Having a poor drainage system can be incredibly frustrating for homeowners, and fixing the issue requires understanding what exactly the problem is. A CCTV drain survey can help you find out whether there are any blockages or damage to your drains. This article covers everything you need to know about drain inspections, including the average CCTV drain survey cost in the UK and other factors involved in getting a drainage inspection.
By completing a drain camera inspection with a CCTV camera, you can get a clearer picture of what’s going on and take the necessary steps to improve the drainage system in your home. If you’re moving into a new property or have persistent problems with your drains, it’s a good idea to commission a professional drain survey. So, how much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
How much does an average CCTV Drain Survey cost?
Average CCTV drain survey cost in the UK: £160
Get local prices
£45
LOW COST
£160
HIGH COST
£90
AVG COST
The average cost for a CCTV drain survey is £90. You are likely to spend between £45 and £160 in total. Exact CCTV drain survey prices may vary depending on your area and project details.
Next Step: Find out exactly how much your project will cost.
How much does a CCTV Drain Survey cost?
Average cost in UK: £90
£45
LOW COST
£160
HIGH COST
£90
AVG COST
The average cost for a CCTV drain survey is £90. You are likely to spend between £45 and £160 in total. The exact price may vary depending on your area and project details.
What is a CCTV drain survey?
A CCTV drain survey is a live inspection of your drainage system using a special camera that is inserted into the drains. The equipment used in the CCTV drain survey is quite advanced, and detailed pictures and CCTV footage of the various sections of the drainage pipes are provided. This allows drainage engineers to identify any potential issues with your drainage system. Identifying any potential drain blockages or other problems early on can help to prevent more serious and costly issues from developing further down the line. The necessity for a CCTV drain survey occurs when there is a blockage in one of your pipes or drains. You’ll be able to see if any repairs are required for future drain blockages once the inspection is completed. Minor blockages that can usually be cleaned while doing the survey will most likely be included in the cost.
A CCTV drain survey is a comprehensive examination of your drainage system using high-tech equipment by an experienced engineer. So, if you’re concerned about the state of your drains, it’s well worth consulting with your local drain experts to learn more about CCTV drain survey information.
How Much Does a CCTV Drain Survey Cost?
Have you recently moved into a new home and want the place looked over before you settle in? Or are you experiencing regular drain blockages and don’t know what to do about it? Well, if you’ve tried fixing the problem yourself, or even if you are simply tired and fed-up with the recurring problem affecting your day-to-day activity, then why not look into hiring someone to carry out a CCTV drain survey on your property for you?
A CCTV drain survey will determine whether your drains and pipes need unblocking or repairing. Many people have a drain survey carried out before they move into a new property or if they have persistent problems with blocked drains and pipes. Professional camera engineers can usually get a drain survey done in a single day; arriving early to check for any external defects, and then using advanced technological equipment to inspect the pipes and carry out any repairs to prevent further blockages.
Drain Survey Cost Summary:
Average CCTV drain survey
Low Range Cost – £45
High Range Cost – £160
Average Cost in the UK – £90
Basic CCTV drain survey
Low Range Cost – £85
High Range Cost – £235
Average Cost in the UK – £160
Full CCTV drainage surveys with report
Low Range Cost – £200
High Range Cost – £350
Average Cost in the UK – £275
Drain surveys – large property
Low Range Cost – £350
High Range Cost – £450
Average Cost in the UK – £400
Additional Costs of a CCTV Drain Survey
Prices for a drain CCTV survey may vary depending on the size of your pipework and how much you want to be inspected. When hiring a tradesperson to conduct a drain survey, you should also bear in mind other tasks that must be completed, such as:
Drainage Jobs
You might need to set money aside for various drainage jobs, especially if you come across problems with the drainage system while conducting a drain survey. The cost of drainage work is determined by the task, however, here are a few examples:
Drain Jetting: If the line is dirty or blocked, cleaning and unclogging drains may be necessary. High-pressure jetting equipment will be required to clean the line first. Depending on the extent of the blockage it will cost between £100 and £200.
You may also want to install a Soakaway drain beneath your driveway, which will help with drainage and prevent flooding. The process to install a soakaway drain is complex and can take up to three days. The price for this project ranges from £500 to £1,000 depending on the size of the soakaway you choose.
If your drain survey indicates that your line is broken, you will need to repair the drain line breakage, which can take one to two days and cost around £850.
The prices for these jobs will differ by region in the UK, the sort of work done, the local drain experts you hire, and the materials drain surveyors utilize.
Guttering
If you are looking to improve the drainage system around your home, it might be worth considering having your guttering replaced. Guttering is an important part of a drainage system, as it helps to funnel rain and water away from your home. The cost of having new guttering installed will vary depending on your location, the size of your home, and the materials used. It is generally a relatively affordable home improvement project. The average cost to replace old guttering on a terraced house is £400-£500. Guttering installation typically costs more for detached homes, so speak to your local drain expert to get an accurate estimate.
Home Survey
If you are in the process of moving, you may need to get a home survey in addition to a drain survey. The cost of a home survey varies based on factors such as the type of survey, location within the UK, and property size. Some home surveys will check for things like roofing problems, drainage system issues, and termite damage, while others will just be a visual inspection of the property. The cost of a new-build survey typically falls between £260 and £620.
Types of CCTV Drain Survey
CCTV drain surveys come to different extents, and it is useful to know which one you need before having the survey done. This will help understand the potential costs involved and give you a better idea of which CCTV drain survey would be most efficient for your needs.
