Professional Drainage Inspections: London & Surrey
CCTV drainage inspections to identify blockages, collapses, root intrusion, and structural defects. Written reports written for insurers and local authorities.
What Our Drainage Inspections Cover
A drainage inspection uses high-definition CCTV cameras pushed through your drainage system to provide a real-time visual record of the pipe’s interior. We identify exactly what is causing problems (and where) without any digging or disruption to your property.
📷 CCTV Drain Survey
Camera pushed through drains to inspect every metre of pipe. Footage reviewed and reported. Identifies blockages, fractures, displacement, root intrusion and more.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Drain Survey
Essential check before buying a property. Identifies hidden defects that could cost thousands after purchase. Report provided for solicitors and mortgage lenders.
🚫 Blockage Location
Pinpoint exactly where a blockage sits (and what caused it) before any clearance work begins. Avoids unnecessary excavation and targeted repair.
📝 Insurance Inspection Report
Written drainage inspection report with CCTV footage for insurance claims. Written for insurers. Documents pre-existing conditions and post-damage state.
🌳 Root Intrusion Assessment
Tree roots are a leading cause of drain damage in London and Surrey properties. We identify root intrusion and assess severity before recommending repair options.
🏭 Commercial Drain Inspection
Drainage inspections for commercial properties, housing associations, and managing agents. Larger-bore inspection cameras available for main sewers and commercial drain networks.
When Do You Need a Drainage Inspection?
A professional drainage inspection is recommended in these situations:
- Before purchasing a property, many defects only visible via CCTV
- Recurring drain blockages that standard jetting hasn’t resolved
- Subsidence or ground movement near drain runs
- Damp in ground floor rooms (drainage issues can cause damp as well as leak-related issues)
- Making an insurance claim for drainage damage
- Planning construction work near existing drain runs
- Unpleasant smells from drains or inspection chambers
Link with damp: Leaking drains running beneath or adjacent to your property foundations can saturate the ground and cause damp problems in walls and floors. If you have unexplained damp in a ground floor room, a drainage inspection should be part of the diagnostic process. See also: Damp Surveys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a drainage inspection take?
A standard residential CCTV drainage inspection takes 1 to 2 hours on site. The inspection covers all accessible drain runs from inspection chambers and inspection points. The written report with footage follows the inspection; ask about timing when you book, including for pre-purchase surveys.
What problems can a CCTV drain inspection find?
A CCTV drainage inspection can identify: pipe fractures and cracks, displaced joints, root intrusion, collapsed sections, built-up scale and debris, incorrectly connected drains, and illegal connections to surface water drains. It also confirms the condition of manholes and inspection chambers.
Do I need to clear my drains before a CCTV inspection?
Not necessarily. Our equipment can push through normal flow in most drain runs. If the drain is completely blocked, we may need to clear a partial blockage to get the camera through, but we will advise before starting. We do not typically jet-clean before inspection, as we want to see the drain in its current state.
Will my drainage inspection report be written for my insurer?
Yes. Our drainage inspection reports are written in a clear, evidence-based format for insurers. Reports include HD CCTV footage, a written condition assessment, defect classification, and recommendations. We work directly with loss adjusters where required.
How much does a drainage inspection cost in London?
Domestic CCTV drainage inspections are quoted individually based on property size and the extent of the drain network. Pre-purchase surveys and insurance inspection reports are quoted separately. Call 0800 054 1524 for an accurate quote for your property and requirements.
Get in Touch
Call us or WhatsApp for a quote across London and Surrey.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026. Independent investigation and written reports. Repairs are quoted separately.