Homebuyer Drain survey in Altrincham

Homebuyer drainage survey carried out for a property purchase, identifying drainage condition and potential issues before completion.

Location: Altrincham, Manchester
Service: Homebuyer Drain Survey

Key Findings: Root ingress, displaced joints, blockage and grease build-up
Outcome: Root cutting, patch lining and HPWJ completed

Overview

Clearflow Surveys was instructed to carry out a homebuyer drainage survey at a residential property in Altrincham ahead of our client's proposed purchase.

Following an initial discussion with the buyer, we were able to arrange the survey quickly to support the ongoing conveyancing process. Our surveyors attended site and carried out a comprehensive CCTV inspection of both the foul and surface water drainage systems. A detailed WRc-approved drainage report was then issued within 48 hours of the site visit, providing the buyer with a clear understanding of the condition of the underground drainage network before exchange of contracts.

What we did

We carried out a full CCTV inspection of the property's foul and surface water drainage systems to assess their condition, identify any defects and determine whether any remedial works may be required.

During the survey, a blockage within the drainage network prevented access to part of the system. Working alongside the homeowner, we arranged for the blockage to be cleared, allowing a complete inspection of the drainage network to be undertaken.

Following completion of the survey, we also worked with the homeowner to carry out remedial works, including root cutting, patch lining repairs and high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ), to address the defects identified during our inspection.

What we found

Our CCTV survey identified a number of defects and maintenance issues within the drainage system, including:

  • Multiple locations affected by root ingress

  • Displaced pipe joints allowing root penetration

  • A blockage caused by root masses within the drainage network

  • Grease build-up within the pipe inverts, reducing hydraulic performance and increasing the risk of future blockages

The root ingress had entered the drainage system through defective joints and had developed sufficiently to restrict flow and contribute to the blockage. The grease deposits identified within sections of the pipework had also reduced the effective capacity of the drains and impacted overall system performance.

Outcome

The survey provided the buyer with a clear understanding of the condition of the drainage system before proceeding with the purchase.

Following identification of the defects, root cutting was undertaken to remove root masses from the affected pipework. Patch lining repairs were then installed to seal the displaced joints and prevent future root intrusion. Areas affected by grease accumulation were cleaned using high-pressure water jetting, restoring flow and improving hydraulic performance.

By identifying and addressing these issues early in the transaction process, the buyer was able to proceed with greater confidence, knowing the condition of the drainage network and the remedial works that had been completed.

Location

This homebuyer drainage survey was carried out at a residential property in Altrincham, Greater Manchester. We regularly undertake CCTV drainage surveys for homebuyers across Altrincham, Sale, Hale, Bowdon, Timperley and the wider Trafford area, helping buyers identify hidden drainage defects before exchange of contracts.

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