Here are the three primary types of CCTV drain surveys your local drainage professional will likely offer:
Standard Drain Survey
A standard drain survey is the most basic drain inspection to find drainage problems in your home. This will involve a camera being sent through your drains to check for any damage or blockages. If any problems are found with your existing drain, the surveyor will be able to provide you with a drain survey report detailing the repairs that need to be carried out.
Comprehensive CCTV drain survey
This survey is a more in-depth drain survey than the standard one as it will include a comprehensive drain inspection of your drain. It’s ideal for properties that have had ongoing drainage problems or for those that are planning to sell their home.
Drainage and mapping survey
This is the most extensive and thorough survey and involves creating a detailed map of your drainage system. The surveyor will use this map to identify any potential problems with your drains and suggest solutions. This type of survey is perfect for large properties or those with complex drainage systems.
Reasons to Get a CCTV Drain Survey
There are several reasons to get a CCTV drain survey, such as:
Buying or Selling Property
When purchasing an older home or one with a lengthy history, drain surveys are highly recommended. A home buyer’s drain survey is commonly needed by mortgage providers and insurers before they will agree to finance the deal.
Construction
If you plan to build over an existing drain, we recommend that you get a full drain survey first. This will ensure that there are no blockages that could become trapped. By preventatively maintaining your home, you avoid future repairs and save money in the long run.
Sewage Backup
Sewage backup may result from regular plumbing usage over time. Alternatively, if there is some sort of blockage preventing water from flowing properly, it will back up and try to find a new exit.
The toilet isn’t flushing properly
If your toilet isn’t flushing correctly or if you notice strange sounds whenever you flush it, that may mean the water is backing up. You could try to fix the problem by plunging, but it may not work. A CCTV drain survey should be done without delay to prevent any potential clogging, which could then lead to more costly damages.
Bad Smells
If you have foul odors emitted from your drains, this is likely due to blocked drains. Over time, hair, soap, dirt, and other grime can collect in your drain and create a blockage that emits a foul smell.
What can CCTV drain surveys find about your drainage system?
The purpose of a full drain survey report is to examine your pipes and drainage system for any potential issues or problems. This includes assessing the impacts of time, weather, and chemicals on the pipes. A drainage report can be requested for various reasons, as listed below. CCTV footage of your drainage system can provide the following insights.
Blockages
Tree roots and blockages are common issues with drains because they can enter the pipe through cracks or fractures on the surface. You will be able to find that there’s a tree root in your drain. This happens because the roots are making it hard for the water to get through.
Collapsed Drain and Pipe System
Bad odors, slow water drainage, dampness, and structural damage are all signs that your drain system is collapsing. Collapsed drains are common but can be hard to catch because they happen gradually over time from blockages and flooding.
Corrosion
All drainage systems will have to deal with corrosion, wear and tear, or rusted pipes at some point in their lifespan. These things frequently happen because metal pipes are often exposed to different chemicals and minerals, as well as cold air, and dirt, which can cause the pipes to rust.
If your water starts running colder, slowly, and with a foul odor, you should get your pipes and drainage checked.
Additional Drain Survey Cost Information
Prices will vary according to the size of your pipework and how much you want to be inspected, but the following table can help give a sense of just how much this service might set you back:
First Hour: £78 (8am – 6pm), £108 (6pm – 11pm), £133 (11pm – 8am)
Per 15mins afterward: £20 (8am – 6pm), £27 (6pm – 11pm), £33 (11pm – 8am)
Saturday: Additional £18
Sunday: Additional £28
Bank Holidays: Additional £28
Xmas and New Year: Additional £28
Delays in accessing drains will increase the number of labour costs. In London and other parts of southern England, engineer labour costs generally tend to be more expensive than in other parts of the country.
Of course, these prices are just guidelines based on standardized quotes; when looking for a plumber or contractor to conduct your CCTV drain survey you should shop around for a number of different quotes and offers to get the best deal available. Ask friends and relatives if they know of anyone reliable and trustworthy who has worked on their property before; don’t forget to request and check references as well. This way you are guaranteed to find someone eager and willing to carry out the survey at the highest standard – helping to solve your drain blockage as soon as possible and get things fixed and back up and running right away!
Advantages of a CCTV Drain Survey
Various builders, plumbers, and other home improvement contractors offer the relatively new CCTV drain survey as part of an overall service package. It might sound like an extravagant, high-tech solution to a simple problem, but these surveys actually save homeowners a lot of time and money in the long run; they identify the source of the problem almost immediately, allowing the contractor to get to work straight away and from an angle which they know won’t damage any other part of your pipe-work or plumbing system. Plus they prevent excessive water waste, and you might even find lost valuables or sentimental items at the root of the problem!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do a CCTV Drainage Survey Myself?
CCTV drain surveys aren’t suitable for a DIY job. Drainage contractors use equipment and technology that is very specialised, which would require a large investment at first. All drain surveyors who perform this procedure are also trained and competent in every required associated procedure, which is especially important for the survey of the complex drainage system.
What will a CCTV drain survey report include?
A comprehensive drainage report should cover pipe diameters, material, invert levels of accessible manholes, length, the direction of flow, drain usage, and water levels.
How can I prevent future drain blockages?
The most effective way to prevent future drain blockages is by not flushing non-biodegradable products, and scraping away any food from plates into a separate bin before washing them. This will help you avoid unnecessary waste and ultimately save you time unclogging your pipes.
