Call Today on 08082508820 * or Book a Survey Online
What is a Drain Survey?
Typically a drain survey is an inspection and assessment of a premises’s drainage system to identify any issues such as blockages, leaks, structural damage or pest infestation. These are typically carried out by professionals using tools such as CCTV cameras which are inserted into the drainage system to provide a clear view of the condition of the drains.
With drains being buried underground these surveys can help detect problems that may not be visible on the surface, allowing for intervention to prevent more serious and costly damage.
In the UK drain surveys are typically done during property purchases. The survey results are usually provided in a detailed report, often including a video or photos, which can help guide repairs or further investigations if needed.
Why Might I Need a Drain Survey When Buying a House
A drainage survey is a thorough inspection of a building’s drainage system and pipeworks.
This provides a detailed investigation into the condition of these systems.
Reasons to get a drainage survey:
-
Property Purchase: - When buying a new home or property, a drain survey can identify potential issues in the drainage system before you commit to the purchase. It can reveal problems like blockages, damage, or misalignments in the pipes that could lead to expensive repairs down the line.
-
Recurring Drainage Problems: - If you're experiencing frequent drainage issues, such as slow draining, bad smells, or flooding, a drain survey can pinpoint the cause of the problem, whether it’s a blockage, a collapsed pipe, or tree root intrusion.
-
Property Renovation or Extension: - If you're planning an extension or renovation, it’s crucial to check the condition of the existing drainage system to ensure it can handle any changes. A survey will also help identify any work that may need to be done before the project begins.
-
Preventative Maintenance: - Regular drain surveys can help you catch potential issues early, preventing more serious damage in the future. If your property has older drainage systems, a survey can help maintain the integrity of the pipes and prevent costly repairs.
-
Tree Root Intrusion: - In areas with lots of trees, roots can cause damage to drainage systems by growing into pipes. A drain survey can identify this issue early, saving you from expensive repairs.
-
Flooding: - If your area is prone to flooding or you’ve experienced drainage-related flooding on your property, a survey can help identify problem areas and guide efforts to improve the drainage system.
CCTV Drain Survey Process
Our drainage surveyor will visit your property and identify which drains to check and may be causing issues. They will then insert a waterproof inspection camera into the system which can provide up to date information, take photos and identify any potential problems. Any findings will be recorded and documented in a thorough report with any repair work or assistance required detailed, if necessary.
The surveyor will also provide a detailed map of the drainage system under the property.
Why Choose a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drainage survey is useful to understand common issues giving the purchaser visual evidence of any issues or problems affecting the drainage system, all detailed in a report. It can also provide peace of mind that there are no issues when purchasing a new property.
Potential Issues Found in a CCTV Drain Survey
-
Blockages: - Blockages caused by debris, grease, tree roots, or collapsed pipes can be quickly identified using CCTV technology.
-
Cracks and Leaks: - Small cracks, leaks, and fractures in pipes are difficult to detect especially underground.
-
Pipe Misalignment or Collapses: - Drainage pipes can shift over time due to soil movement, leading to misalignment or even collapse blocking the drainage pipes potentially causing water to back-up.
-
Tree Roots - Tree roots are one of the most common causes of blockages and pipe damage.
A CCTV drain survey allows for precise identification of tree root intrusion, helping professionals locate and remove the roots from your pipes. -
Pest Infestation: - A drain survey can identify signs of a pest infestation and where pests are potentially entering and exiting the drainage system.
Basement and Cellar Drain Survey
A broken drain in a basement or cellar means that water will no longer be able to freely flow away from the property, and could lead to potential flooding, dampness or water damage.
It may also damage certain types of basement water proofing systems, which are not meant to handle high levels of standing water or back water pressure. If water is pooling and flooding in a basement this may cause problems such as mould growth and structural concerns.
Dampness from Blocked Drain
Often properties are affected by dampness caused by blocked drains under the property. To an untrained eye this may show symptoms of rising or penetrating damp, however a CCTV drain survey would be able to confirm if the source of the issue is damaged drains. This may be subject to a claim under your house insurance. A drain survey is a good way to eliminate a potential source of damp in a property.
Peter Cox CCTV Drain Survey Process
Peter Cox are able to provide you with a CCTV drainage survey as part of our home survey process when looking for issues such as damp, timber decay and structural issues. Get in touch to book in a survey