Commercial Pre-Purchase Drain Survey

A pre-purchase drain survey can reveal faults beneath a commercial property before ownership changes hands. It gives buyers, landlords and investors time to ask questions, plan work and review costs.

DASA has over 40 years of experience working with business properties and larger drainage systems. We use CCTV equipment to inspect accessible pipework. We have all relevant accreditations and memberships, including Constructionline Gold, NADC, CHAS, SMAS, SafeContractor, SSIP, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, training and documented risk assessments, and safe-working arrangements.

Call 0800 142 2783 to discuss the property and survey requirements.

Commercial Properties We Can Assess

We can inspect drainage serving many types of commercial property, including:

Offices and retail units
Restaurants, pubs and hotels
Warehouses and industrial premises
Healthcare and education buildings
Residential blocks and managed developments
Sites with several buildings or external service areas
Properties due to be refurbished or redeveloped

The survey scope will reflect the size of the premises, the drainage layout and the access available. If the site is large or has several buildings, we may ask for drainage plans or further details before arranging attendance.

Inside the Drainage Inspection

We use specialist CCTV camera equipment to examine accessible underground pipes serving the property. Existing inspection chambers usually allow us to view the system without excavation.

Our engineer looks for cracked or collapsed pipework, displaced joints, root intrusion, leaks, restricted flow and signs of deterioration. Commercial systems may also contain grease, silt, scale or other deposits caused by heavier use.

We record any areas that could not be reached. This is important on sites where chambers are covered, the drainage route is unclear or an obstruction prevents the camera from travelling farther through the pipe.

Planning the Site Visit

Before the visit, you provide the property address and any available drainage information. Access can then be agreed with the seller, agent, occupier or relevant site contact.

On site, our engineer identifies suitable entry points and guides the camera through accessible sections of the drainage. The footage is reviewed for defects, obstructions and signs that previous work has not been completed correctly.

Where the source or route of a problem remains unclear, a drainage investigation can provide further evidence using suitable inspection and tracing methods.

Your Commercial Drainage Findings

After the survey, we provide clear findings covering:

The condition of the pipework we inspected
The type and position of identified defects
Areas that could not be accessed
Cleaning, repair or further investigation we recommend
The priority of any work identified
Available images or CCTV footage supporting the findings
A quotation where we are asked to price the recommended work

This information can be shared with your solicitor, building surveyor, property adviser or investment team as part of the due diligence process.

Using the Report During Due Diligence

Drainage problems can affect toilets, kitchens, customer areas, yards, loading areas and car parks. Identifying them before completion can help you:

Ask the seller about earlier drainage work
Request that a fault is repaired
Allow for work within an acquisition budget
Plan repairs alongside refurbishment
Set priorities for maintenance after completion

A defect does not always prevent the purchase from proceeding. The report gives you better evidence for deciding what needs attention, when the work should be completed and who should meet the cost.

Planning Repairs and Ongoing Maintenance

If debris or a blockage prevents access, commercial drainage contractors can clear the affected section before the camera inspection continues.

Cracked, displaced or collapsed pipes may need a local repair or replacement. Our commercial drainage services allow the work to be planned around access restrictions and the intended use of the building.

Some findings may not need immediate repair but should be monitored. Commercial drain maintenance can then focus on high-use sections, recurring build-up or areas more likely to cause disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the survey findings include?

We explain the condition of the inspected pipework, the location of any defects and any sections we could not access. You will also receive recommendations for cleaning, repairs or further investigation, with available images or CCTV footage to support the findings.

Can you inspect an occupied or multi-building site?

Yes, where safe and suitable access is available. We agree arrangements with the relevant site contact and may request drainage plans for larger premises. Cameras normally enter through existing inspection chambers, so excavation is not usually required.

Can you quote for repairs before the purchase is completed?

Yes. If we identify faults that need attention, we can explain the repair options and provide a quotation. This helps you discuss costs with the seller and allow for any necessary work within your purchase budget.

Discuss a Survey for Your Commercial Property

Send the property address and available site information through our contact form or call 0800 142 2783 to arrange your pre-purchase drain survey.