What Is a CCTV Drainage Survey?

What Are CCTV Drainage Surveys?

A CCTV drainage survey is where a camera is put into the drainage system. It shows the condition of the pipework and defects, such as:

– Cracks
– Open joints
– Displaced joints
– Backfall
– Objects that may have got into the pipework
– Root ingress

In order to have a CCTV drainage survey, there needs to be access to the drainage system via a manhole or inspection chamber. The drain also needs to be clear, so it may need unblocking before carrying out the survey.

What Will the Report Include?

Following a CCTV survey you will receive comprehensive report, which will include information such as:

– Pipe diameter
– Depths
– Material
– Condition

It will also include a simple drawing of the site and drainage layout. If there are any issues found as a result of the survey, then there may be recommendations too.

A CCTV survey can show where any problem may be, allowing for a more accurate evaluation of cost to rectify any issues. It can also be used to determine the responsibility for the drains.

CCTV Cameras and the Process

A drainage CCTV camera is a specialist piece of equipment. The camera head is attached to a coiler unit which allows the camera to be inserted into the drain. It sends live images back to the operator who is able to see what is going on in the drain.

The operator can take still images which can be embedded into the report and highlight various aspects, such as:

– Connections
– Open joints
– Objects that should not be in the drains

All this information is stored on the camera monitor’s computer. The computer is then brought into the office where it is downloaded onto specialist software, converting the information into a report for our clients.

What Are the Types of Drainage Surveys?

1. Pre-Purchase Survey

A surveyor may request a survey to determine the condition of the drains, especially if they note an issue when they are undertaking a general survey.

Whereas, a mortgage provider may request one to make sure the drain is fully functioning. It is good practice to have a CCTV drainage survey done whenever purchasing a property.

2. Survey Prior to Building Works

Architects will often require a survey of the drain system to identify what drainage there is and where it runs to and from to allow plans for an extension. This will often go alongside a drain trace to determine the depths of the pipe and where the drain run actually is.

3. Investigation Survey

Drains don’t block without a cause. Generally, it’s because something has gone down them that shouldn’t or there is a problem with the run, like root ingress or a collapsed drain.

If there have been repeated issues with drain blockages, we may recommend a CCTV drain survey to gain a better picture of what is going on. If we do find an issue, then we can offer remedies to correct it.

4. Vermin Survey

Pest controllers often recommend a CCTV drain survey to investigate the drainage if they attend to properties with a vermin issue. Drains can be the means of vermin accessing a property, so the survey can identify redundant runs that the vermin may be using and whether it can be capped off.

5. Sonar Drain Trace

Alongside CCTV surveys is drain tracing which uses sonar that tracks the camera head, identifying where the drainage is and its depths. This can only be used where there is access into the drain and externally.

Need a CCTV Survey?

There are several reasons to carry out a CCTV drainage survey, which you can discover more about in our ‘3 Signs You Need a CCTV Drain Survey‘ article.

For a domestic service you can trust, contact DrainCall today. We are your local family-run business with over 25 years in the drainage sector.