When it counts as an emergency
- A drain that blocks again within weeks of clearing
- Sewage smells outside with no obvious blockage
- Sinking ground, damp patches or rats near a drain run
- A home sale with a deadline and no drain report
CCTV Drain Surveys: what the job involves
A CCTV drain survey sends a small waterproof camera through your pipes. The camera shows what you cannot see from above, such as cracks, roots, loose joints and sagging pipes. You get the footage and a written summary of the faults. As a result, you know what is wrong before paying for any repair.
Surveys help in three main cases. First, they find the cause of a drain that keeps blocking or smelling. Second, they check the drains before you buy a home, since a standard homebuyer survey does not look inside them. Third, they map the drain runs before an extension, so builders know what lies under the ground.
Many homes around Wolverhampton still have clay drains laid a century or more ago. While some of those pipes are still in good shape, others have cracked joints that let roots in. A survey tells you which one you have. The engineer then explains what the footage shows in plain terms.
What to do while you wait
- Note which fittings are slow or smell, and when
- Find your manhole covers and check they will lift
- If you are buying, ask the seller for any past drain reports
How the request works
- 1
Send your request
Use the form with your postcode and a short note about the problem. Photos help if you can add them later. - 2
A local engineer contacts you
We pass your request to an engineer who covers your area. They call or email you to agree a time. - 3
Run the camera
The engineer feeds the camera through the drain from a manhole or access point. They watch the live picture as it goes. - 4
Report the findings
You get the footage and a summary of any faults. The engineer explains what needs doing and what can wait.
Typical cctv drain surveys costs
UK price guides put a home CCTV drain survey at about £85 to £350 (MyJobQuote and Precise Drainage, 2026). A basic check sits at the low end, while a full survey with mapping costs more. MyJobQuote puts a homebuyer survey at about £250 to £350. These are typical ranges rather than our prices.
CCTV Drain Surveys services we cover
Pre-Purchase Drain Survey
A camera check of the drains before you buy a home. It helps you spot costly faults while you can still ask questions about the sale.Drainage Investigation
A camera check that looks for the cause of a problem. It suits drains that block again and again, smell or leak into the ground.CCTV Drain Surveys: frequently asked questions
What does a CCTV drain survey show?
A small camera travels through the pipe and records what it sees. It shows blockages, cracks, roots, loose joints and sagging sections. You then get the footage and a summary of the faults.
Do I need a drain survey before buying a house?
It is worth it for older homes, because a standard homebuyer survey does not look inside the drains. A camera survey can find faults while you can still ask the seller about them. For example, a cracked pipe under a drive can cost a lot to put right.
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
UK price guides put a home CCTV drain survey at about £85 to £350 (MyJobQuote and Precise Drainage, 2026). A homebuyer survey with a full report sits near the top of that range. These are typical figures, while your engineer quotes for your home.
How do I request help?
Fill in the short form on any page with your postcode and a note about the problem. We pass your request to a local engineer, who contacts you to agree a time. Because we have no phone line, the form is the fastest way to reach us.
Can I send a request at night or at the weekend?
Yes, the form stays open 24/7, including bank holidays. Mark your request as urgent if water is still escaping. The engineer then knows to treat it as an emergency.
Is the quote free?
Yes, the quote request is free and there is no obligation to go ahead. You can ask the engineer to talk you through the likely cost before they start. However, if the job changes once they can see it, they tell you before doing more.
Further reading
Buying a home? Our guide on why homebuyers should get a CCTV drain survey explains what the report can reveal. If the survey finds damage, see our drain repairs page for the usual fixes. For a drain that keeps blocking, start with a drainage investigation.
Helpful guides
CCTV Surveys
Why Every Home Buyer Needs a CCTV Drain Survey
A CCTV drain survey checks what no other house survey ever does. Find out what it reveals, what the law says about who owns the pipes, and how it can strengthen your offer. Drain MaintenanceThe Real Warning Signs of a Blocked Drain
Blocked drains rarely happen overnight. Here are the early warning signs to watch for, backed by Water UK's national data, and a clear answer on who is responsible for the repair.Related services
CCTV Drain Surveys by town
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