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Read moreWhen your drains start acting up, slow-draining sinks, unpleasant smells, or recurring blockages, the real problem is often hidden deep underground. Rather than digging blindly or guessing, modern drain specialists use CCTV drain surveys to obtain a clear, detailed picture of what’s happening inside your drainage system.
At Coastal Drains, we use advanced camera technology to inspect your drains quickly, cleanly, and accurately. Whether you’re facing a blockage, buying a new property, or planning building work, a CCTV drainage survey gives you peace of mind and prevents small issues from becoming major repairs.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey (or CCTV drainage survey) is a non-invasive inspection method that uses a high-resolution waterproof camera to examine the inside of your drainage pipes. The camera is carefully fed into the drain through an access point, providing live video footage of the entire system.
This allows drainage engineers to identify:
- Cracks, fractures, or collapsed pipes
- Blockages and debris build-up
- Tree root ingress
- Misaligned or displaced joints
- Corrosion or wear in older pipes
Unlike traditional inspections, a CCTV survey doesn’t require any digging or disruption. It’s fast, efficient, and provides factual evidence about your drain’s condition.
How Does a CCTV Drain Survey Work?
A professional CCTV drain inspection typically follows a step-by-step process:
- Accessing the system – Engineers locate the nearest inspection chamber or manhole.
- Inserting the camera – A flexible, high-resolution camera is inserted into the drain.
- Live video assessment – The camera sends real-time images to a monitor, showing any structural issues or blockages.
- Recording and reporting – All footage is recorded and later analyzed to create a detailed drainage report.
- Expert recommendations – Based on the findings, you receive professional advice on repair, cleaning, or maintenance.
At Coastal Drains, our engineers use industry-leading cameras capable of navigating bends and long runs, giving you a full view of your drain’s condition from start to finish.
When Should You Get a CCTV Drain Survey?
You don’t need a survey every time your sink blocks up, but certain situations make a CCTV drain survey essential:
1. Before Buying a Property
Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and hidden drain problems can lead to expensive surprises later. A drain survey for homebuyers reveals the true condition of underground pipework before contracts are signed.
It helps detect issues like cracked pipes, root intrusions, or collapsed sections that might otherwise go unnoticed during a standard home inspection. A small upfront cost could save thousands in repairs.
If you’re a buyer or property investor, Coastal Drains offers fast, reliable CCTV surveys for drains with full video reports and recommendations.
2. When You Have Persistent Blockages
If you keep calling out drain clearance companies for recurring clogs, the problem likely runs deeper. A CCTV drainage survey can uncover the root cause, whether it’s debris build-up, misaligned pipes, or tree roots invading the line.
Once the cause is identified, our team can carry out targeted drain clearance or repairs, ensuring the issue doesn’t return.
3. After Construction or Renovation Work
Building work, especially extensions or landscaping, can accidentally damage underground pipes. A CCTV drain inspection after construction ensures no debris, heavy machinery, or ground movement has affected your drains.
This is particularly important before connecting new drainage systems to existing ones. A quick inspection ensures everything flows smoothly and complies with regulations.
4. When You Notice Foul Smells or Slow Drainage
Unpleasant odors and slow-draining water are often signs of trapped waste, blockages, or pipe deterioration. Rather than guessing where the issue lies, a CCTV drainage survey near me can accurately pinpoint the problem area, saving time and avoiding unnecessary excavation.
5. If You Suspect Structural Issues
Problems like subsidence, damp patches, or ground movement around your property could be linked to damaged drains leaking water into the soil. A CCTV survey helps confirm whether drainage faults are contributing to structural issues, allowing timely repairs before the situation worsens.
6. Regular Maintenance for Older Systems
If your property’s drainage is several decades old, scheduling routine CCTV drain surveys is a smart way to stay ahead of potential problems. Over time, older clay or cast-iron pipes can crack, corrode, or shift. Early detection prevents major failures.
What Does a CCTV Drainage Report Include?
After completing your CCTV drainage survey, you’ll receive a detailed report that outlines:
- Drain layout plan – showing where pipes run and connect.
