What Is a CCTV Drain Survey and Do You Actually Need One?

A CCTV drain survey is the modern, evidence-based way to find out what is going on inside your drainage system. A small waterproof camera is fed through the pipework via inspection chambers, manholes or rodding eyes, and the footage is recorded and reviewed by a drainage engineer.

When You Actually Need A CCTV Survey

  • Recurring blockages. If the same drain keeps blocking, the cause is structural.
  • Foul odours that will not go. Often points to a broken pipe or rat ingress.
  • Slow drains across multiple fixtures.
  • Property purchase. Standard homebuyer surveys do not include a meaningful drain inspection.
  • Insurance claims. Insurers usually require CCTV evidence of structural damage.
  • Build-over agreements.

What The Camera Can See

  • Cracked, fractured or collapsed pipe sections.
  • Tree root intrusion at joints.
  • Displaced joints and lateral connections.
  • Pipe deformation, sagging or counterfalls.
  • Fat, oil and grease (FOG) build-up.
  • Scale and mineral deposits.
  • Foreign objects (wipes, sanitary products, debris).
  • Rat ingress points.

A good engineer also uses a sonde to pinpoint the exact location and depth of any defect from above ground.

What You Should Get In The Report

A professional CCTV survey should include the recorded footage, a written report describing each observation with timestamps, condition codes, a site plan showing drain runs and defects, an urgency assessment, and recommendations.

Should You Get A Survey Before Buying A House?

If the property is more than 30 years old, has mature trees within 5 metres of any drain run, sits on a shared drain, or has a history of damp or subsidence, yes. The cost of a pre-purchase survey is a fraction of the cost of fixing a collapsed drain after you have moved in.

What Does It Cost?

Domestic CCTV drain surveys typically range from £150 to £400 depending on property size and complexity. Always ask whether the price includes the full written report and recorded footage.

Book A Survey

Call Call2Drain on 01892 571 555. Fixed-price surveys with written report and full footage included.