Why Drainage Surveys Are Essential

Drainage surveys are one of the most effective ways to identify problems inside your drains before they become costly repairs. Using advanced CCTV camera technology, we provide a clear picture of your system’s condition, highlighting blockages, cracks, root ingress, and collapsed sections. A survey doesn’t just diagnose issues—it helps prevent future problems and keeps your property safe from flooding or sewage leaks.

Preventing Unexpected Drainage Failures

A CCTV survey can detect early warning signs before they escalate. Common issues we uncover include:

  • Tree Root Ingress – Roots entering pipe joints, causing cracks and blockages.
  • Collapsed Drains – Broken or sunken sections leading to water backflow.
  • Fat, Oil & Grease Build-Up – Reducing flow and increasing blockage risk.
  • Structural Cracks – Weakening pipe integrity and causing leaks.

Protecting Your Property & Investment

Drainage issues often go unnoticed until damage is done. With a professional survey, you can avoid:

  • Localised Flooding – Prevent water backing up into gardens or homes.
  • Subsidence – Drain leaks washing away soil beneath foundations.
  • Property Damage – Damp, mould, and sewage contamination inside buildings.

Compliance and Peace of Mind

Our drainage surveys are fully compliant with UK standards and provide detailed reports suitable for insurers, mortgage lenders, or regulatory bodies. Whether for a home buyers drain survey, a commercial property check, or an insurance claim, our surveys deliver the evidence you need.

When Should I Get a Drainage Survey?

There are several situations where a CCTV drain survey is highly recommended:

  • Buying a Property – Ensure there are no hidden drainage problems before you commit.
  • Recurring Blockages – Identify the root cause of repeated drainage issues.
  • Building Work – Map and check drains before extensions, driveways, or landscaping.
  • Insurance Claims – Provide evidence of drain condition for claims or disputes.
  • Commercial Maintenance – Keep high-use systems running smoothly with scheduled checks.

What Do You Get in a CCTV Survey Report?

Every survey comes with a full written report and high-definition video footage of your drainage system. Our reports include:

  • Drain Condition Grading – Highlighting defects and risks.
  • Recommendations – Expert advice on repairs or preventative action.
  • Drain Mapping – Accurate layouts of your underground pipe network.
  • Still Images – Clear photographic evidence for problem areas.

With these insights, you’ll know exactly what’s happening underground and the best course of action to keep your drains healthy.

What’s Involved in a Drainage Survey?

Every drainage survey is slightly different depending on the property and system layout, but the process usually follows these steps:

Accessing the Drain System

We start by locating and opening access points such as manholes or inspection chambers. This allows us to feed the CCTV camera into your drainage system safely and effectively.

Inserting the CCTV Camera

Our high-definition drain cameras are carefully inserted and guided through your system, capturing live footage of pipe conditions in real time.

Identifying Issues

During the inspection, we look for signs of damage such as cracks, blockages, collapsed sections, or root ingress. Everything is recorded for detailed analysis.

Producing the Report

We compile all footage, images, and findings into a structured report that clearly explains the condition of your drains, along with recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

Drain Mapping

If required, we map your drainage layout to show the exact location of all pipes and chambers—vital for future building works or repairs.

Final Recommendations

Our engineers will talk you through the results, offering practical solutions to resolve any issues and keep your system flowing efficiently.

This is a general overview of the survey process, but every system is unique. With over 30 years’ experience, there’s nothing we haven’t inspected, so you can trust Clearmasters to provide clear, professional results every time.

CCTV Drainage Survey in action

Why Choose Clearmasters
for Drainage Surveys?

Trusted, professional, and fully accredited drainage experts

At Clearmasters, we specialise in professional CCTV drainage surveys and detailed reporting for domestic, commercial, and industrial properties. Whether you’re buying a house, dealing with repeated blockages, or need proof of condition for insurance, our surveys deliver the clarity you need.

We operate using the latest high-definition camera technology, producing accurate surveys that comply with UK drainage and building regulations. Each survey comes with a clear, jargon-free report and expert recommendations.

Our friendly office staff are always on hand to arrange bookings, explain reports, or schedule urgent inspections. With fast turnaround times, competitive pricing, and expert engineers, we’re the trusted choice for drainage surveys across Surrey, Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, and London.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CCTV drainage survey?

A CCTV drain survey uses specialist cameras to inspect your drains and sewers. It identifies blockages, cracks, root ingress, and collapsed pipes, providing a full report with video evidence.

Do I need a drain survey when buying a home?

Yes. A home buyers drain survey highlights hidden drainage issues that standard surveys miss. It ensures you know the true condition of the drains before completing your purchase.

How long does a drainage survey take?

Most domestic surveys take 1–2 hours depending on property size and access. Larger or more complex commercial systems may take longer. Reports are usually provided within 48 hours.

Can you provide emergency drain inspections?

Absolutely. If you are experiencing urgent drainage problems such as flooding or repeated blockages, we offer fast-response CCTV inspections to identify the cause and recommend solutions.

How often should I get a drainage survey?

We recommend surveys before purchasing property, after major works, or when problems occur. For commercial or high-use sites, a scheduled survey every 1–3 years ensures long-term system health.

Will I receive a report I can use for insurance or compliance?

Yes. All our drainage survey reports are clear, professional, and suitable for use with insurers, mortgage providers, and regulatory bodies.