CCTV drain surveys are a non-intrusive way of inspecting drains, thanks to the use of CCTV drain rods. The rods have a camera attached to the bottom which feeds back images of the inside of the pipes back to a monitor. This allows you to inspect the inside of your drainage pipes without having to dig holes.
Through the use of CCTV surveys, surveyors will be able to see into a drain line, sewer, toilet, or sink pipes and gather photographic evidence regarding the problem (or if there isn’t one). This allows for specialist engineers to deal with faults in the most efficient way, producing fast repairs and protecting the client from needless charges.
A CCTV drainage survey helps to detect leaks, blockages, or corrosion in drains through a computer network. It may not be the best method to detect very small leaks as they can only be seen after 24-48hours of rainfall. However if you want to save money on your next project, get a clearer understanding of the situation of your pipes, or conduct an audit, a CCTV drain surveys work should be your first port of call.
Why do I need a CCTV drain survey?
CCTV drain surveys are a useful tool for any homeowner or landlord who has concerns about the state of their drains. The survey is conducted using a specialised CCTV drain inspection camera which is inserted into the sewer pipes from above ground, allowing the engineer to see what’s going on down there in real-time.
CCTV drain surveys can help identify problems such as:
Blocked drains
This may be caused by tree roots growing into the pipework or rubbish being flushed down toilets and sinks without being correctly disposed of.
Burst pipes
This is often caused by freezing temperatures or water hammering when someone flushes a toilet upstairs (if you have an upstairs bathroom).
These can occur anywhere along the length of your drains and can cause serious damage to your home if they aren’t dealt with quickly enough.
How does a CCTV drain survey work?
CCTV drain surveys are used to inspect a pipe or channel from the inside. This can be done by either pushing high tech CCTV cameras down the pipes, or by threading a flexible cable through the pipes, and then pulling out the camera at the other end.
The first method of drain surveys involves pushing an endoscope down the drain and into the pipe. Endoscopes are small CCTV cameras with a light attached to them. This allows you to see what is going on inside the pipes without removing any covers or digging any foundations.
The second method involves running a flexible cable through your pipes and attaching a camera at one end of it. You then pull this through until you come out at the other end of your drain system. This usually involves pushing it through by hand, but there are some tools available that make this process easier if you have very narrow pipes (such as those in concrete drainage systems).
What does CCTV drain surveying show?
CCTV drain surveying shows exactly what kind of damage is affecting your pipes and channels – whether it’s silt build-up, or cracks in them.
The footage is then analysed by an expert team of drainage engineers before being presented to you in an easy-to-understand format so that you know exactly what’s going on beneath your feet and can make decisions based on this knowledge.
What is a CCTV drain survey procedure?
The procedure for a CCTV survey is as follows:
- We will send you a professional technician to your site location with all the necessary equipment to carry out the CCTV drain survey.
- The technician will start by placing a camera into the manhole or directly into any pipe that needs to be inspected.
- The camera sends images back up through a communication cable. The images are displayed on a monitor for viewing by our technicians or you can view them yourself if required (this would involve renting additional equipment from us).
- Our technician will then use their expertise and experience to identify any potential problems with your drains and advise on how they can be resolved using appropriate methods.
What happens after a CCTV drain survey?
After a CCTV drain survey, we will provide you with a full drain survey report that shows the results of our investigation. The CCTV survey report will include the type of defects found, how severe they are, their location, and what repairs are needed to fix them.
We will also provide you with a quotation for any work that needs to be done. If you choose to use our services, we can start work as soon as possible and complete your project promptly.
Will the CCTV drain survey find the cause of my blockage?
Yes! If you have a blocked drain, video footage from the CCTV survey will help us identify the exact location of the problem and recommend an effective solution.
At Regency Drainage Brighton, we offer a range of CCTV survey services with minimal disruption, including:
In depth inspection
This allows us to see if there is any structural damage, blockages, or any other drainage issue in your drains
Blocked sinks, baths, and showers
These can be identified with our CCTV camera. This can help us determine if there are any hidden drainage issue that needs resolving immediately.
A full sewer camera survey
This is ideal for those who want to find out if their drains have been damaged by other foreign objects.
When should I consider having a CCTV drain survey?
CCTV drainage surveys can be a cost-effective way of finding out the true extent of your drainage issues. With a CCTV drain survey, you can see exactly what’s causing the problem, and how to fix it.
Here are other signs it might be time to get a CCTV drain survey done:
- You notice any leaks or bursts happening in your home
- You have problems with dampness or mould growing in your home
- Drainage problems have been reported by other people living nearby
- Your property is suffering from regular flooding.
- You’ve had an insurance claim for water damage caused by flooding.
- You’ve found evidence of leaking pipes or drains on your property.
- Your neighbours have complained about flooding on their property, which they believe is coming from collapsed drains on your property.
Should I get a written quotation before having a CCTV drain survey
A good, quality drain survey and CCTV dig will save you plenty of time, money, and hassle because it should eliminate the need for full excavations where they aren’t needed. And even after a CCTV survey, a technician can still discover additional drainage issues.
It’s also important to check the laws in your area and have a written contract. Most reputable companies will do this with you. You won’t be disappointed if you see these as normal steps to protect yourself from a bad repair job or less-than-truthful business practices.
In conclusion, always get a written quotation from the company beforehand and make sure all details are covered in it (including the CCTV drain survey cost for the different investigations).
Routine maintenance can prevent problems and help you get more out of your drains
If you need a drain survey, you can employ CCTV specialists to cover everything, including excavation and inspection. The process involves a camera being inserted in the opening of the drain and poked around the sewer and drainage system. A drain survey uses a video camera to check the obstruction, while a surgical camera surveys the pipes internally. A 3D laser scanner will map your drain perfectly and provide a detailed report of its condition.
To get the most out of a drain survey, you’ll want to inspect your drains in multiple places—both low and high points—and utilize CCTV drain survey equipment to find any drainage or sewer problems.
