Find out what is going on under the ground
Get a CCTV drain survey for your home, and relax
A CCTV drain survey uses cutting-edge inspection camera technology to assess pipework, delivering compliant WRC (Water Research Centre) reports on your drainage system.
Every engineer is extensively trained and brings years of hands-on experience across countless surveys. Their certification is included with every report, so you can be confident your drains are inspected to the highest industry standards.
Get help to prevent costly damage and repairs with advanced surveying technology, which has helped businesses and homeowners save thousands of pounds through early detection.
The numbers speak for themselves
A CCTV drain survey is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect yourself from unexpected drainage expenses. Here's why savvy homeowners and buyers choose to invest in one.
£5,000
Potential cost of excavating and repairing a collapsed drain (can be a lot more).
18%
The number of home buyers who experience problems with drains in first year of ownership.
What is a CCTV Survey?
A CCTV drain survey uses a specially designed waterproof camera that is fed through your property’s accessible underground drainage system. The camera transmits real-time, high-definition footage to a monitor, allowing a trained surveyor to inspect your pipes without any excavation.
The survey produces a detailed report including video footage, still images and a full assessment of the condition of your drains. It maps out the accessible drainage network beneath your property, identifying defects, blockages or areas of concern.
This non-invasive technology means there’s no disruption to your property or garden — the camera simply enters through existing access points such as manholes or drain openings.
When should you get a CCTV Drain Survey?
There are several situations where a professional drain survey can save you time, money and stress. Here are the most common reasons homeowners and buyers book one.
Pre purchase survey
Structural Problems
Build-over for extensions
Blockages
Insurance or Legal Disputes
Why you need a CCTV drain report before buying your home
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you’ll make. While a property may appear well-maintained during viewings, defects can lead to expensive repairs if left undetected. A home survey can only see visible issues so a CCTV drain survey is essential to see hidden underground problems.
Peace of mind before you buy
If you’re purchasing a property, a drain survey reveals hidden drainage defects that could cost thousands to repair. It gives you the full picture before you commit.
Save money on repairs
Catching a small crack or root ingress early can save you from a full drain collapse later. Early detection means simpler, cheaper fixes — often saving homeowners £5,000 or more.
Identify problems you can't see
Drains are out of sight and out of mind — until something goes wrong. A CCTV survey finds blockages, cracks, displaced joints and tree root damage before they cause flooding or subsidence.
Negotiate a lower price
Armed with a professional drain report, you can potentially negotiate a lower price or request the seller fixes issues before completion. It’s a powerful tool at the negotiating table.
Protect your property's value
Regular drain inspections help maintain your property’s condition and value. Demonstrating well-maintained drainage can be a real selling point when it’s time to move on.
Comprehensive report
You’ll receive a detailed written report with annotated footage, condition grading and clear recommendations — giving you an actionable understanding of your drainage system.
What problems can a CCTV drain survey find?
Many drainage issues are invisible from the surface. Here are the most common problems a CCTV drain survey reveals — problems that, left undetected, can cost homeowners thousands of pounds.
Tree root ingress
- Roots from nearby trees and shrubs seek out moisture, and your drains are an easy target.
- They force their way through joints and cracks, causing blockages and eventually breaking pipes apart.
- Left unchecked, root damage can lead to drain collapse and costly excavation work.
Cracked or Fractured Pipes
- Ground movement, age and heavy traffic can cause pipes to crack.
- Even hairline fractures allow water to leak into surrounding soil, which over time can undermine foundations and cause subsidence.
- A survey catches these cracks before they widen into fractures.
Collapsed Drains
- A collapsed drain is one of the most expensive problems to fix, often requiring excavation of driveways or gardens.
- CCTV surveys detect weakened sections early, allowing for relining or patch repairs rather than full replacement.
Blockages and Fat Build-Up
- Grease, wet wipes and debris gradually build up in your pipes, reducing flow and eventually causing backups.
- A survey identifies the location and severity of blockages so they can be cleared before they cause flooding inside your property.
Displaced or Open Joints
- Over time, pipe joints can shift or separate, allowing soil and water to enter the drainage system.
- This leads to sinkholes in gardens, persistent damp and even structural damage to nearby walls and floors.
Bellied or Sagging Pipes
- When sections of pipe dip or sag, water and waste collect in the low point, creating recurring blockages and foul odours.
