Buying a house is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime, and alongside the excitement comes the necessary due diligence. You’ll likely get a structural survey, check for damp, and do all the other standard house-buying checks. But, have you considered what’s lurking beneath the surface? That’s where a CCTV drain survey comes in.
A CCTV drain survey provides a detailed inspection of your potential property’s drainage system, using state-of-the-art camera technology. A pre-purchase survey is an often-overlooked check, but it can uncover hidden issues that could cost you thousands down the line.
If you’re wondering whether a home buyer’s drain survey is worth the cost, we’ll break it all down for you here.
Opting for a CCTV drain survey comes with several benefits, especially as you’re about to make such a significant financial commitment.
While beneficial, CCTV drain surveys are an extra expense. On average, costs range from £100-£400 depending on the property. However, if it prevents future repair bills running into the thousands, the survey more than pays for itself.
Despite being out of sight, problems in drainage systems can result in substantial inconvenience and high costs. Here are some key issues that a CCTV drain inspection can detect:
Over time, drains can develop cracks or fractures due to pressure, age, or shifting ground. If left untreated, these can escalate into full collapses, leading to costly repair work.
Mature trees near a property are a lovely aesthetic, but their roots can infiltrate underground pipes, causing blockages or worse, breaks.
Your future dream home might be sitting on a drainage system clogged with grease, silt, or even construction debris. A CCTV survey will detect a blocked drain before it causes major issues.
Pipe joints can shift or become misaligned over time, causing leaks and water wastage. CCTV cameras can locate these faults with amazing precision.
Imagine spending £300 on a CCTV drain survey only to find that everything is perfectly fine. It may seem like a wasted expense at first. But now imagine skipping the survey and, six months down the line, finding yourself with a collapsed drain that costs £3,000 to repair. Which situation would you rather be in?
For properties with older drainage systems or ones surrounded by large trees, a CCTV drain survey provides invaluable insight. Even with newer homes, unexpected problems can arise, especially if the builder hasn’t adhered to best practices. Spending a small amount upfront can save you significant amounts of time, money, and stress further down the road.
Not all properties require a CCTV drain survey as standard. However, it’s highly recommended in the following circumstances:
Your dream home deserves to be free of hidden surprises. A CCTV drain survey might seem like a minor consideration, but it could save you thousands and plenty of headaches later. Whether you’re purchasing an older home, spotting troubling signs, or just want peace of mind, investing in a professional CCTV drain survey is the smart move.
Contact BDS Drainage for a free tailored quote and see how our expert team can help ensure your next home is a solid investment. Don’t risk it – check it!
At BDS Drainage, we’ve been helping homeowners and buyers protect their investments for years, offering expert CCTV drain surveys throughout London, Essex, Kent, and Surrey. Here’s why choosing us is a no-brainer:
Our professionals use state-of-the-art camera equipment to give you the clearest insight into the condition of your drains.
After completing your CCTV survey, we’ll present you with a detailed survey report that outlines all of our findings with a suggested course of action. We’ll even give you a free quote for any necessary remedial work which we are often able to complete immediately after giving your your detailed drainage report.
Need drainage support urgently? We’re here whenever you need us.
All our work comes with a solid guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind.
Fantastic service doesn’t have to cost the Earth.
Start your house purchase with confidence. Request your free quote for a CCTV drain survey today and experience our unrivalled service.
A CCTV drain survey uses a small, high-tech camera that’s inserted into your drains. It provides real-time footage of your drainage system, allowing engineers to identify any faults or problem areas.
On average, a thorough drain survey takes around 1-2 hours. However, this can vary depending on the size of the property and the complexity of the drainage system.
The typical cost ranges from £100 to £400 depending on the property’s location and system size. At BDS Drainage, we offer competitive pricing – get in touch for a personalised quote.
No, it’s not legally required when purchasing a home. However, it’s highly recommended to identify any hidden drainage issues before committing to a property.
While a CCTV survey is exceptionally comprehensive, there may be rare cases where further investigation is needed (e.g., for structural issues outside the camera’s line of sight).
Yes, a CCTV drain survey is an excellent tool for drain mapping. It provides a detailed and accurate representation of the drainage system, including identifying the layout, pipe connections, and any hidden sections. This information is particularly useful for planning renovations, repairs, or extensions, ensuring that no existing drainage pathways are disrupted.
This post was last modified on 03/10/2025 11:53
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