access your drainage system. They check everything’s safe, then get started.
2. Camera Inspection
A high-definition camera with LED lights goes down into your pipes. For narrow drains, it’s on a flexible rod. For larger sewers, they use a motorised crawler. The camera tilts and rotates to capture every angle while the engineer watches for problems.
3. Identifying Issues
The engineer looks for:
- Blocked drains from grease, wet wipes, or debris
- Cracks and fractures in the pipework
- Tree root intrusion (common in older clay pipes)
- Collapsed sections or displaced joints
- Scale build-up and corrosion
Every defect gets logged with its exact location.
4. Your Report
You receive a detailed report with photos, video footage, a defect schedule, and repair recommendations. Everything’s explained in plain English so you know what needs fixing and why.
Why Get a Drain Survey?
No Excavation Required
The inspection uses existing manholes. Your garden, driveway, and landscaping stay untouched.
Accurate Diagnosis
No more guesswork. You see the exact problem and its precise location. This means targeted repairs that save you money.
Prevents Costly Emergencies
Catch small cracks before they become collapsed pipes. A £200 survey today beats a £5,000 emergency repair tomorrow.
Essential for Homebuyers
Get a pre-purchase drain survey before buying property. You’ll spot hidden drainage problems before you commit, giving you negotiating power or peace of mind.
Tackles Tree Root Problems
Tree roots are a major cause of persistent blockages. The camera shows exactly where roots have invaded, so specialists can remove them with high-pressure water jetting without digging up your garden.
When Do You Need One?
Book a drainage camera inspection if you’re experiencing:
- Recurring blockages that keep coming back
- Slow draining sinks, toilets, or showers
- Foul smells near drains
- Damp patches or subsidence around your property
- Gurgling sounds from pipes
Also consider one before buying a house, planning an extension, or as routine maintenance for older properties.
How Long Does It Take?
Most residential surveys finish in one to two hours. The engineer will give you a better estimate based on your property size.
What Happens Next?
Once you have your report, you can make informed decisions. Common solutions include:
- Drain repairs for damaged sections
- Drain unblocking services for stubborn blockages
- Root removal with high-pressure jetting
- Drain relining to fix cracks without excavation
- Drain replacement for collapsed pipes
If everything’s fine, you’ve got proof your drainage system is in good condition. Keep up with regular drain maintenance to prevent future problems.
Common Problems Found
Fat and Grease Build-up
Kitchen waste solidifies in pipes, creating blockages. Professional drain cleaning removes these deposits.
Tree Root Intrusion
Roots exploit tiny cracks and grow inside pipes, causing major blockages. CCTV surveys pinpoint the invasion points for targeted treatment.
Structural Damage
Older clay pipes crack, separate, or collapse over time. Modern surveys identify weak spots before complete failure.
Foreign Objects
Wet wipes, sanitary products, and nappies don’t break down and create stubborn blockages in your sewer line.
For issues affecting shared or public sewers, Thames Water provides official blocked drains guidance explaining when they are responsible for resolving the problem.
Finding a Drain Survey Specialist
When searching for a drain survey near me, choose a drainage company that:
- Provides detailed written reports with video evidence
- Uses modern HD camera equipment
- Offers transparent, upfront pricing
- Has proper insurance and qualifications
- Shows customer reviews and testimonials
Don’t just pick the cheapest option. Quality drainage inspections from experienced engineers save money long-term.
Why Act Now
Ignoring drainage problems makes them worse. A small crack becomes a collapsed pipe. A partial blockage turns into sewage backing up into your home. Emergency repairs cost far more than preventative surveys.
Insurance companies often won’t cover damage from poor maintenance. If you’ve ignored warning signs like repeated blockages, they may refuse your claim entirely.
A CCTV drainage survey costs a few hundred pounds. Emergency excavation and repairs? Thousands.
Bottom Line
A CCTV drain survey shows exactly what’s wrong with your drainage system without any digging. It’s fast, accurate, and prevents expensive surprises. Whether you’re buying a house, dealing with blocked drains, or concerned about tree roots, it’s the smartest investment you can make.
Need a professional CCTV drain survey? Contact our experienced team at drainage-plumbing.co.uk for comprehensive drainage inspections across the UK. We provide same-day service and detailed reports within 24 hours.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote on drain surveys, emergency drain clearance, and all your drainage needs.
Quick FAQ
Will you dig up my property?
No. We use existing manholes only. No excavation needed.
How long does it take?
Usually 1-2 hours for residential properties.
How often should I get one?
Every 3-5 years for homes, annually for landlords and commercial properties.
Can you remove tree roots?
Yes. Once identified, we use drain jetting or mechanical cutting to clear roots.