Pre-Purchase Drain Survey

A pre-purchase drain survey shows you what is happening inside the accessible underground drains before you buy a home. It can uncover damage, blockages and other defects that may not be visible during a standard building inspection.

At DASA, we use CCTV equipment to inspect the pipework and provide clear findings. More than four decades of hands-on drainage work have given us experience across a wide range of residential systems, helping us recognise faults and recommend a suitable next step.

Call us on 0800 142 2783 to arrange a pre-purchase drain survey.

What Will You Know Following the Survey?

Following the survey, you will know:

The condition of the drainage we could access
Whether we found cracks, blockages or collapsed pipes
Where identified drainage defects are located
Whether roots or other obstructions have entered the system
Whether cleaning or repairs are recommended
What the recommended work is likely to involve
Whether any sections could not be inspected
What you can do next

We can also provide a quotation for recommended work, giving you useful information to discuss with the seller, solicitor or surveyor before proceeding with the purchase.

What Does a Pre-Purchase Drain Survey Include?

During the inspection, we follow the same process used for CCTV drain surveys. Our engineer feeds a specialist camera through a suitable access point and records the condition of the pipework.

We look for:

Cracked, fractured or collapsed pipes
Misaligned or displaced joints
Tree root intrusion
Debris, scale and other obstructions
Leaking connections
Restricted water flow
Deterioration in older pipes
Poorly completed previous repairs

Access, blockages and the drainage layout can affect how much of the system we can inspect. We will record any limitations and provide clear findings supported by available images or footage.

When Is a Residential Drain Survey Useful?

A home buyer drain survey can identify underground problems before you exchange contracts. It may be particularly useful when:

The property is older or has ageing drainage
Mature trees are growing close to the house
An extension has been built over or near the drains
The seller has disclosed previous drainage work
Sinks, baths or toilets are draining slowly
There are unexplained smells inside or outside
A building survey recommends further investigation

Drainage defects are not always obvious during a viewing. Water may continue to pass through a cracked or displaced pipe until the damage causes a blockage, leak or collapse.

If we identify a fault, our residential drainage services cover cleaning, unblocking and repairs. This allows you to understand the work involved and likely cost before deciding how to proceed.

How Does the Survey Work?

Arrange the visit by giving us the property address and any available drainage information.
The seller, estate agent or current occupier confirms access.
Our engineer identifies suitable access points, such as inspection chambers.
We inspect accessible pipework and record its condition.
We review the footage and identify any defects.
You receive our findings and recommended next steps.

We recommend arranging the inspection after your offer has been accepted and before contracts are exchanged. This leaves time to review the findings, obtain a repair quotation and raise any concerns with the seller.

What Happens If We Find a Problem?

A drainage defect does not always mean you need to withdraw from the purchase. You can ask the seller about previous work, request repairs before exchange or include the expected cost in your decision.

If an obstruction prevents the camera from passing through the pipe, drain unblocking may be required before we inspect it again.

Cracked, displaced or collapsed pipes may require drain repairs suited to the position and condition of the defect.

Why Choose DASA?

We approach every home buyer drain survey carefully and explain our findings in clear terms. You receive:

Experience across a wide range of residential drainage systems
Nationwide coverage through local engineers
Specialist CCTV inspection equipment
Clear recommendations based on what we find
Access to cleaning and repair services

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.