The most common type of drain survey. If you’re buying a property, a CCTV drain survey reveals the true condition of the drainage system before you commit. Standard homebuyer’s surveys and building surveys do not include drainage inspection where a CCTV survey fills this critical gap.

DrainsCo’s pre-purchase surveys provide a clear pass/fail condition report for every section of pipe, with footage and recommendations. This gives you the information to negotiate the purchase price, request remedial work from the seller, or budget for post-purchase repairs.

When you’re experiencing recurring blockages, foul smells, slow drainage, or damp issues, a diagnostic CCTV survey identifies the root cause. We survey the full system from the property to the public sewer connection, locating every defect, obstruction, and performance issue. The findings inform whether you need clearance, repair, relining, or replacement.

Insurance companies frequently require CCTV evidence to process drainage claims. DrainsCo provides survey reports formatted for insurance submission, with clear descriptions of the damage, annotated footage, and professional assessments of cause and recommended remediation. We also carry out post-repair surveys to confirm the completed work for claim closure.

Planning to build an extension, conservatory, or new structure near a public sewer? The local water authority may require a build-over CCTV survey to confirm the drain’s condition before and after construction. DrainsCo provides build-over survey reports that meet water authority requirements and can be submitted directly as part of your application.

After any drainage repair, relining, or installation, a CCTV survey verifies the quality of the completed work. DrainsCo includes a post-work CCTV check as standard with all repair and installation services, and we offer standalone verification surveys for work carried out by other contractors.

• Blockages & obstructions — Grease, debris, foreign objects, and root mass.
• Cracks & fractures — Hairline cracks, longitudinal fractures, and circumferential breaks.
• Displaced joints — Where pipe sections have shifted out of alignment, creating ledges and gaps.
• Root intrusion — Roots entering through joints, cracks, or connection points.
• Deformation — Particularly in pitch fibre pipes that have lost their circular profile.
• Collapsed sections — Where the pipe has caved in and flow is severely restricted or stopped.
• Scale & deposit build-up — Mineral, calcium, and iron deposits reducing internal bore.
• Pipe material & condition — Identifying clay, PVCu, pitch fibre, cast iron, concrete, and assessing overall condition.
• Connection defects — Incorrectly made connections, protruding laterals, and missing seals.

Every DrainsCo CCTV drain survey includes:

• HD video footage of the full survey, downloadable and shareable
• Annotated still images of every defect identified
• A written condition report with defect descriptions and severity grading
• A drainage system map showing pipe routes, materials, and connection points
• Prioritised recommendations for any clearance, repair, or replacement work needed
• Fixed-price quotes for any recommended remedial work