What is a CCTV Drain Survey and How Can It Save You Money?

A CCTV drain survey is a modern and highly effective method used to inspect the condition of drainage systems. By using high-tech equipment and CCTV cameras, engineers can examine drains and pipes without the need for excavation. The process provides a clear and detailed assessment of the interior of your drainage system, identifying blockages, leaks, structural damage, and other potential problems. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process, benefits, and how CCTV drain surveys can help you avoid costly repairs.

How Does a CCTV Drain Survey Work?

A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a camera into the drainage pipe system to capture footage of the interior of the pipes. The camera travels through the drains, sending back detailed images of any issues, such as blockages, leaks, or structural damage like cracked or displaced joints. This non-invasive process allows engineers to assess the condition of the drainage system without disrupting your property.

The CCTV footage is then analysed by professionals, who can determine the exact location and severity of any problems. With this information, the engineer can identify the necessary repairs or maintenance to keep the systems and the system functioning smoothly.

Why Do You Need a CCTV Drain Survey?

Whether you’re a home buyer or experiencing drainage problems in your existing property, a CCTV drain survey is essential. Here are a few reasons why you might need one:

1. Pre-Purchase Inspections: For home buyers, it’s crucial to understand the condition of the property’s drainage system before making a purchase. A CCTV drain survey can help identify any potential problems that could lead to costly repairs later on.
2. Investigating Drainage Issues: If you’re facing blockages, leaks, or recurring drain issues, a CCTV drain survey is the most effective way to diagnose the cause. It eliminates the guesswork that often comes with more traditional methods of identifying problems.
3. Maintenance: Regular CCTV surveys of your drainage system can help prevent future problems by spotting build-up signs or minor damage before it escalates into something more severe.

Common Drainage Problems Identified by CCTV Drain Surveys

A CCTV drain survey can reveal a wide range of drainage problems, from minor issues to more serious structural damage. Some of the most common problems identified include:

• Blockages: A blockage in your drain could be caused by debris, grease, or even tree roots invading the pipes.
• Displaced joints: Over time, pipes can shift or become misaligned, causing displaced joints that lead to leaks and blockages.
• Cracked or damaged pipes: Structural damage, such as a tear or crack in the pipe, can result in water escaping, causing further damage to your property.
• Leaks: Small leaks can go unnoticed for a long time, leading to significant water loss and even damage to surrounding areas.

Identifying these various drain issues early through a CCTV drain survey means you can take action before they lead to costly repairs or even more severe damage to your property.

The Benefits of CCTV Drain Surveys

So, how exactly does a CCTV drain survey save you money? Here are some key ways it can help:

1. Prevention of Major Repairs: By identifying problems early, a CCTV drain survey helps you avoid more serious and costly issues. For instance, a small leak or displaced joint may seem minor, but if left untreated, it can lead to significant damage that could require expensive repairs, including excavation.
2. No Need for Excavation: Traditional methods of inspecting a drainage system often involve digging up the ground to locate and fix issues. This is time-consuming, invasive, and costly. A CCTV drain survey provides a non-invasive solution, as it requires no excavation to assess the condition of your drains.
3. Accurate Diagnosis: With the exact location and nature of the problem identified, you can fix the issue quickly and efficiently. This minimises unnecessary work and ensures that you only pay for what’s actually needed.
4. Long-Term Savings: Regular CCTV drain surveys help you stay on top of the maintenance of your drainage system, which means fewer emergency repairs and less money spent.

The CCTV Drain Survey Process

The CCTV drain survey process is straightforward and efficient. Here’s what to expect:

1. Inspection: A high-resolution camera is inserted into the drain to provide a full inspection of the pipes.
2. Recording: The CCTV footage is recorded, offering a visual representation of the drainage system’s condition.
3. Assessment: Engineers assess the drainage survey results to identify any potential problems.
4. Report: A detailed report is generated, which usually includes DVD footage or a digital copy of the CCTV survey, outlining any issues and suggested repairs

Who Should Conduct a CCTV Drain Survey?

It’s important to hire qualified professionals, like Trent’s Drains, with the right equipment and expertise to conduct your CCTV drain survey. The engineers should be able to handle a range of drainage issues, from minor blockages to more complex structural concerns. Additionally, if you’re selling your home, a CCTV drainage survey could also be a requirement from the local water authority or to fulfil your responsibilities as a homeowner. Trent’s Drains offers CCTV drain surveys across Bristol and the South West for those who require a survey.

Can a CCTV Drain Survey Help With Water Authority Issues?

In some cases, your local water authority may require you to complete a CCTV drain survey to determine the extent of any drainage problems. This can help clarify the responsibility for fixing the issue, whether it falls on the homeowner or the water authority.

What to Do if Issues are Found?

If your CCTV drain survey uncovers issues such as leaks, displaced joints, or structural damage, don’t panic. With the exact location of the problem identified, repairs and inspections can be carried out quickly and efficiently. Depending on the drainage system, solutions may range from minor repairs to non-invasive techniques like relining the pipes, which avoids the need for full excavation.

Final Thoughts

Investing in regular CCTV drain surveys can save you significant money in the long run. Whether you’re a new homeowner or simply want to ensure your drainage system is in good working order, a CCTV drain survey is the most effective way to inspect and maintain your drains. By catching potential problems early and providing a clear plan for repairs, you can protect your property and your wallet from unnecessary damage.

Trent’s Drains is one of the leading drainage companies operating in the South West. We offer a range of drainage services, including emergency repairs and CCTV drain surveys. If you require one of our services, contact us at 0117 453 3802 today.