Drainage Investigations

Drainage investigations help identify the cause of recurring blockages, unexplained smells, water pooling and suspected pipe damage below ground. DASA carries out these investigations for homeowners, landlords, property managers, businesses and insurers across the UK.

Our engineers use specialist equipment to find the underlying cause, assess the condition of your drainage system and explain what action is needed. With more than 40 years of experience, we can manage the initial inspection, cleaning and any required repairs.

Call 0800 142 2783 or complete our enquiry form to arrange an assessment.

When Is an Investigation Needed?

Some drainage faults are easy to recognise, but their cause may remain hidden underground. A single blocked drain may be caused by a build-up of waste, while repeated blockages can indicate root ingress, a displaced joint or a damaged section of pipework.

Arranging an investigation on your drains early can help prevent an unresolved fault from causing wider disruption or property damage. We recommend an inspection if you have noticed:

Blockages that return after being cleared
Slow drainage from several fixtures
Foul smells inside or outside the property
Water pooling around drains or gullies
Damp patches with no obvious source
Gurgling sounds from sinks, toilets or showers
Signs of ground movement or subsidence
Suspected pest access through damaged pipework

By inspecting the system, we can establish whether you are dealing with an isolated issue or a fault that requires repair.

What Does the Investigation Include?

We begin by discussing the symptoms you have noticed, how long they have been present and whether any work has already been completed. Our engineer can then inspect accessible chambers, review the apparent drainage layout and select suitable diagnostic methods.

A CCTV drain survey often forms part of the investigation because it allows us to view the inside of accessible underground pipes. The footage may reveal blockages, cracks, displaced joints, root ingress, scale, corrosion or collapsed sections. It can also help us establish the direction and route of pipework when plans are missing or outdated.

A camera cannot always pass through heavy debris or a complete obstruction. In these cases, we may need to clean or unblock the drain before continuing the inspection. We can also use other tests when the visible evidence does not explain the symptoms. Our aim is to gather reliable information, identify the likely cause and avoid unnecessary work.

How Investigations Identify the Cause

No single testing method is right for every property. We select our approach according to the drainage layout, suspected fault and areas that can be accessed safely.

CCTV Inspection

We feed a specialist camera through a suitable access point to examine the condition of the pipe. Recorded footage allows us to identify the location and type of damage instead of relying only on symptoms visible above ground.

Testing and Tracing

Water can sometimes appear a long way from the point where it escaped. When the source is unclear, our leak detection services use suitable methods to narrow down its location and reduce the need for disruptive exploratory work. We can also trace drains to confirm pipe routes, connections and discharge points.

Technical Assessment

We review the available footage, test results and site conditions together. This helps us establish if the problem is caused by a blockage, structural defect, leaking connection or another issue affecting the system. We then use our findings to recommend the next practical step.

Problems Our Engineers Can Identify

Drainage faults can develop because of age, ground movement, installation defects, heavy use or unsuitable material entering the system. Some cause an immediate blockage, while others worsen gradually before producing obvious signs.

Our investigations can identify:

Cracked, fractured or collapsed pipes
Displaced or open joints
Tree root ingress
Fat, grease, scale or debris
Poorly aligned or incorrectly connected pipework
Corrosion and age-related deterioration
Leaking drains or failed seals
Obstructions limiting the flow of wastewater
Entry points used by rodents

Rodents can enter a building through gaps in broken or poorly connected drains. If damaged drainage has created an access route, our work to resolve rat problems can include locating the defect and explaining what needs to be done to close it.

Several faults may be present at the same time. By reviewing the whole accessible system, we can avoid treating one visible symptom while leaving another cause unresolved.

What Happens After the Investigation?

Once we have completed the inspection, our engineer will explain what we found, where the issue is located and how serious it appears to be. Depending on the service booked, we may also provide recorded footage, photographs, a site plan or a written condition report.

The findings from drainage investigations allow us to recommend work based on evidence. A removable obstruction may only require professional cleaning. Structural damage, failed joints or collapsed pipework may need a localised repair or replacement. Our recommendation will account for access, pipe material, depth and the condition of the surrounding area.

