What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey involves sending a high-resolution camera through your drain pipes to inspect them from the inside. It's the most accurate way to diagnose drain problems — and it can reveal issues that are completely invisible from the surface.
But how do you know when you actually need one? Here are five signs to look out for.
1. Persistent or Recurring Blockages
If you're regularly reaching for the plunger or calling out a drain engineer, something more than a surface-level blockage is likely going on.
Recurring blockages often indicate:
- Root intrusion — tree roots entering through cracks and growing inside the pipe
- Pipe misalignment or collapse — causing waste to pool and build up
- Scale or fat build-up — narrowing the pipe bore until it can't self-clear
A CCTV survey pinpoints the exact location and cause, so the repair is targeted rather than guesswork.
2. Slow Draining Sinks, Baths or Toilets
Slow drainage across multiple fixtures — especially on different floors of the property — suggests a problem deeper in the drain network rather than a localised blockage.
This is a common early warning sign of a partial collapse or significant build-up further along the pipe. A camera inspection will confirm it quickly.
3. Foul Smells From Drains or Garden
If you notice persistent bad smells from your drains or sewage odours in the garden, it's worth investigating. This can indicate:
- A cracked or leaking drain allowing sewage to escape underground
- A partial blockage causing waste to sit and decompose in the pipe
- A collapsed section where material is trapped
Left untreated, leaking drains can cause subsidence, damp and structural damage.
4. You're Buying a Property
A pre-purchase CCTV drain survey is one of the most valuable investments a home buyer can make.
Drain defects are rarely visible during a standard property survey, but they can be expensive to fix. A camera survey before you exchange contracts can reveal:
- Root damage from nearby trees
- Cracked or collapsed sections
- Misaligned joints from ground movement
- Drains that cross boundaries (shared or adopted drains)
If a problem is found, you can negotiate on price or request the seller to repair it before completion.
5. Planning a Home Extension or Garden Work
If you're planning to build an extension, dig a new garden, or install a driveway, you need to know exactly where your drains run.
A CCTV survey maps the drain network accurately, so builders don't accidentally break pipes — and you know which areas of the garden to avoid. Some planning applications also require drain survey reports.
How Much Does a CCTV Drain Survey Cost?
At DrainGuard 24/7 Ltd, CCTV drain surveys start from £80. Every survey includes a full written report and video footage — suitable for solicitors, insurers and planning authorities.
We cover the whole of Northeast England, including Newcastle, Sunderland, Gateshead, Durham, Cramlington and Northumberland.
Call 07887 212 447 to book a survey — available 24/7, no call-out fee.
