A CCTV drain survey uses a camera to inspect your underground pipes. We explain what it involves, our straightforward pricing, and the clear signs you might need one.
What Exactly is a CCTV Drain Survey?
Put simply, a CCTV drain survey is a detailed video inspection of your underground drainage pipes. Our engineers feed a high-resolution, waterproof camera on a flexible push-rod into your drains. This sends a live feed to a monitor, allowing us to see the exact condition of the pipe's interior, pinpoint any problems, and record the footage for you.
It’s the most accurate way to diagnose drainage issues without guesswork or unnecessary digging. The alternative is often excavation based on an estimate of where a blockage or collapse might be, which can be costly and disruptive if it's in the wrong place.
Our Straightforward Pricing for a Drain Survey
We believe in clear, upfront pricing for this service. Our standard survey price is based on a standard residential visit, which includes the engineer's time, the CCTV equipment, and a detailed report with the video findings. This is a fixed investigative fee.
If the survey reveals a problem that needs fixing—like clearing a tough blockage or repairing a broken pipe—we will provide a separate, itemised quote for that repair work. You will always see the survey cost and any subsequent repair cost broken down clearly before any further work begins. There are no hidden fees for the survey itself.
Clear Signs You Might Need a Drain Survey
You don't need a survey for every slow-draining sink. But there are specific situations where it becomes a wise investment. If you have recurring blockages that a standard drain clear can't solve permanently, a survey finds the root cause—like a collapsed pipe or root intrusion.
It's also highly recommended before purchasing a property, as it reveals hidden drainage defects a standard survey won't catch. If you're planning major garden work or an extension near drain runs, a survey maps their exact location and condition to avoid costly damage. Finally, if you have unexplained bad odours or frequent backups with no obvious source, the camera finds what you can't see.
In these cases, paying for the survey upfront can save you significant money later by avoiding exploratory digging or missing a major defect during a property purchase.
The Honest Value: Peace of Mind & Accurate Quotes
The core value of a CCTV survey is certainty. It turns a mystery into a known, documented fact. For us, it means we can give you an accurate, fair quote for any necessary repair because we know exactly what we're dealing with—the size, material, and exact nature of the fault.
For you, it provides proof and peace of mind. You see the problem for yourself in the video report. There's no doubt about what needs doing or why. This transparency is central to how we work. We charge a fair price for the diagnostic survey so that any repair quote that follows is grounded in evidence, not estimation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
We charge a standard, upfront fee for a residential CCTV drain survey. This covers the engineer's visit, equipment use, and a full video report. The price is fixed for the investigation. If the survey finds a problem requiring repair, we will provide a separate, itemised quote for that work before proceeding.
Is a drain survey worth the money?
In many situations, yes—it can save you money overall. For persistent issues or before a property purchase, it identifies the exact problem. This prevents paying for unnecessary excavation or buying a home with hidden, expensive drainage faults. It ensures any repair quote you get is accurate and fair.
What's included in the survey report?
You receive a detailed report with the recorded video footage, a written summary of the pipe's condition, the location and nature of any defects (measured from an access point), and still images of key issues. This report provides the evidence needed to plan any repairs.