Where further work is required, we provide drain repairs suited to the type, position and extent of the fault. We aim to keep disruption as low as the site allows.

We will give you a clear recommendation and explain why the work is needed. If immediate repairs are not required, we may advise monitoring the system or arranging maintenance to reduce the likelihood of future blockages.

Investigations for Homes, Businesses and Managed Properties

For homeowners, we can investigate recurring blockages, unexplained smells, hidden leaks and suspected pipe damage. Our findings can also provide useful evidence before renovation work or when assessing drainage at a property you are considering buying.

We help landlords and property managers establish responsibility, plan repairs and maintain accurate records across rental and managed properties. Finding the cause early can reduce repeat visits and make it easier to arrange work around tenants.

Commercial premises often have larger drainage systems, heavier daily use and less tolerance for closures. We support restaurants, schools, healthcare sites, offices and managed residential buildings with planned inspections and reactive work. Findings can also be used to shape a commercial drain maintenance programme focused on higher-risk parts of the system.

DASA also works with insurers and their customers, providing experienced drainage support when clear evidence and accurate reporting are required for a claim.

Why Choose DASA?

We have supported residential, commercial and insurance customers for more than 40 years. Our nationwide network combines local engineer coverage with the knowledge and resources of an established drainage company.

Customers choose us for:

Experienced engineers with specialist drainage knowledge
Modern diagnostic equipment and evidence-led recommendations
Nationwide coverage through local engineers
Fast response times for reactive problems
Planned support for businesses and managed properties
Trusted relationships with insurance partners
Cleaning, repairs and installations when further work is required

A drainage fault rarely improves when it is left unresolved. If you are dealing with repeated blockages, unusual smells, unexplained water or suspected pipe damage, call us on 0800 142 2783 or complete the enquiry form to arrange an inspection.

Drainage Investigations FAQs

What does the investigation include?

Our drainage investigation uses CCTV inspection, tracing and other diagnostic methods to identify the cause and location of drainage problems. It can help identify blockages, leaks, damaged pipework, root ingress and other hidden faults before repair work is recommended.

What is the difference between an investigation and a CCTV drain survey?

A CCTV drain survey uses a specialist camera to inspect the inside of accessible pipework. A drainage investigation is broader and may combine CCTV footage with testing, tracing, site observations and an assessment of the drainage layout to establish the cause of a problem.

How long does an investigation take?

The time required varies according to the size of your drainage system, the areas we can access and the tests we need to complete. We can finish many investigations during a single visit, although larger or more complex systems may take longer.

How much does the investigation cost?

The cost depends on the size and complexity of the drainage system, the equipment required, access conditions and whether you need footage, drainage plans or a written report. DASA can provide a suitable quote after discussing the problem and the type of investigation required.

Can you investigate a drainage problem without digging?

In many cases, we can investigate faults through existing access points using cameras, tracing equipment and other testing methods. This can reduce the need for excavation. If digging is required, we will explain why and identify the area that needs attention.

Will I receive a report after the investigation?

The information we provide will reflect the service you have booked. This may include recorded footage, photographs, a drainage plan or a written report outlining our findings and recommendations. We will explain what documentation is included before we begin the work.

Can you find the cause of repeated blockages?

Yes. Repeated blockages may be caused by root ingress, damaged pipes, displaced joints, restricted flow or a recurring build-up of waste. We can investigate the underlying fault instead of repeatedly clearing the immediate obstruction.

Can DASA complete any repairs that are needed?

Yes. If we identify damaged or defective pipework, we can recommend and complete an appropriate repair. The work may involve a localised repair, pipe lining or replacement, based on the position and condition of the affected drain.

Arrange a Drainage Investigation With DASA

Recurring blockages, unexplained smells, standing water or suspected pipe damage can indicate a hidden fault. Our drainage investigations help locate the cause, assess the condition of your system and establish what action is needed.

With more than 40 years of experience, DASA supports homeowners, businesses, landlords, property managers and insurers across the UK. Call 0800 142 2783, email advice.team@dasa.co.uk or contact us online to arrange an investigation.