Do you ever get that sinking feeling when you turn on the kitchen tap and the water starts backing up?
Or when you flush the toilet and the bowl takes forever to clear? You know that there’s a problem somewhere in your drainage system. But it’s not in front of your eyes. You can’t see it. And that’s what makes it so frustrating.
The fact is, the real problems are going on where you can’t see. Beneath the surface of your property. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
Wrong. Your drainage system could be falling apart right now and you wouldn’t even know it. Until it’s too late.
Because without a CCTV drain survey, you have no visibility of the condition of your most expensive systems. You are literally gambling with your property.
The good news is that there’s a solution. A CCTV drain survey uses the latest camera technology to provide a clear and detailed picture of what is going on in your drains.
In this article you will discover…
- What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
- Why CCTV Drain Surveys Matter for Homeowners
- The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Drain Problems
- When You Should Book a CCTV Drain Survey
- How CCTV Drain Surveys Can Save You Money
- Finding the Right CCTV Drain Survey Service
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It uses a high-tech video camera to look inside your drainage pipes.
Here’s how it works. A waterproof camera is fed into your drain system on a long flexible rod. The camera transmits a live video feed to a monitor. This allows drainage experts to see the condition of the inside of your pipes.
The camera can snake through bends, joins and multiple pipe sizes to give you a complete picture of your drainage system. It’s almost like x-ray vision for your drains.
Cool, huh?
But technology is only part of the story. The real value of a CCTV drain survey is in the information it reveals. We’re talking:
- Blockages that have been building up over the years
- Cracks and other damage that could become major leaks
- Root intrusion from trees and plants
- Pipe misalignment that impedes water flow
- Corrosion that weakens your entire system
This is not an educated guess based on poking around in a manhole. You get actual video evidence.
Why CCTV Drain Surveys Matter for Homeowners
Let me tell you something that might surprise you…
Water damage from drainage problems costs UK homeowners over £707 million per year. That’s an average cost of £858 per incident.
That’s a lot of cash.
But here’s the thing most people don’t realise. The vast majority of these incidents start out small. Tiny cracks and minor blockages grow into catastrophes over time.
Think about it. A small crack in a drain pipe doesn’t look like much. A tiny amount of water pooling in your yard. But that crack is not going to stay small. It will get worse over time. Roots from nearby trees will find their way into the pipes. Small pieces of debris will build up in the cracks.
Suddenly you have a major blockage or a completely collapsed pipe.
When that happens, you’re not just talking about a simple drain cleaning or unblocking job.
You could be facing:
- Complete replacement of pipes, at thousands of pounds in cost
- Property damage from backing sewage or flooding
- Emergency call out fees
- Heavy excavation work that ruins your landscaping
The scary part is that 1 in 7 drainage incidents cost over £1,500 to repair. Some are significantly more.
A CCTV drain survey can catch these problems when they are small and manageable. Instead of throwing thousands at emergency repairs, a CCTV survey might find you need only a simple cleaning or minor fix.
The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Drain Problems
Here’s another thing that most homeowners don’t think about…
Drainage problems can seriously impact your home value. Serious backed up drains make your property less attractive to buyers and can reduce value by thousands.
Not only that but backed up drains create the ideal environment for bacteria and mould to grow. That can lead to all kinds of health problems for your family.
Insurance companies are getting much stricter about water damage claims too. If they can prove that you ignored clear signs of drainage problems, they may refuse to pay out.
Don’t forget about the stress of dealing with a drain failure. It always seems to happen at the absolute worst time.
When You Should Book a CCTV Drain Survey
Ok so when should you get professional and affordable CCTV drain surveys done?
Here are some of the obvious signs you should look for:
- Persistent bad odours from your drains
- Slow drainage that is not responding to cleaning
- Gurgling sounds when water goes down the drain
- Water backing up in more than one drain
- Visible damage around drain covers or manholes
Smart homeowners don’t wait for these things to happen though…
Here are some other situations when you should get a CCTV drain survey:
- Buying a new home – Most home surveys don’t cover in-depth drainage checks. A CCTV drain survey can uncover potentially expensive problems before you sign on the dotted line.
- Before a major renovation – Got plans for a new kitchen or bathroom? Make sure your drainage system can cope with the changes.
- After severe weather – Heavy storms and flooding can damage underground pipes in ways that you can’t see.
- Routine maintenance – Think of it like servicing your car. Regular CCTV drain surveys can help you to stay on top of problems.
One of the best things about CCTV drain surveys is that they are completely non-invasive. No digging, no mess, no disruption. You get the results the same day.
How CCTV Drain Surveys Can Save You Money
Ok so what’s the best thing about CCTV drain surveys?
It’s the cost. They typically range between £85 and £350. Depending on the size and complexity of your drainage system.
Compare that to thousands you might spend on emergency repairs.
Small problems are always cheaper to fix. A CCTV survey could reveal a small blockage that costs £100 to clear. This could prevent a £2,000 pipe replacement further down the line.
If you don’t have CCTV footage, plumbers will have to try and guess where the problem is located. Accurate CCTV footage allows for focused and efficient repairs.
If you’re buying a home and the survey reveals drainage issues, you can negotiate a lower price. Or you could ask the seller to fix problems before completion.
Finding the Right CCTV Drain Survey Service
All drain survey services are not equal…
Here are some things to look for when choosing a company.
Make sure they use high-definition cameras and provide clear footage. You should get a comprehensive written report as well as the video footage. Look for certified drainage professionals who can correctly interpret the footage.
You want a company that is familiar with drainage issues in your local area. They should also have no hidden fees and be able to explain the findings in plain English.
Everything Comes Together
Homeowners that understand the value of CCTV drain surveys are the smartest ones out there.
A CCTV drain survey gives you complete visibility of the condition of your drainage system. For a relatively low cost.
Think about it this way. You wouldn’t drive your car for years without checking the engine. Why would you live in your home without knowing what’s going on with your drains?
UK homeowners spend hundreds of millions of pounds every year dealing with avoidable drainage problems. The smart ones use CCTV drain surveys to stay on top of these problems.
If you’re buying a new property, planning renovations or just want some peace of mind. A CCTV drain survey gives you the information you need to make informed decisions.
Don’t wait until you’re paying through the nose for emergency repairs or dealing with insurance companies. Take control of your drainage system’s health with a professional CCTV drain survey.
