A CCTV drain survey is an essential tool used by professional drainage engineers to inspect and identify issues within your drainage system. By using advanced technology, it allows a live visual inspection of your pipes and drains, pinpointing any problems or potential future issues with great accuracy.
What is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey involves feeding a small, waterproof camera into your drains or sewer pipes. This camera provides real-time footage of the inside of your drainage system, allowing engineers to see exactly what's going on. Whether it's blockages, cracks, root ingress, or collapsed pipes, a CCTV survey helps diagnose the problem quickly and efficiently.
Why Do You Need a CCTV Drain Survey?
There are several scenarios where a CCTV drain survey could be crucial:
Buying a New Home: It’s wise to check the condition of the drainage system before committing to a purchase. Hidden issues like collapsed drains or blockages could lead to expensive repairs in the future.
Experiencing Drainage Issues: If you're dealing with recurring blockages, slow-draining water, or foul smells, a CCTV survey can locate the root cause of the problem and recommend a solution.
Before Major Repairs: If your drains require repairs or renovations, a CCTV drain survey helps to assess the damage and plan the most effective course of action.
How is a CCTV Drainage Survey Carried Out?
Booking a CCTV drain survey is simple. Here’s what happens when you schedule one:
A qualified technician arrives with all the necessary equipment, including:
Waterproof CCTV Camera: Provides live footage of the drains.
Drain Rods: Used to push the camera through the drains.
Crawlers: Small, remote-operated robots for manoeuvring through complex or larger drains.
Sonar Units: Used for acoustic profiling when visuals are not possible, providing data on the condition of pipes.
Insertion of the Camera: The camera is inserted into your drains, and the live footage is observed by the engineer.
Clearing Blockages: If any blockages are found, the engineer may use high-pressure jetting to clear them during the survey.
Formal Report: The technician will produce a detailed report, including photos, outlining the condition of your drains and any repairs needed.
Immediate Action or Follow-Up: In some cases, action can be taken immediately to unblock the drains. If more complex repairs are required, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled.
What Can a CCTV Drain Survey Find?
A CCTV drain survey can uncover a wide range of issues, including:
Blockages: Minor blockages can be cleared during the survey, but more severe ones might require extensive treatment.
Leaks or Burst Pipes: Cracks, fractures, leaks, or burst pipes are easily identified, photographed, and reported.
Root Ingress: Tree or shrub roots can invade pipes, causing blockages and structural damage.
Collapsed Drains: Collapsed drains or areas of corrosion that may lead to a collapse can be detected and promptly addressed.
Pests and Animals: Rats are the most common animal found in drainage systems, but other animals like birds, snakes, and even household pets have been discovered during CCTV drain surveys.
FAQs About CCTV Drain Surveys
Q: What is the purpose of a CCTV drain survey?A: A CCTV drain survey allows engineers to visually inspect your drainage system to identify blockages, leaks, cracks, and other issues.
Q: When should I get a CCTV drain survey?A: It’s advisable when buying a new home, if you're experiencing frequent drainage problems, or before major drain repairs.
Q: Can a CCTV survey find all drainage problems?A: Yes, a CCTV survey can detect blockages, leaks, collapsed drains, root ingress, and even pest infestations.
Q: How long does a CCTV drain survey take?A: The survey itself typically takes 1 to 2 hours, but this can vary depending on the size and complexity of your drainage system.
Q: Will I receive a report after the survey?A: Yes, you will receive a detailed report with findings, photos, and recommendations for any repairs or maintenance.
Benefits of a CCTV Drain Survey
Accurate Diagnosis: A CCTV survey provides precise information about your drainage system, allowing for targeted repairs.
Cost-Effective: By pinpointing problems early, you can prevent more costly repairs down the line.
Non-Invasive: There’s no need for digging or disrupting your property—everything is done through the drains themselves.
Immediate Action: Minor blockages or issues can often be resolved on the spot during the survey.
Why a CCTV Drain Survey is Essential for Your Property
A CCTV drain survey is the most effective way to understand the condition of your drainage system without the need for disruptive or invasive methods. If you're dealing with constant drain problems, or you’re a homeowner wanting peace of mind before purchasing a property, a CCTV survey will give you a clear picture of the health of your drains.
What to Expect in the Report
After your CCTV survey, you’ll receive a comprehensive report. This will include:
Video Footage and Images: Clear documentation of any issues found.
Problem Areas Highlighted: Any blockages, leaks, or structural damage will be marked for your understanding.
Suggested Repairs: If any work is required, a detailed plan will be provided, along with an estimate of the cost and timeline for repairs.
Preventative Maintenance: Why it Matters
Regular drain inspections through CCTV surveys can help you avoid costly repairs and inconvenient blockages. If root ingress, corrosion, or other damage is detected early, you can take steps to prevent a full collapse or significant blockage.
Key Services at a Glance
CCTV Drain Surveys: A non-invasive way to inspect your drainage system.
Drain Unblocking: Fast, efficient clearing of blockages using high-pressure jetting.
Root Removal: Safe removal of tree roots from within your drains.
Drain Repair: Expert repairs for cracked or damaged drains.
Emergency Drain Services: 24/7 availability for urgent drain issues.
Drain Issues that may bring you here on this CCTV article:
"What is a CCTV drain survey?"
"How to inspect drains with a camera"
"Benefits of a CCTV drainage survey"
"Drain blockages and CCTV surveys"
"Root ingress in drains"
"How to find a collapsed drain"
Conclusion
A CCTV drain survey is an invaluable tool for diagnosing drainage problems, from blockages to collapsed drains. Whether you're buying a new home or facing recurring issues with your drainage system, booking a survey with a professional drainage company can save you time, money, and future headaches. Contact Aquablast Drain Services today to schedule a CCTV drain survey and ensure your drains are in top condition.
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