CCTV Drain Surveys | London Drainage Services

CCTV Drain Surveys

What Is a CCTV Drain Survey and When Do You Need One

A CCTV drain survey uses a specialist waterproof camera to inspect the inside of your drainage system. The camera is fed through the pipework, transmitting live footage to our engineers who assess the condition of every section in real time.

The survey produces a detailed report with video footage, still images, and a written assessment of every defect, obstruction, or area of concern. For commercial properties, this is essential before acquisitions, renovations, insurance claims, or when diagnosing persistent drainage problems.

Unlike excavation, a CCTV survey is completely non-invasive. There is no digging, no disruption to your property or tenants, and the process typically takes a few hours depending on the size of the drainage network.

Our Survey Services

Types of CCTV Drain Survey We Offer

We carry out CCTV surveys for a range of commercial purposes. Each survey type produces a full report with video evidence and expert recommendations.

Commercial Acquisition Surveys

Full drainage assessment before property purchase
Identify hidden defects that affect property value
Detailed report suitable for solicitors and surveyors
Covers all accessible drainage runs on site

Acquisition Surveys →

Rodent Ingress Surveys

Identify entry points where rodents access via damaged drains
Locate cracks, displaced joints, and missing interceptors
Recommendations for rat blockers and pipe repairs
Follow-up surveys to confirm remedial work

Rodent Ingress Surveys →

Pre-Installation & Condition Surveys

Assess existing drainage before new installations
Identify root ingress, collapsed sections, or inadequate capacity
Drain mapping and asset register creation
Supports planning and building control submissions

New Installation Surveys →

The Survey Process

How It Works

Access & Setup

We identify the best access points across your site and deploy the correct camera equipment for your pipe sizes and layout. No digging required.

Live CCTV Inspection

Our high-resolution cameras capture real-time footage from inside every drainage run. We inspect for blockages, cracks, root ingress, displaced joints, and structural damage.

Analysis & Mapping

We log every defect with its precise location, severity rating, and recommended action. Where required, we produce a full drain map showing your entire drainage layout.

Detailed Report & Video

You receive a comprehensive report including video footage, annotated still images, a defect log with priority ratings, and costed repair recommendations.

CCTV Drain Surveys

Why Survey Your Drains

Non-Invasive Diagnostics

No excavation, no disruption. A CCTV survey inspects your entire drainage system from the inside without digging a single hole.

Prevent Costly Surprises

Identify cracks, blockages, and structural damage before they become emergencies. Early detection saves thousands in reactive repair costs.

Evidence-Based Reporting

Every survey produces a detailed report with video footage, photographs, and a prioritised defect log. Evidence you can share with insurers, solicitors, or building owners.

Drain Mapping & Asset Registers

Know exactly where your drains run, their condition, and their capacity. Essential for property managers, developers, and facilities teams.

London Drainage Services are accredited by:

CCTV Drain Surveys

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?

Cost depends on the size of the drainage network and the type of survey required. We provide a fixed quote after understanding your site — no hidden charges or call-out fees.

How long does a CCTV drain survey take?

Most commercial surveys are completed within a few hours. Larger sites or multi-building portfolios may take a full day. We work around your operational hours.

Will the survey disrupt my business?

No. CCTV surveys are completely non-invasive. There is no digging, no noise, and no disruption to building occupants. Our engineers work discreetly and efficiently.

What does the survey report include?

Full video footage, annotated photographs of every defect, a written condition assessment with severity ratings, and costed recommendations for any repairs needed.

Can you survey drains before I buy a property?

Yes. Our commercial acquisition surveys are designed specifically for this. The report is suitable for solicitors, surveyors, and price negotiations.

Do you provide drain mapping?

Yes. We can produce a complete map of your drainage layout showing pipe runs, connections, manholes, and any areas of concern. This is essential for facilities management and future maintenance planning.

Can you detect rats in drains?

Yes. Our rodent ingress surveys identify entry points, damaged pipes, and missing interceptors that allow rodents to access buildings via the drainage system. We recommend and install preventative measures including rat blockers.

What areas of London do you cover?

All London boroughs and the Home Counties. We carry out CCTV surveys across central London daily and can usually attend within 24–48 hours of booking.