A Guide to CCTV Drain Survey Reports

A CCTV drain survey report is a detailed assessment of the condition of a property’s drainage system and is based on solid evidence captured by high-definition camera technology. This makes it a quick and accurate tool to use to avoid excavation. It can include recorded footage, still images, defect grading, mapping of the drainage layout and recommendations for maintenance and repairs.

This month at Express Drainage Surveys, we’ve created a detailed guide to explain what a CCTV drain survey report is, what it includes and how the process works. We’ll also highlight why it’s important to choose a specialist provider, such as our team, to give you a reliable and comprehensive report backed by the latest professional expertise.

What is a CCTV drain survey report?

Your CCTV drain survey report will be a formal document produced after one of our drainage engineers has used specialist waterproof cameras in your pipework to inspect the overall condition. The camera provided live footage for the engineer, who can assess everything from blockages and cracks to structural damage and hidden defects you may not be aware of.

These surveys have become a lot more common in the UK, since they allow professionals to pinpoint issues without the invasive digging usually required. Whether it’s a drainage problem, you’re planning building works or you’re moving home and need an assessment, a CCTV survey gives clear, factual insights into the condition of your system.

There are slightly different types of CCTV drain surveys you can have carried out, depending on what you need, each with a slightly altered report:

Basic condition surveys: These are ideal for diagnosing everyday issues or just confirming that your system is running smoothly.
Homebuyer or pre-purchase drain surveys: These are essential if you need to understand the true state of the drains for a property you are buying.
Build-over drain surveys: These are generally only ever needed when building an extension over public or shared drainage.
Drain mapping and tracing survey: These are helpful when you need to identify unknown pipe runs or produce a diagram for architects and surveyors.

Why homeowners need a CCTV drain survey report

For plenty of homeowners, they only think about their drains when something goes wrong. A CCTV drain survey report not only helps get to the bottom of existing issues, but it can also prevent more serious damage from developing by spotting problems early.

We recommend getting a report carried out on your drains if you:

Have recurring blockages or slow-draining sinks and plugholes
Bad smells or damp patches near to your drains
Suspect you have collapsed pipework somewhere
Experience unexplained flooding or back-up
Have tree root intrusion, especially if it’s in an older clay system
Are about to purchase a home and don’t want to inherit costly underground problems
Are about to build an extension and need to comply with planning requirements by protecting the existing drains

But you may be left wondering what the real benefits of a CCTV drain survey report are. Here are just five key reasons to have one carried out:

You can identify precisely what and where the problem is, instead of guessing
You can prevent structural issues, such as subsidence, caused by leaking pipes
You can show clear evidence for any insurance claims
You can get accurate repair quotes based on real footage
You can spot future risks early, saving the headache of major excavations later

For many people, the survey can provide reassurance at the very least, putting clarity into something that is otherwise impossible to see.

How a CCTV drain survey works: step by step

Getting familiar with how a CCTV drain survey works will help make the final report you receive that little bit easier to understand. While every property is different, most professional drainage companies will follow a similar process:

Initial assessment. Your engineers should start by discussing what issues you are having and the purpose of the survey. This will help them determine which parts of the system to inspect and what to look out for.
Accessing the system. Manhole covers, or inspection chambers, will be used to allow the camera to enter the pipework. Sometimes, debris and blockages may need to be cleaned first to allow for a clean view.
Camera insertion. Specialist equipment, including push-rod cameras or crawler units, is inserted into the drainage system. Designed for tight spaces, it can travel significant distances underground.
Real-time inspection. Your engineer can watch the live footage to note any cracks, blockages, root ingress, collapsed sections and much more.
Additional mapping. If required, your engineer may mark out the exact route and depth of your drains to provide a complete picture.
Recording and logging of findings. Once complete, all images, footage, measurements and observations can be recorded before being compiled into one structured report.

What can be included in a CCTV drain survey report?

Since different providers may offer different services per property, what you get in your report may vary. However, most high-quality CCTV drain survey reports will include:

Video footage and still images, capturing defects from multiple angles
Structural condition assessment, evaluating wear, deterioration, corrosion and stability
Defect identification and grading, categorising the severity of each finding
Drain mapping and layout with diagrams, depths and gradients
Repair recommendations outlining the best solution for any identified issue
Cost estimates for repairs, with a breakdown of the price and potentially a timescale

Why choose Express Drainage Surveys?

At Express Drainage Surveys, we’re proud to be trusted experts in CCTV drain inspections for the UK. We combine advanced technology with years of experience to produce a clear, comprehensive report for homeowners, surveyors and property professionals.

With a wide variety of drainage services, we can assist you in looking after your property. Find out more about what our team can do for you below:

Contact us today to book your CCTV drain survey and get both clarity and confidence with this essential service. We’re always happy to help and can explain in more detail what a survey will involve if you have any further queries.