A CCTV drain survey is an inspection of the inside of a drain using a small waterproof camera. It lets you see exactly what condition a pipe is in without digging it up.
How it works
- Access. The camera is fed into the drain through an inspection chamber, gully or other access point.
- Inspection. It is pushed or driven along the pipe, sending live footage back to a screen. The distance travelled is tracked so the position of any defect is known.
- Recording. Footage is recorded as the camera travels through each section.
- Explanation. The findings are explained, including any defects and where they are.
If the drain is blocked or heavily lined with debris, it usually needs to be cleared or jetted first so the camera can see the pipe walls.
What a survey can show
- Cracks and fractures in the pipe.
- Root ingress through joints or cracks.
- Displaced or open joints, where pipe sections have shifted.
- Sags or bellies, where the pipe has dipped and water sits.
- Collapses, partial or complete.
- Build-up of grease, scale or debris.
- The route of the drain and where it connects.
When is a survey worth having?
When a drain keeps blocking
If a drain has been cleared more than once and keeps blocking, a survey shows the underlying cause. That is usually cheaper in the long run than repeated call-outs. See what causes recurring drain blockages.
Before buying a property
Standard homebuyer surveys do not look inside the drains. For older properties, homes with large trees nearby or houses with extensions built over drains, a pre-purchase survey can reveal problems that would be costly to fix.
Before building work
If you are planning an extension, a survey can show where drains run and what condition they are in before work starts.
When there are signs of damage
Persistent smells, damp patches, sinking ground along a drain run or signs of rats can all point to a damaged pipe.
Insurance claims
Footage can help support a claim for accidental damage to underground pipes. Check with your insurer first.
What happens after the survey?
If the drain is in good condition, that is useful peace of mind. If defects are found, you will know what they are and where, so you can make an informed decision about drain repairs. Some defects can be repaired from inside the pipe; others need excavation.
Please ask about the format of the findings when you book, so you know what you will receive.
Surveys in the Southampton area
We carry out surveys across Southampton and the surrounding area. See CCTV drain surveys in Southampton, CCTV drain surveys in Winchester, or contact us.