Is a CCTV drain survey disruptive?

A CCTV drain survey is usually carried out through an existing manhole or inspection chamber, so excavation is not normally required. The camera allows our engineers to inspect underground pipework while keeping disruption to the property to a minimum.

Does the drain need to be cleaned before a CCTV survey?

Not in every case. However, heavy waste, standing water or a complete blockage can prevent the camera from travelling through the pipe or obscure the footage. If this happens, the engineer may recommend drain cleaning before completing the survey.

CCTV Drain Surveys

Drain surveys are an incredibly useful service for a wide range of industries and sectors. Whether you are building an extension, having ongoing plumbing issues, suspected pest problems, or having surface flooding, CCTV drain surveys can rule out any concerns and result in an accurate conclusion.

Why choose DASA?

At DASA, we know how frustrating it can be to have drainage issues, that is why we offer two different types of surveys. Unfortunately, there can never be a certain set time for a drain survey. The time it takes can depend on the length of your property’s drainage system. Larger properties usually have longer drainage systems, which means that the survey can take longer in general. One of our experienced contractors will ensure that the whole drainage system has been covered so there is a complete and conclusive survey. On average you can expect a drain survey to take around 1-2 hours in total. However, harder-to-access drains and longer systems may exceed this time. A CCTV drain survey will never take more than one day to complete, so you will have the answers you need on the day of your appointment.

Typically the price of a survey will be £195 + VAT, however, the survey cost will be deducted from any work that is completed. Use the contact form below to book your drain survey today.

What issues can a drain survey find?

CCTV drain surveys are helpful for finding a number of issues. If you are having issues regularly with your drainage, a CCTV survey may be able to find more than one issue causing the problem. Some of the most common issues which a drain survey is used for are:

Blockages
Collapsed drains
Corroded drains
Leaking pipes
Burst pipes
Drain mapping
Rat problems
Tree root infiltration
Evidence of poor installation which have led to displacement

If you are experiencing issues with your recurrent issues with your drainage system, contact DASA. No matter if your drainage issue is an emergency situation or a routine check, DASA is here to help. Get in touch with one of our dedicated experts today who are always happy to help and advise the best solution for your problem. Contact us today here on our contact form or give us a call on 0800 142 2783.

What Happens During a CCTV Drain Survey?

During a CCTV drain survey, one of our engineers will feed a specialist camera into the drainage system through a suitable access point, such as a manhole or inspection chamber. The camera sends live footage to a monitor, allowing the engineer to assess the condition of the pipework.

The survey can help locate blockages, cracks, displaced joints, tree root ingress and collapsed sections. It can also be used to map the route of underground drains where the layout is unclear.

If debris or a blockage is preventing the camera from travelling through the pipe, our drain cleaning services may be required before the full survey can be completed.

Once the inspection is finished, the engineer will explain what has been found and advise whether cleaning, drain repairs or further investigation are required. Customers who book a full survey will also receive a written report and a copy of the CCTV footage.

The two types of surveys:

This standard drain survey will be used to look over the drainage systems. The contractor will then look at this survey and describe the issues which are found. A basic survey is essentially just an exploration of the drainage system. With this, you will not receive any footage from the survey or report, this is why this is the cheaper option.

Full drain survey with report included:

A full drain survey is the most thorough drain survey you can get. It includes the same as the basic drain survey but with added, in depth extras. After the drain survey has been completed, the engineer will provide you with a full written report of everything that was found in the drain survey and you will receive a copy of the CCTV footage. The report will usually include the following:

Site map of drainage system
Still images and video footage with notes from the survey
Condition report

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a CCTV survey cost?

A CCTV drain survey with DASA typically costs £195 plus VAT. The final price may vary based on the size of the property, the length and complexity of the drainage system, access conditions and the type of survey required. If DASA completes repair work identified during the survey, the survey cost will be deducted from the cost of that work.

How long does a drain survey take?

Most domestic CCTV surveys take around one to two hours. Larger properties, longer drainage systems and difficult access points may increase the time required. The survey may also take longer if a blockage or heavy waste needs to be cleared before the camera can inspect the full drainage system.

What is included in a CCTV survey report?

A full CCTV survey includes a written condition report, a map of the inspected drainage system, still images, CCTV footage and details of any defects found. The report will also explain any recommended cleaning, repairs or further investigation. A basic survey includes an inspection and explanation of the findings but does not include a written report or a copy of the footage.

Does a CCTV drain survey require digging?

A CCTV drain survey does not usually require digging. Our engineers normally access the drainage system through an existing manhole or inspection chamber before feeding the camera through the pipework. Excavation may only be needed if there is no suitable access point or if damaged pipework requires a separate repair.

Do drains need to be cleaned before a CCTV survey?

Drains do not always need to be cleaned before a CCTV survey. However, heavy waste, standing water or a complete blockage can obscure the camera footage or prevent the equipment from moving through the pipe. If this happens, our engineer may recommend drain cleaning before completing the inspection.

Can a CCTV drain survey find the cause of recurring blockages?

Yes. A CCTV drain survey can identify problems that cause drains to block repeatedly, including tree root ingress, displaced joints, cracks, scale, corrosion, collapsed pipework and poor installation. Once the cause and location have been confirmed, DASA can recommend a suitable cleaning or repair method.

Drainage issues can be frustrating and worrying

No matter if your drainage issue is an emergency situation or a routine check, DASA is here to help. Get in touch with one of our dedicated experts today who are always happy to help and advise the best solution for your problem. Contact us today on our contact form or give us a call on 0800 142 2783.

How we get it right for you

Site Investigations

Our site investigation processes and technologies are supported by the same market-leading, live site reporting options as our drainage teams. This means that we are able to share image, video and audio files between field and review engineers in seconds, greatly reducing the traditional lag-time between attendance, decision and next steps.
Reporting

DASA engineers attend a property within 24 hours, fully equipped to undertake a variety of non-invasive investigation techniques in the first instance. This might include electro-acoustic ground microphones, tracer gasses or thermal imaging cameras depending on the scenario presented on site.
Remedial Works

DASA utilise numerous mains water replacement and repair technologies which enable us to isolate and repair targeted sections with the absolute minimum of above-ground disturbance. This includes, moling and pipe-pulling systems which eliminate the need for traditional trench excavations in many cases.

Our on site equipment

DASA has always invested in innovative on site technology to further enhance and improve our service. With the customer, sustainability and restoration in mind, we are always looking for new and alternative solutions to offer the very best option for our customers.

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YOUR fingertips

Our unique customer portal, enables our customers to track their claim and monitor progress quickly and effectively with full transparency.

"DASA either knows the best people to employ and/or have the most sterling training program. I cannot praise you too highly."