CCTV Drain Surveys explained
A CCTV drain survey sends a small camera through your drain. The footage shows cracks, roots, breaks and blocks that you cannot see from above. A survey can also show whether a repair is needed at all, although it cannot fix anything itself.
Surveys help most when a problem keeps returning or when you are about to buy a property, since they give you facts to act on instead of guesses. Ask what the footage will show before you book. A short written summary helps too.
When a drain survey is worth it
A survey costs money, so it should answer a real question. These are the usual reasons people ask for one, although every property differs. Weigh the cost against the problem.
- A drain blocks again and again after being cleared
- You smell sewage but cannot find the source
- Damp patches appear near a drain run, with no obvious leak
- You are buying a property and want to know the state of the pipes
- You need to know whether a drain can be lined, or must be dug up
If a drain turns out to be damaged, a survey also helps you choose the right fix. As a result, you pay only for the repair you need. See drain repairs for the main options.
What the report should cover
Reports differ between engineers, however, so ask what you will receive before you agree. A useful report names each defect and says where in the pipe it sits. It also says what the engineer suggests doing about it.
- Video footage you can keep and share
- A written list of defects with their positions
- A drain plan or sketch that shows the pipe route
- Whether defects are graded to a recognised standard
- A clear statement of what was and was not surveyed
Getting the camera into the drain
Most surveys need a way in, such as a manhole or an inspection chamber. If you cannot find one, tell the engineer in your request. Ask whether the camera can enter another way, for example through a gully.
Typical UK costs for a CCTV drain survey
These ranges come from published UK cost guides. They are not Dundee quotes, and a survey with a full written report still costs more than a short look. Wider surveys usually cost more.
| Survey | Range the guide gives | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic survey | £100 to £300 | less.co.uk |
| Domestic survey | £100 to £300 | Book A Builder |
| Wider range of domestic surveys | £90 to £500, average £250 | MyJobQuote |
| Homebuyer survey | £150 to £350 | less.co.uk |
| Full investigation | £300 to £600 | less.co.uk |
Ask whether the price covers the report and the footage, or only the visit. Then ask for the quote in writing before work starts, since the scope changes the price. A clear scope helps you compare quotes.
Two kinds of survey
A pre-purchase drain survey checks the pipes before you buy. A drainage investigation traces a known fault, such as a repeat block or a smell. Pick the one that matches your question, since the two jobs differ.
Local pages for this service
Each local page covers this service for one town. Start with CCTV drain surveys in Dundee, which is the main page. If you are further out, read drain survey in Newport-on-Tay or Tayport CCTV drain survey guide. Each of those pages links back here. On the Fife side of the Tay, there are also pages for drain survey Tayport and drain survey Wormit.
Ask for help
Use the request form at the top of the page. Say what the problem is, where it sits and whether it is urgent, so the engineer can plan. Then ask for a written quote before work starts.
Go to the request formCCTV Drain Surveys questions answered
What does a CCTV drain survey involve?
An engineer feeds a small camera through the drain from a manhole or other access point. The camera records the inside of the pipe while it moves along. The footage then shows cracks, roots, breaks and blocks.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
Book A Builder says a domestic survey takes one to two hours, although the time depends on the length of the drain and how easy it is to reach. Ask the engineer for an estimate when you request the quote. Shorter runs usually take less time.
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
Published UK guides give £100 to £300 for a domestic survey, and MyJobQuote gives a wider range of £90 to £500. These are not Dundee quotes, and prices still vary. Ask whether the price includes a written report.
Is a drain survey worth it?
It is worth it when a problem keeps returning or when you need facts before a repair or a purchase. As a result, you avoid paying to clear the same block again and again. Ask what the survey will answer before you book.
Can a drain survey be done without a manhole?
Most surveys use a manhole or inspection chamber to get the camera in. If your property has none, ask the engineer whether the camera can enter another way, for example through a gully. The answer depends on the pipe and the equipment.
Do I need a drain survey when buying a house in Scotland?
Nothing in this guide says you must have one. A general property survey looks at the building, yet it may not include a camera inspection of underground drains. Ask your solicitor or surveyor what your survey covers, and consider a drain survey if the pipes worry you.