A CCTV drain survey is one of the most useful diagnostic tools available to homeowners and property buyers. In Swindon, where the combination of geological movement and ageing infrastructure creates complex drainage problems, CCTV surveys are particularly valuable.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a small, waterproof camera into your drainage system via an access point such as a manhole or drain opening. The camera records high-definition footage of the pipe interior as it travels through the system. Our engineers watch the footage in real time and can pause, zoom, and annotate areas of concern.
When Do Swindon Homeowners Need a CCTV Survey?
Before Buying a Property
This is the most important time to commission a drain survey. Standard homebuyer surveys and even full building surveys do not inspect underground drainage. A pre-purchase CCTV survey can reveal expensive problems the seller may not know about — or may not be disclosing.
In Swindon, we regularly survey properties before purchase and find issues including:
- Collapsed pitch fibre pipes in properties from the 1960s and 1970s
- Root intrusion in tree-lined streets near the Old Town and Highworth Road
- Joint displacement caused by clay shrinkage in central Swindon
- Incorrect connections and illegal drainage configurations in older properties
For Recurring Blockages
If your drains block repeatedly despite regular clearing, there is usually an underlying structural problem. A CCTV survey identifies whether the cause is a buildup of scale and grease, root ingress, pipe deformation, joint displacement, or a combination of factors.
For Persistent Smells
Unexplained sewage smells inside or outside a property usually indicate a cracked pipe, a collapsed section, or a displaced joint. A CCTV survey locates the problem precisely, avoiding unnecessary excavation.
As Part of Planned Maintenance
Commercial property managers and landlords with multiple drainage systems often commission annual CCTV surveys as part of a planned maintenance programme. Catching problems early is far cheaper than emergency repairs.
What a Survey Report Contains
After the survey, you receive a detailed report including:
- HD video footage of the complete pipe run
- Screenshots of any defects found
- A description of each defect with its location and severity
- Recommendations for remedial work
- A no-obligation quote for any repairs required
Where defects are found, we can often carry out drain repairs and pipe relining on the same visit or at a follow-up appointment, using trenchless methods that avoid unnecessary excavation.
Cost and Value
A residential CCTV survey typically costs £150 to £350. Against the potential cost of discovering a collapsed pipe or root-damaged drainage system after you have purchased a property, this investment is extremely worthwhile. Many of our Swindon customers have used survey results to negotiate significant price reductions on properties.
Book your CCTV drain survey in Swindon today by calling 01793 608800 or contacting us online.