CCTV Drain Survey FAQs
The most common questions about CCTV surveys, answered in plain English.
Still have questions? Ask DrainageGPT about your specific situation.
Cost questions
- Basic look-see: ~£100–£200 (short run, minimal reporting)
- Full coded report: £250–£500+ (includes stills, video, defect coding, mapping)
- What affects price: length, cleaning needed, access, tracing/mapping, reporting level
- See our cost guide for full breakdown
What's included
- Video footage of runs surveyed
- Defect coding and key still images
- Site plan/map where tracing is included
- Clear next-step recommendations (monitor, lining, excavation)
- Professional report for insurance or Building Control
Timing & process
- Duration: 1–2 hours for typical homes, longer for complex sites
- Preparation: cleaning/jetting if needed first
- Disruption: minimal—uses existing access chambers
- Report delivery: usually within a few days
When surveys are worth doing
- Property purchase: reveals hidden defects before you buy
- Insurance claims: provides evidence of damage type and location
- Recurring blockages: identifies root cause (roots, collapse, scale)
- Extensions/renovations: confirms existing layout and condition
- Selling property: demonstrates system condition to buyers
Common concerns
- Will it damage pipes? No—cameras are gentle and designed for safe passage
- Do I need to be present? Usually yes, to provide access and discuss findings
- Can it see everything? Most defects, but extreme blockages may require clearing first
- Is it mandatory? Not legally, but often required by insurers or solicitors
Related:
CCTV Drain Surveys