How Much Does A CCTV Drain Survey Cost?

Different Types Of CCTV Drain Surveys

There are normally two different types of drain surveys that are offered by local drain experts. These include:

• A basic CCTV drain survey will cost £155 + VAT. This is just an exploration of your drainage system that is viewed by the engineer. The engineer will then explain to you if there are any visible problems. You will not receive a report or a copy of the CCTV footage with this type of survey.
• A full CCTV drain survey that includes a comprehensive report and will cost £340 + VAT. This is a more thorough and comprehensive survey and, as well as a full written report, you’ll also get a copy of the CCTV footage. The report that you’ll receive will include a map of all the drains on your property.

If any minor drain blockades are identified, these can often be cleared and this will normally be included in the cost of the survey.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Drain Survey

As already mentioned, there are certain factors that will affect the cost of a drain survey. These include the following.

• Type of property. Some properties may have a more complex drainage system while others will have a much simpler one. Therefore, the more complex your drainage system is, the more your drain survey will cost.
• Size of the drains. Once again, properties that have wider drain pipes should expect to pay more for a drain survey. This is because a larger and more expensive camera will have to be used to conduct the survey.
• Length of the drains. As you would imagine, if your drainage systems is quite large, it will take longer for the camera to travel through all the drains on your property. Essentially, this means that you will have to pay more for the survey.
• The ease of access to the drains. If your drains aren’t that easy to access or if there is any digging required to access your drains, then you will have to pay more for the survey. On the other hand, if access is easy and straightforward, your drain survey will cost you less.

What Are The Main Reasons For Conducting A CCTV Drain Survey?

CCTV drain surveys are conducted for a number of very good reasons. These include:

• Constant drain blockages. If you’re having constant issues with your drains blocking up or not working effectively, it’s a good idea to book a CCTV drain survey to inspect the drains and identify the possible causes.
• To get a map of your drainage system. If you’re planning to build an extension or any other type of structural work on your property, it’s wise to get an up-to-date drawing or map of your complete drainage system. This ensures that you know where the drains are located and that you don’t damage any of them during construction.
• To identify a broken pipe. If you believe that there may be a broken pipe within your drainage system, a CCTV drain survey will pinpoint the exact location of the broken pipe so that it can be repaired as easily as possible.
• To identify any pipes that need relining. Older pipes do wear out over time and some may need relining. A CCTV drain survey can identify exactly where these pipes are as well as the length of the offending pipe or pipes.
• As a check when purchasing an older property. If you’re about to purchase an older property, it might be wise to conduct a CCTV drain survey. Not only will this be useful in identifying any possible problems but it will also let you know the extent of your drainage system in case you’re planning any building work on the property.

What Are The Common Causes Of Drain Blockages?

Drain blockages can occur for a number of reasons. These can include a buildup of waste that cannot move freely through the drains, the collapse of a pipe or a broken or cracked pipe.

You can eliminate some of these problems by:

• Being careful what you flush down the toilet. Only toilet paper is suitable for flushing.
• Not putting fats and oils down the kitchen sink.
• Using a plug screen in the kitchen and bathroom to stop food particles from going down the drain.

Final Thoughts

A CCTV drain survey can cost you anywhere from £155-£340 in general. This depends on the type of survey that you want. It also depends on other factors such as the size and complexity of your drainage system, the ease of access, and the size and length of your pipes.