Signs you need drainage investigation help
- A drain that blocks again within weeks of clearing
- Sewage smells outside or under floors with no clear cause
- Damp patches, sinking ground or rats near a drain run
- Water backing up only in heavy rain
Drainage Investigation: what the job involves
A drainage investigation looks for the cause of a drain problem that keeps coming back. It suits drains that block every few weeks, smell with no clear reason or seem to leak into the ground. A camera survey sits at the heart of it. However, the engineer also checks the layout, the covers and how each fitting drains.
They start by asking what happens and when. For example, a drain that only floods in heavy rain points to a different fault than one that blocks after every wash. They then run the camera through the suspect runs and record the footage. Where needed, they jet the pipe first so the camera sees clearly.
At the end, you get the footage and a plain summary of the cause. The engineer explains which faults need fixing now, while others can wait. If the problem sits in a shared or public drain, they tell you that too. That helps you know whether to call the water company.
How the job goes
- 1. Talk through the problem The engineer asks when the problem happens and which fittings it affects.
- 2. Survey the drains They jet where needed and run the camera through the suspect runs.
- 3. Explain the cause You get the footage and a plain summary of what needs doing.
Typical costs
UK price guides put a home CCTV drain survey at about £85 to £350 (MyJobQuote and Precise Drainage, 2026). An investigation that needs jetting first or covers several runs sits at the top of that range. Any repair costs extra. These are typical ranges, and you can ask your engineer to confirm the price before they start.
Around Wolverhampton
Around Wolverhampton, repeat blockages often trace back to old clay drains with open joints. Tree roots find those gaps, in particular in leafy areas such as Tettenhall and Penn. In former mining areas like Cannock, ground movement can also shift pipes out of line. A camera survey shows which of these you are dealing with.
Drainage Investigation: frequently asked questions
Why does my drain keep blocking?
Repeat blockages usually mean something in the pipe catches waste, while the rest of the drain may be fine. Roots, a displaced joint, a sag or a broken section can all do this. A camera survey finds the cause so it can stop for good.
Why do I smell sewage outside?
A cracked pipe, a dry trap or a loose manhole cover can let smells out. Because the cause is not always obvious, a camera survey helps. The engineer also checks the covers and traps.
What happens after the investigation?
You get a summary of the faults and what they mean. The engineer then explains the repair options and prices, since you may have more than one choice. You then decide what to do and when.
Is the problem my responsibility?
It depends where the fault is. You look after drains that only serve your home, while shared lateral drains and sewers belong to the water company. The survey helps show which side of the line the fault sits.