Pre-Purchase Drain Survey

A pre-purchase drain survey is a CCTV inspection of accessible underground drainage at a property you are considering buying. It can identify blockages, damaged pipes, tree root intrusion and other defects before you exchange contracts, helping you understand the condition of the drains and possible repair costs.

At DASA, we have more than 40 years of experience inspecting and repairing drainage systems. We use specialist CCTV equipment to provide clear findings, while our wider residential drainage services mean we can provide support if a problem is discovered.

Call us on 0333 254 6193 to arrange a drain survey before purchasing your new home.

Why Arrange a Drain Survey Before Buying a House?

A general building survey may identify visible signs of a drainage problem, but it does not always include a CCTV inspection of underground pipework. Arranging a home buyer drain survey provides a closer look at accessible underground pipes, where defects can remain hidden until they cause a blockage, leak or collapse.

Finding these problems after completion could leave you responsible for unexpected repairs. An inspection allows you to raise concerns with the seller, solicitor or surveyor before exchanging contracts.

We recommend considering a drain survey when:

The property has ageing drainage
Large trees are located close to the house
An extension has been built over or near the drains
Previous drainage work has been disclosed
There are slow drains or unpleasant smells
The building survey recommends further investigation

What Does a Pre-Purchase Drain Survey Include?

We use CCTV drain survey equipment to inspect accessible pipes without unnecessary excavation. Our engineer guides a camera through the system to assess the pipework and record defects.

Our inspection can include:

CCTV footage of accessible underground drains
Checks for blockages, cracks and displaced joints
Identification of tree root intrusion
Assessment of damage or deterioration
The location of defects within the pipework
Images or footage supporting our findings
Recommendations for repairs or further investigation

The amount of pipework we can examine will be affected by access, the drainage layout and its condition. We will explain any areas we could not inspect.

A Clear Report for Your Property Purchase

At the end of your pre-purchase drain survey, we will provide a report setting out the condition of the inspected drainage. It will record any defects and provide recommendations for the next step.

You can discuss our findings with your solicitor, surveyor or the seller. If work is required, we can provide a quotation before you decide how to proceed.

What Problems Can We Find Below Ground?

Drainage defects are difficult to identify from the surface. Water may continue to flow through damaged pipes until a problem causes a blockage, escape of water or ground movement.

Our CCTV inspection may reveal:

Cracked, fractured or collapsed pipes
Tree roots entering through joints or cracks
Misaligned or displaced pipe joints
Debris, scale or other obstructions
Poorly completed previous work
Leaking connections or restricted water flow
Deterioration in older pipework

The severity and position of a defect will influence the work required. Some issues may need cleaning or a localised repair, while heavily damaged sections may need replacing. We provide professional drain repairs using a suitable method for the affected pipework.

How Does Our Survey Process Work?

We keep the process clear for everyone involved in the purchase.

Arrange the inspection: Provide the property address and purchase details so we can arrange attendance.
Access the drainage: Our engineer identifies suitable access points, such as inspection chambers.
Inspect the pipework: We pass CCTV equipment through accessible drains to record their condition.
Review the footage: We check for evidence of blockages, damage or deterioration.
Receive the report: We provide our findings and recommendations for any work required.
Plan the next step: Share the report with your solicitor or surveyor before exchange.

When Should We Inspect the Drains?

We recommend arranging the survey after your offer has been accepted and before contracts are exchanged. This gives you time to review our findings, obtain estimates and discuss any defects.

When arranging a pre-purchase drain survey, access will usually need to be agreed with the seller or estate agent. The property address and building survey information will help us prepare.

Mature trees, previous extensions and unexplained smells can all justify closer investigation. Damaged pipes can also provide an entry point for rodents. We can assess drainage-related rat problems if there is evidence that animals may be entering through defective pipework.

What Happens If We Find a Problem?

Finding a defect does not necessarily mean that you need to withdraw from the purchase. We will explain the type of problem, its location and the work that may be required. You can then:

Ask the seller about previous drainage work
Request repairs before exchange
Obtain a quotation for the recommended work
Discuss our findings with your solicitor or surveyor
Include the expected repair cost in your decision

If our camera identifies an obstruction, we can provide drain unblocking before inspecting the pipework again. Where we find structural damage, we can recommend a repair based on the condition of the drain and the available access.

Why Choose Us for Your Drain Inspection?

We approach every home buyer drain survey with care, using our findings to provide clear recommendations. Our experience across residential, commercial and insurance drainage work allows us to identify a wide range of defects and advise you on the next step.

When you choose DASA, you receive:

More than 40 years of drainage experience
Nationwide coverage through local engineers
Specialist CCTV inspection equipment
Reports supported by images or footage
Repair and maintenance support if work is needed
Careful inspections with minimal disruption

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Pre-Purchase Drain Survey Worth Having?

Yes. Our survey can reveal underground defects that may not be included in a general building inspection. Identifying damaged pipes, blockages or root intrusion before exchange can help you avoid unexpected repair costs after completion.

Does a Standard House Survey Check the Drains?

A building survey may record visible evidence of a drainage issue, but it may not include a CCTV inspection of underground pipework. We recommend checking the scope of your property survey.

How Long Does a Drain Inspection Take?

The time required varies according to the size of the property, the drainage layout and the number of accessible inspection points. We can provide more information once we know the property details.

Can You Inspect Every Drain at the Property?

We can inspect pipework that is safely reachable through suitable access points. Blockages, inaccessible chambers or the drainage layout may prevent us from surveying some sections. We will record any limitations in our findings.

Can You Repair Problems Found During the Survey?

Yes. We provide repairs, cleaning and blockage clearance alongside our inspection services. If work is recommended, we can explain the available options and provide a quotation.

Book a Drain Survey Before Buying Your Home

A CCTV inspection gives you a clearer understanding of the drainage before you commit to a property. To arrange an appointment, contact us with the address and details of your purchase, or call 0333 254 6193.