A CCTV drain survey quickly reveals hidden problems in your drains. It’s a simple way to check the condition of pipes and avoid costly surprises when buying or maintaining a property.
Why Drain Surveys Are Important
Underground drains are often overlooked during routine property inspections, yet they play a vital role in keeping a home or business safe and functional. Small faults such as minor cracks or blockages can escalate quickly, leading to water damage, structural issues, and expensive repairs. A CCTV drain survey allows specialists to pinpoint these problems with precision, giving property owners the knowledge they need to take action early.
For buyers, it acts as a safeguard against unexpected costs, ensuring the property’s drainage system is in good condition before contracts are exchanged. For existing homeowners, it provides reassurance that everything is working properly and helps prevent future emergencies. Businesses also benefit, as regular surveys reduce the risk of downtime caused by sudden drainage failures.
Problems Found During a CCTV Drain Survey
A drain survey provides a detailed look at the interior condition of your pipes. Below are the most common issues engineers discover during CCTV drainage inspections:
Tree Root Intrusions
Roots often force their way into drains seeking water and nutrients. Once inside, they can cause blockages, cracks, and long-term structural damage. Left untreated, root intrusion may eventually collapse a section of pipe, leading to flooding and costly excavation work.
Collapsed or Broken Pipes
Pipes can collapse due to age, soil movement, or pressure from heavy traffic above. When this happens, the flow of water is blocked, which may cause backups inside the property. A collapsed drain is one of the most serious issues a CCTV survey can reveal and often requires urgent repair or replacement.
Pipe Blockages and Build-Ups
Everyday waste such as grease, fat, and silt can accumulate over time, restricting the flow of water. While some blockages can be cleared quickly with jetting, repeated build-ups are often a sign of underlying damage or poor installation. Identifying the cause early saves money in the long term.
Misaligned or Displaced Joints
Poorly fitted or shifted joints reduce system efficiency and allow water to escape into the surrounding ground. This can undermine the soil and, in severe cases, contribute to subsidence around the property foundations.
Cracks and Structural Damage
Cracks weaken the integrity of the drainage system and can expand over time. Even small fractures allow water to leak into the soil, creating damp problems in nearby buildings and accelerating erosion around the pipework.
Signs of Corrosion or Wear
Older drains made from cast iron, clay, or pitch fibre often show corrosion and material decay. Corrosion reduces the pipe’s lifespan and makes it more vulnerable to breaks. CCTV inspections allow engineers to recommend whether repair or full replacement is the most cost-effective solution.
Evidence of Poor Installation
Improperly installed systems are prone to repeated failures. Common signs include uneven pipe gradients, poor alignment, or incorrect materials being used. These issues reduce flow efficiency and can trigger ongoing maintenance costs if not corrected.
Vermin or Rodent Entry Points
Drains provide easy access routes for rats and other pests. A CCTV survey can highlight gaps or faults that rodents are using to gain entry, allowing property owners to seal them before an infestation develops.
Flooding and Water Backflow Risks
Blockages, poor design, or damaged pipes can all cause water to back up into a property. Backflow is a serious hygiene risk as it can bring wastewater into kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. Identifying and fixing these risks is crucial for both health and property protection.
How Problems Identified Are Reported
Once the survey is complete, the findings are compiled into a detailed report. This usually includes clear video footage, high-resolution still images, and a written summary of defects. Each issue is graded in terms of urgency, helping property owners understand which repairs should be prioritised.
The report also recommends the best course of action, from cleaning and patch lining to full drain replacement. For property buyers, it can be a powerful tool for negotiations, potentially saving thousands in unexpected repair costs. For homeowners, it provides a practical plan for ongoing maintenance, helping to extend the lifespan of the drainage system and avoid sudden emergencies. Insurers and mortgage lenders may also request these reports as part of their due diligence.
Need a professional CCTV drain survey in Liverpool, Bootle or across Merseyside? Our skilled engineers deliver detailed inspections and clear reports, helping you identify issues before they turn into costly repairs. With transparent pricing and expert advice, we make it simple to protect your home or business.
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