CCTV Drain surveys
Professional CCTV drain surveys for residential and commercial properties across the North West. Fast, reliable inspections with clear reporting.
✔ Fast turnaround
✔ Clear, professional reports
✔ Ideal for homebuyers and property owners
CCTV Drainage surveys across the North West
We carry out residential and commercial drain surveys, inspections and no dig repairs across a wide range of locations.
What is A CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey is a detailed inspection of your drainage system using specialist camera equipment. A high-resolution camera is fed through your pipes to assess their condition and identify any issues that are not visible from the surface.
This allows problems to be diagnosed quickly and accurately without the need for excavation.
Whether you are buying a property, investigating a drainage issue, or planning building works, a CCTV survey provides the clarity needed to make informed decisions.
A CCTV drain survey can identify:
Cracks, fractures, or collapsed pipework
Blockages and build-up of debris
Tree root ingress
Misaligned or displaced joints
General wear and deterioration
The footage is recorded and used to produce a clear, easy-to-understand report, including findings, condition grading and recommended next steps.
Detailed drainage report
After the survey, you’ll receive a clear, professional report outlining the condition of your drains.
Your report typically includes:
A full summary of findings
Annotated drainage mapping and layout
Clear identification of any defects
Supporting high-definition footage and images
Easy-to-understand explanations
We focus on making reports simple and practical, so you know exactly what’s going on.
Drain mapping and layout
We will provide annotated drainage mapping to show:
The layout of your pipework
Direction of flow
Connections between systems
This is particularly useful for:
Property purchases
Building works
Commercial sites
Defect identification and condition grading
We don’t just find problems, we explain them.
Each issue is:
Clearly identified
Assessed based on severity
Prioritised where necessary
This helps you understand:
What needs urgent attention
What can be monitored
What is in good condition
Professional recommendations
If issues are found, we provide clear, honest recommendations for the next steps.
This may include:
Repairs or replacements
Further investigation if needed
Preventative maintenance
No pressure - just practical advice based on what we find.
When Do You Need a CCTV Drain Survey?
You may need a CCTV drain survey when there is a risk of hidden issues within your drainage system or when confirmation of condition is required before making a decision.
If you are unsure whether you need a CCTV drain survey, our team can advise based on your situation and property type.
Most common reasons include:
Buying a property
A CCTV drain survey is highly recommended when purchasing a property. Standard building surveys do not assess underground drainage, meaning defects can go unnoticed.
We regularly find issues during homebuyer surveys, that would cost thousands if missed. A survey helps you:
Identify hidden issues before committing
Avoid unexpected repair costs
Support price negotiations where problems are found
Building Works or Extensions
Before carrying out construction or extensions, a drain survey helps you understand the location and condition of existing pipework and is required to get sign-off from your water authority.
This is important for:
Avoiding damage during works
Supporting build-over approvals
Reducing risk during construction
Recurring Blockages or Drainage Issues
If you are experiencing repeated blockages, slow drainage, or foul odours, a CCTV survey identifies the root cause.
This ensures:
Accurate diagnosis of the problem
Targeted repairs rather than temporary fixes
Mortgage or Insurance Requirements
Some lenders and insurers may request a drainage survey to confirm the system is in good condition. A professional report provides reassurance and can help prevent delays.
After Flooding or Ground Movement
If you suspect damage within your drainage system, a CCTV survey provides a clear diagnosis. Identifying issues early helps prevent more serious and costly problems.
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
The cost of a CCTV drain survey can vary depending on the size of the property, the complexity of the drainage system and the type of survey required.
As a general guide:
Localised inspections start at £150 plus VAT
Standard residential drain surveys start at £200 plus VAT, with cost increasing for larger properties.
Commercial drain surveys are dependant on the size and complexity of the system being inspected.
Every property is different, so we always provide a clear, upfront quote before any work begins.
What affects the cost of a drain survey?
Several factors can influence the price of a CCTV drain survey:
Property size: Larger homes and commercial sites often have more extensive drainage systems, which take longer to inspect.
Accessibility: If access points (manholes) are difficult to locate or require additional work, this can increase the time required on site.
Length and layout of drainage system: More pipework = more inspection time.
Type of survey required:
Homebuyer surveys
Build over surveys
Detailed mapping or tracing
These can require more in-depth reporting and analysis.
What’s included in the price?
When you book a CCTV drain survey with us, you’ll typically receive:
Full CCTV inspection of your drainage system
High-resolution footage and supporting images
Annotated drainage asset map
A clear, easy-to-understand report
Identification of any defects or issues
Professional recommendations for repairs (if needed)
We focus on providing clear, detailed reports so you fully understand the condition of your drains.
Are cheaper drain surveys worth it?
While cheaper options are available, they don’t always include:
Detailed reporting
Clear defect identification
Actionable recommendations
In many cases, a low-cost survey can lead to missed issues or unclear results, which can become far more expansive later - especially when buying a property.
Because every drainage system is different, the best way to get an accurate cost is to request a quote.
We provide:
Transparent pricing
No hidden fees
Fast availability
Contact us today for a quick, no-obligation quote.
Why choose Clearflow Surveys?
What will happen:
Book your survey at a convenient time
We carry out a CCTV inspection on site
We produce a clear, professional report
We aim to keep the process simple and efficient so you get the information you need in a timely manner.
We pride ourselves in:
✔ Fast response to urgent issues
✔ Clear, easy-to-understand reporting
✔ Operating modern CCTV inspection equipment
✔ Experience across residential and commercial drainage systems
Past Projects
Examples of drainage surveys carried out across Cheshire, Manchester and Staffordshire.
Homebuyer drain survey in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Septic tank survey in Lower Withington, Cheshire.
Build over drain survey in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
Drain survey FAQS
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A drain survey uses CCTV equipment to inspect the condition of your drainage system. It helps identify issues such as blockages, damage or structural defects without the need for excavation.
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You may need a drain survey when buying a property, investigating drainage issues, planning construction work or assessing the condition of an existing system.
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A CCTV drain survey includes a full inspection of the drainage system, a written report, video footage and clear recommendations based on the findings.
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Most drain surveys take between 1–3 hours depending on the size of the property and the accessibility of the drainage system.
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A drain survey is not always included in a standard property survey, but it is recommended to identify hidden drainage issues before completing a purchase.
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The cost of a drain survey depends on the size of the property and the scope of the inspection. We provide clear, upfront quotes with no hidden costs.
Need a Drain Survey in Your Area?
We provide fast, reliable drainage services across the North West.