CCTV drain surveys are a modern solution to drain diagnostics. They are non-disruptive as there is no need for excavation, which means they’re time saving and cost effective. CCTV drain surveys are what drain specialists use to get a thorough look at the inside of a drainage system. This method of drain inspection can uncover problems such as leaks and cracks that need immediate fixing. They can also identify minor issues such as the early signs of root ingress and prevent them from becoming much more expensive and disruptive problems in the future.
What does a CCTV Drain Survey do?
CCTV drain surveys inspect drain pipes by lowering a small camera into a drainage system and carefully threading it through, getting a full look at all areas inside the drain pipe. A drain specialist is then able to view the images and identify any problems.
CCTV drain inspections are able to identify:
- Drain blockages
- Collapsed drains
- Leaks and cracks, and possible causes
- Root ingress and the early signs of it
- Displaced drain pipes
- Poorly installed drain pipes
- Wear and tear
They can also decipher who is responsible for sections of drainage systems, even so far as to identify who is at fault for any drain blockages or faults when they occur.
When completed, drain surveys include a full report that includes:
- Pipe materials
- Pipe measurements (circumference and length)
- Water flow direction
- Images and videos of the drainage system
- Connections and water levels
- All observations and evidence of each
- Full plan of your drainage system
Do I need a CCTV Drain Survey?
Of course, CCTV drain inspections are incredibly useful, but they’re not always necessary. Many drain experts have enough know-how to be able to diagnose drainage issues without equipment – just by looking. However, for the majority of home owners and property developers, CCTV drain surveys can be incredibly useful and prevent future issues and costs. So, how do you work out whether you need a CCTV drain survey or not? We’ve outlined the most common reasons people need CCTV surveys below, so you can read and decide if it’s for you.
Home Buyer’s Drain Survey
If you’re buying a new property, or selling your current one, a CCTV drain survey is essential to understanding the drainage systems of your new home, and prevent expensive and disruptive problems from occurring in the future. Unfortunately, CCTV drain surveys do not come as part of home buyers surveys as standard, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t important. A home buyer’s drain survey is highly recommended when looking into a new property. Uncovering issues and outlining the plan necessary to fix them is one benefit, but you can also identify ownership and responsibility for sections of drain pipes and any faults within them. The results of the inspection will offer peace of mind to any potential home buyers or property developers.
Drain Surveys to Diagnose Issues
CCTV drain inspections are often used as a means of diagnosing problems within your drain pipes. Perhaps you’ve always had minor drainage issues in your home such as slow draining water in your kitchen sink, or there has been a lingering smell coming from your pipes. There are ways to prevent blocked drains in your home of course, but sometimes problems have occurred before you even move into the property, that don’t develop until later. There are a lot of reasons to consider carrying out a CCTV drain survey, and it is a safe method to ensure nothing gets missed.
We recommend seeking out a drain survey if:
- You notice slow draining water in your property
- You experience low water pressure or slow flowing water
- Drains flooding in your home
- Drains smell bad when using water in your home
It’s also a good idea to have a CCTV drain inspection every few years if you’re a home owner, in order to stay aware of your drainage system and reduce the chance of needing emergency drain unblocking or water repairs in the future.
If you’re still unsure whether or not you need a CCTV drain survey, we are here to help. The Drain Fixers are drain experts with over 18 years experience and our friendly team is on hand to discuss any worries with you and advise you either over the phone or online. Contact us today!