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What Is a CCTV Drain Survey and When Do You Need One
CCTV Drain Surveys

What Is a CCTV Drain Survey and When Do You Need One

A CCTV drain survey uses a specialist waterproof camera to inspect the inside of your drainage system. The camera is fed through the pipework, transmitting live footage to our engineers who assess the condition of every section in real time.

The survey produces a detailed report with video footage, still images, and a written assessment of every defect, obstruction, or area of concern. For commercial properties, this is essential before acquisitions, renovations, insurance claims, or when diagnosing persistent drainage problems.

Unlike excavation, a CCTV survey is completely non-invasive. There is no digging, no disruption to your property or tenants, and the process typically takes a few hours depending on the size of the drainage network.

Our Survey Services

Types of CCTV Drain Survey We Offer

We carry out CCTV surveys for a range of commercial purposes. Each survey type produces a full report with video evidence and expert recommendations.

Commercial Acquisition Surveys

  • Full drainage assessment before property purchase
  • Identify hidden defects that affect property value
  • Detailed report suitable for solicitors and surveyors
  • Covers all accessible drainage runs on site
Acquisition Surveys →

Rodent Ingress Surveys

  • Identify entry points where rodents access via damaged drains
  • Locate cracks, displaced joints, and missing interceptors
  • Recommendations for rat blockers and pipe repairs
  • Follow-up surveys to confirm remedial work
Rodent Ingress Surveys →

Pre-Installation & Condition Surveys

  • Assess existing drainage before new installations
  • Identify root ingress, collapsed sections, or inadequate capacity
  • Drain mapping and asset register creation
  • Supports planning and building control submissions
New Installation Surveys →
The Survey Process

How It Works

01

Access & Setup

We identify the best access points across your site and deploy the correct camera equipment for your pipe sizes and layout. No digging required.
02

Live CCTV Inspection

Our high-resolution cameras capture real-time footage from inside every drainage run. We inspect for blockages, cracks, root ingress, displaced joints, and structural damage.
03

Analysis & Mapping

We log every defect with its precise location, severity rating, and recommended action. Where required, we produce a full drain map showing your entire drainage layout.
04

Detailed Report & Video

You receive a comprehensive report including video footage, annotated still images, a defect log with priority ratings, and costed repair recommendations.
CCTV Drain Surveys

Why Survey Your Drains

Non-Invasive Diagnostics

No excavation, no disruption. A CCTV survey inspects your entire drainage system from the inside without digging a single hole.

Prevent Costly Surprises

Identify cracks, blockages, and structural damage before they become emergencies. Early detection saves thousands in reactive repair costs.

Evidence-Based Reporting

Every survey produces a detailed report with video footage, photographs, and a prioritised defect log. Evidence you can share with insurers, solicitors, or building owners.

Drain Mapping & Asset Registers

Know exactly where your drains run, their condition, and their capacity. Essential for property managers, developers, and facilities teams.
London Drainage Services are accredited by:
Reports & Pricing

What You Get From a CCTV Drain Survey

What your survey report includes

  • Recorded video footage of every drain run surveyed
  • Still images of each defect, marked with its position along the pipe
  • A defect log with a severity rating for every issue, so you can see what needs action now and what can be planned
  • Pipe details for each run, including material, diameter and direction of flow
  • A drain plan showing manholes, pipe runs and connections, where drain mapping is included
  • Clear recommendations with costed repair options

What affects the cost of a CCTV drain survey

Every site is different, so we quote a fixed price once we understand yours. The main factors are:

  • The number of drain runs and the total length to be surveyed
  • Access: how many manholes and inspection chambers there are, and whether they can be opened
  • Whether the drains need jetting clean first so the camera can see the pipe walls
  • Whether you need a drain map or asset register as well as the report
  • Out-of-hours working to avoid disruption to trading or tenants

Tell us about your site and we will send a fixed quote with no call-out charge.

Who we carry out surveys for

Facilities managers, managing agents, housing associations, restaurants and commercial kitchens, hotels, offices, schools, developers, and buyers’ solicitors and surveyors across London and the Home Counties.

CCTV Drain Surveys

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
Cost depends on the size of the drainage network and the type of survey required. We provide a fixed quote after understanding your site — no hidden charges or call-out fees.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
Most commercial surveys are completed within a few hours. Larger sites or multi-building portfolios may take a full day. We work around your operational hours.
Will the survey disrupt my business?
No. CCTV surveys are completely non-invasive. There is no digging, no noise, and no disruption to building occupants. Our engineers work discreetly and efficiently.
What does the survey report include?
Full video footage, annotated photographs of every defect, a written condition assessment with severity ratings, and costed recommendations for any repairs needed.
Can you survey drains before I buy a property?
Yes. Our commercial acquisition surveys are designed specifically for this. The report is suitable for solicitors, surveyors, and price negotiations.
Do you provide drain mapping?
Yes. We can produce a complete map of your drainage layout showing pipe runs, connections, manholes, and any areas of concern. This is essential for facilities management and future maintenance planning.
Can you detect rats in drains?
Yes. Our rodent ingress surveys identify entry points, damaged pipes, and missing interceptors that allow rodents to access buildings via the drainage system. We recommend and install preventative measures including rat blockers.
What areas of London do you cover?
All London boroughs and the Home Counties. We carry out CCTV surveys across central London daily and can usually attend within 24–48 hours of booking.
When would I need a CCTV drain survey?
There are several situations where a CCTV survey is recommended. These include recurring drainage problems, unpleasant smells, slow drains, before buying or selling a property, after tree root removal, or as part of a planned maintenance programme. It is also commonly requested for insurance or compliance purposes.
Can London Drainage Services carry out repairs after the survey?
Yes. If the survey reveals any issues that require attention, our team can provide a competitive quote for the necessary repairs and in most cases carry out the work directly. This means you benefit from a seamless service with a single trusted contractor handling both the survey and any follow-on works.
How often should commercial drains be surveyed?
For most commercial buildings, a survey every 12 to 24 months as part of a planned maintenance programme is sensible. Busy sites such as restaurants, hotels and multi-occupancy blocks, or sites with a history of blockages, benefit from more frequent checks.
Can a CCTV survey support an insurance claim?
Yes. Our report and footage record the location and nature of any damage, which insurers usually ask for when assessing a drainage claim. Check your policy for what it covers.
Do the drains need cleaning before a survey?
Sometimes. If pipes are blocked or heavily coated with grease or silt, we jet them clean first so the camera can record their true condition. We will tell you in advance if this is likely to be needed.
Can you carry out surveys out of hours?
Yes. For restaurants, hotels, offices and retail sites we can survey early in the morning, in the evening or at weekends to avoid disrupting your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
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