- A CCTV survey pinpoints the exact location so targeted repairs can be made without unnecessary excavation.
What repairs can follow a drain survey?
Once a CCTV survey has identified the issue, the right repair method can be recommended — often far less disruptive and expensive than you might expect.
Drain relining (no dig repair)
- A resin-saturated liner is inserted into the damaged pipe and cured in place, creating a new pipe within the old one.
- It’s quick, minimally invasive and avoids digging up driveways or gardens.
Patch repairs
- For localised cracks or small fractures, a patch liner can be applied to a specific section of pipe.
- This is a cost-effective fix when the rest of the drain is in good condition.
Drain descaling and clearing
- Mineral deposits, limescale and hardite build-up restrict water flow over time.
- High-pressure jetting or mechanical descaling restores the pipe to its full bore diameter.
Root cutting and removal
- Specialist root-cutting equipment removes tree root ingress from inside the pipe, followed by relining to prevent regrowth.
- Catching roots early avoids full pipe replacement.
Excavation and pipe replacement
- When a pipe has fully collapsed or is beyond repair, targeted excavation replaces only the affected section.
- A survey pinpoints the exact location, minimising disruption and cost.
Booking a CCTV drain survey with Survey Hut
From booking to receiving your report, the process is designed to be hassle-free.
How the Process Works:
- Get a Quote – Leave your details below, use the messaging function on our contact page or give us a call and we’ll send you a quote
- Book Your Survey – Ask any questions you may have, then instruct us to do the survey.
- Expert Inspection – We’ll book the inspection and an experienced drainage surveyor will conduct a thorough CCTV drain survey.
- Receive a Detailed Report – You receive an easy-to-understand, comprehensive report within a few days.
- Discuss Your Report – You’ll have the opportunity to speak with a drainage surveyor to answer any questions and provide additional guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
Prices vary depending on the size of the property and the extent of the drainage system, but a typical residential CCTV drain survey starts from £350. Considering a single drain excavation can cost many thousand pounds, it’s a very worthwhile investment.
Can I add a drain survey to my existing home survey?
Absolutely. A CCTV drain survey can be added alongside your Level 2 or Level 3 Home Survey. We’ll coordinate the visits to make the process as seamless as possible for you.
Do I need a drain survey when buying a house?
While not legally required, a drain survey is strongly recommended — especially for older properties, those with large trees nearby, clay soil, or any home where drainage issues could be lurking unseen. Many conveyancing solicitors and RICS surveyors now advise their clients to have one carried out as standard.
Can I get a drain survey without getting a home survey?
Yes. You can have a CCTV drain survey as a standalone service.
Do I always need a build over agreement if building on or near a sewer in the north west of England?
- Location: Any building or extension within 3 metres of the centreline of a public sewer requires approval.
- Prohibitions: You must never build over a manhole cover or inspection chamber.
- Process: Contact United Utilities to ensure the development does not damage the network, limit access, or reduce capacity.
- Exceptions: If the pipe is small (less than or equal to 225mm in diameter) and shallow (less than 3m deep), local building control may approve it instead.
Will the survey cause any damage to a property?
No. CCTV drain surveys are completely non-invasive. The camera is inserted through existing access points like manholes or inspection chambers. There is no need for any excavation, digging or disruption to your property.
How long does a drain survey take?
A typical residential survey takes between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the drainage system. You’ll receive your full report within a few working days.
What happens if problems are found?
Your report will clearly outline any defects found, their severity and recommended next steps. This gives you the information you need to plan repairs, negotiate on a property purchase, or simply monitor a minor issue over time.
Can a drain survey be done on any property?
A CCTV drain survey can be undertaken on any property with an accessible manhold or inspection chamber.
I've got a blocked drain, can you a CCTV survey still be done?
If the drain is blocked it will need to be unblocked and cleaned prior to the CCTV survey. This is something we can arrange and undertake as part of the CCTV survey.
Will you explain your findings?
Definitely. You’ll have the opportunity to go through the report so it is fully understood.
Do I get copies of the photos and videos?
Yes. You will be able to download and view the photos and videos from the survey.
Can you survey a commercial property?
Yes. We are able to provide bespoke quotes and undertake a CCTV drain survey on commercial property.
CCTV drain surveys are carried out by our trusted network of specialist drainage surveyors, fully insured and experienced in residential drainage inspection. All surveys are coordinated through Survey Hut.