- Condition summary – noting cracks, root ingress, or corrosion.
- Video footage or images – visual evidence of the findings.
- Severity grading – using a traffic light or grading system (good, moderate, poor).
- Repair recommendations – what actions are needed and their urgency.
At Coastal Drains, we keep our reports simple, visual, and easy to understand. We also provide clear next steps, whether that’s cleaning, relining, or full repair.
Why Are CCTV Drain Surveys Important?
Your drainage system is mostly hidden, so small problems can grow unnoticed until they become expensive emergencies. Regular drainage surveys are essential for several reasons:
1. Accurate Diagnosis
CCTV surveys show the exact cause and location of problems, no guesswork, no unnecessary digging.
2. Preventive Maintenance
Identifying early warning signs like small cracks or build-up helps prevent major issues later.
3. Saves Time and Money
Because the inspection is non-invasive, it’s faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
4. Essential for Homebuyers and Landlords
Survey footage and reports provide documented proof of drain conditions useful for insurance claims, tenancy agreements, or property sales.
5. Environmental Protection
Leaking drains can contaminate soil and groundwater. A CCTV drain inspection ensures your system operates safely and efficiently.
What Can a CCTV Drain Survey Detect?
CCTV drain surveys can identify a wide range of issues, including:
| Issue | Description |
| Blockages | Caused by fat, grease, debris, or foreign objects. |
| Root Ingress | Tree roots are entering pipes through tiny cracks. |
| Collapsed Pipes | Resulting from ground movement or old age. |
| Displaced Joints | Misalignment allows leaks or blockages. |
| Corrosion or Scaling | Common in older metal pipes. |
| Leaks and Cracks | Allowing wastewater to escape into the surrounding soil. |
Once identified, our engineers will recommend the best solution from simple cleaning to advanced repairs like drain relining or pipe replacement.
How Long Does a CCTV Drain Survey Take?
For a typical home, a full CCTV drain survey takes around 1–2 hours, depending on the system’s complexity and access points. Commercial or industrial sites can take longer.
You’ll receive your full report, including images, video, and recommendations, within a few days of the survey.
Advanced Technology for Precision Results
At Coastal Drains, we use advanced drain cameras capable of navigating long pipe runs, tight bends, and varying diameters. Our equipment provides high-definition footage, ensuring even the smallest defects are detected.
We also offer drain tracing, a specialist service that uses electronic transmitters to map the exact route of your underground drains. This is ideal for construction projects or when locating unknown pipework before excavation.
How Often Should You Book a CCTV Drain Survey?
- Homeowners: Every 3–5 years or after major ground movement.
- Landlords: Once every tenancy or when required by insurance.
- Commercial properties: Annually or as part of routine maintenance.
Regular surveys give you peace of mind and help you avoid emergencies caused by unnoticed damage.
Why Choose Coastal Drains for Your CCTV Drain Survey?
With years of experience serving customers across the South East, Coastal Drains is known for fast response times, honest pricing, and high-quality workmanship.
We provide:
- Fully qualified drainage engineers
- The latest CCTV equipment
- Easy-to-understand reports and footage
- 24/7 emergency callouts
- Affordable survey and repair packages
We don’t just inspect, we help you understand your drains. Whether you need a full survey, tracing, or drain clearance, our team ensures your system flows smoothly.
Book Your CCTV Drain Survey Today
If you suspect drainage issues or simply want peace of mind about your underground system, book a professional CCTV drainage survey with Coastal Drains today.
We’ll provide a full inspection, clear reporting, and expert guidance on the next steps without unnecessary disruption.
Contact our friendly team now via our Contact Page or call us directly for a free, no-obligation quote.
Final Thoughts
A CCTV drain survey is one of the smartest investments you can make in your property’s long-term health. It’s quick, non-invasive, and gives you the full picture before costly damage occurs.
Whether you’re buying a property, tackling recurring blockages, or planning renovation work, Coastal Drains provides professional CCTV drainage surveys across Sussex and the South East, helping you make informed, cost-effective decisions about your drains.
