Have you been asking: When Do I need a CCTV drain survey? We look at Why you may consider a CCTV drain survey. We provide CCTV drain surveys throughout Fleetwood and Lancashire.

When Is A CCTV Drain Survey Required?

Since your drains are integral to your home or property, with most of us using them daily, developing or underlying issues are, therefore, easily noticeable. However, this does little to prevent the frustration that arises when your drains start working inefficiently, with this frustration typically caused by not knowing what is wrong with your drains or how to fix the issue.

This is where CCTV drain surveys come in. With a qualified plumber on the other end of the CCTV camera, they can quickly diagnose exactly what is wrong with your drains or pipework and provide a remedy. CCTV surveys allow you to gain an insight into what is going on in your drains, and they are vital to solving drainage problems.

Drain surveys are incredibly useful whether you are a homeowner or a commercial property owner. Even if you don't own a property yet, but are considering it, a CCTV drain survey can provide a little peace of mind, as they allow you to check the pipework of any properties you are thinking of buying before you do. This helps you avoid purchasing a property only to shell out more money for costly unblocking services for a drainage issue you didn't know about.

When you need a drain survey

The vast majority of property owners probably haven't thought about their drains for a while. After all, why worry about them when they're working perfectly fine? It's only when an issue becomes obvious that they become incredibly frustrating. But you'd be surprised how useful a CCTV drain inspection can be.

Purchasing a new property

"Home Buyer's Drain Surveys" are among the most popular options for potential home buyers. Some would argue having a CCTV drain survey conducted on a property you are thinking of buying is an essential part of the process. These surveys provide a full condition report of the property's drainage, allowing you to know exactly what you are buying and whether any repairs will be needed once you move in.

Slow draining

One of the most obvious signs of an issue with your plumbing is slow-draining sinks or bathtubs. If you notice it takes a little longer than usual for the water to drain down your plugholes, you're likely facing a small blockage somewhere in your drainage system. CCTV drainage surveys can reveal the source of the problem and allow you to remedy it before it becomes more serious and expensive to fix.

Pooling water

One step up from slow-draining plugholes, we find plugholes that don't drain at all, leading to water pooling in your sinks, bathtub or toilet. If you notice water pooling anywhere in your property, you've got a serious drainage issue that needs fixing as soon as possible. Water pooling is caused by blockages but can even mean you have a collapsed section of drainage pipe. Whatever the cause, a CCTV drain survey can find it, allowing you to fix it quickly and decisively.

Strange smells

Strange or unpleasant smells are other noticeable signs that your drains are suffering an issue. Most property owners will notice these around their kitchen or bathroom drains since these are where most issues come from. 

Whether it's food waste or grease being washed down your kitchen sink or hair, soap and sanitary products being disposed of in your bathroom, there are plenty of sources for drain blockages. 

When a blockage occurs, waste materials can accumulate, leading to the smells coming back through your pipework. With a CCTV drain survey, you can locate the source of the issue and flush it out to solve the problem quickly.

Proactively

To warrant a CCTV drain survey, you don't always need to be facing a disaster. Property owners can always have them conducted just for their peace of mind or if they want to assess the condition of their drainage system and pipework. 

Think of it in the same way you have an MOT conducted on your car. Your drainage system sees a lot of use throughout the year, and determining how well it's fairing is never a bad idea. An occasional survey can also reveal potential small issues, allowing you to fix them before they develop.

What Problems can you find with a CCTV Drain Survey?

Some people might feel that a CCTV drain survey isn't that necessary, especially if your property is relatively new. You might think that everything in it is in good condition. 

However, a thorough inspection can detect a range of things which, if ignored, could lead to burst pipes, leaks and expensive repairs or, at the very worst, structural damage to your property.

For example, the roots of nearby foliage, such as trees or bushes, can penetrate deep underground and compromise your pipework. Roots naturally seek moisture and water for survival, meaning your water pipes are a natural source for them to seek out. 

Something as small as a hairline crack or loose joint can offer roots a pathway into your pipes. Then, as the plant grows, the root widens and can either block your pipes, cause leaks or entirely collapse your pipework.

A CCTV drain survey may also reveal any structural elements of your drainage that aren't up to current safety regulations and quality standards. 

Outdated drainage systems, such as pitch fibre pipes or other traditional methods of plumbing, can lead to ecological issues, such as contamination of natural water sources. As the property owner, resolving issues like this is your responsibility. Even if you don't know about your outdated drainage, it's still your responsibility to replace your illegal drainage if a serious issue occurs.

Other issues a drain survey may reveal include interior issues, such as surface flooding or rat infestations that can also be a cause for concern regarding your sewer system. Finding the small cracks and openings that can cause these issues is facilitated by CCTV drain surveys.

Benefits of CCTV drain surveys

A blocked drain is one of the worst nightmares owners of residential and commercial properties can experience. Not only can it prevent your drainage system from working properly, but it will likely be expensive and time-consuming to repair. CCTV drain systems are the best way to resolve drainage issues for the following reason:

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Struggling with a drain blockage in your bathroom or kitchen? Let us help. Tru Flow Drainage is a drainage contractor that has been resolving drainage issues for local homes, businesses, and property developers for more than 25 years.