What Can a CCTV Drain Survey Find? This non-invasive method helps identify drainage problems such as cracks, root entry, and water build-up.
A CCTV drain survey is a quick and non-invasive way to check the condition of your drains. By using a small camera on a flexible cable, experts can move through the pipes to find faults without digging. It’s a practical way to identify problems early and decide what work needs to be done.
Blockages in the Pipes
Blockages are one of the most common reasons for drain problems. Everyday items like cooking fat, wet wipes, and food waste can easily get stuck and build up inside your pipes. Over time, these build-ups stop water from flowing and lead to unpleasant smells, slow drainage, or even flooding.
A CCTV drain survey can locate the blockage with pinpoint accuracy. This is especially helpful if the blockage is deep in the system or keeps coming back. By seeing the blockage on camera, drainage experts can choose the best method to clear it and stop it from happening again.
Repeated blockages can also be a sign of a larger issue, such as pipe damage or poor installation. A survey helps find out whether the blockage is just a surface issue or part of a bigger problem with your drains.
Cracks and Breaks
Cracks and breaks in pipes often happen without any clear warning. They can be caused by soil movement, heavy traffic above ground, tree root pressure, or general ageing of the drainage system. Even strong plastic or clay pipes can suffer damage over time.
During a CCTV survey, the camera picks up clear images of any damage inside the pipe. Even small cracks can allow water to escape into the surrounding ground, weakening the soil and causing further issues like sinkholes or surface collapse.
If left unchecked, these cracks can grow and cause sections of the pipe to break apart or collapse entirely. Finding and repairing them early reduces the chance of costly emergency work later.
Tree Root Invasion
Tree roots are one of the more surprising causes of drain trouble. They are naturally drawn to moisture, so when they find even the tiniest gap or crack in your pipes, they start to grow inside them. This causes not only blockages but also major structural damage as the roots force the pipe apart.
With a CCTV survey, you can see exactly where the roots have entered and how much damage they’ve caused. This information is key for planning root removal and making the necessary repairs. If caught early, it may be possible to remove the roots without having to replace large sections of pipe.
Tree root damage is more common in older systems or those with clay pipes, but it can affect modern drains too, especially if trees are planted too close to your home.
Collapsed or Damaged Pipes
A collapsed pipe is a serious issue that can lead to complete failure of the drainage system. Collapses can be caused by long-term wear, poor installation, soil pressure, or movement in the ground, especially after heavy rainfall or construction work nearby.
If your drains are backing up or you notice water pooling in your garden, a collapsed pipe could be the cause. A CCTV drain survey will clearly show where the collapse has occurred and how severe the damage is.
Instead of digging up the entire area, engineers can use this information to carry out targeted repairs or pipe relining, saving time and avoiding unnecessary disruption.
Signs of Wear and Tear
Even if there are no clear signs of a problem, your pipes could still be showing early signs of wear and tear. Joints may become loose, pipe walls might begin to thin, and small leaks could start to form. These issues often go unnoticed until a bigger problem appears.
A CCTV survey gives a detailed look at the overall condition of your drains. This can be useful when buying a new home, planning renovations, or carrying out routine maintenance. By identifying early signs of damage, you can take steps to fix them before they turn into costly repairs.
It’s also useful for checking that any past repair work is still holding up and that the drains are continuing to perform properly over time.
Need reliable CCTV drain surveys in Fleetwood, Blackpool, or across Lancashire? Tru Flow Drainage offers professional, affordable inspections using advanced CCTV technology - available 24/7 for both residential and commercial properties.
