Homebuyer Drainage Survey in Macclesfield

CCTV homebuyer drain survey carried out at a residential property in Macclesfield, Cheshire, to assess the condition and integrity of the accessible drainage system before purchase.

The survey identified a moderately poor drainage network with several defects and access limitations, including joint displacements, a failed structural patch liner, a blocked manhole and a blocked front rainwater gully requiring further investigation.

Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire
Service: Homebuyer Drain Survey

Overview

We were instructed to carry out a homebuyer drain survey in Macclesfield to help the buyer understand the condition of the drainage system before progressing with the purchase.

A CCTV drain survey is an important part of the homebuying process, as drainage defects are rarely visible during a standard viewing or building survey. Issues such as displaced joints, failed repairs, blockages and collapsed pipework can remain hidden below ground but may lead to costly repairs if left unaddressed.

The purpose of this survey was to inspect the accessible drainage system, assess its condition and identify any defects or limitations that required remedial works or further investigation.

What we did

We carried out the drainage inspection using push-rod CCTV equipment, accessing the system through available manholes and drainage access points.

The survey included:

  • Inspecting accessible drainage runs serving the property

  • Assessing the condition of the below-ground pipework

  • Identifying structural defects and service issues

  • Reviewing access limitations within the drainage system

  • Confirming where drainage continued beyond the property boundary

  • Providing recommendations for remedial works and further investigation

The accessible sections of the drainage system were surveyed as far as practicable. Where access was restricted or blocked, these limitations were recorded within the findings so the buyer had a clear understanding of what could and could not be inspected during the visit.

Outcome

Overall, the surveyed drainage system was found to be in moderately poor condition, with several defects and access limitations identified.

The drainage line extending from the internal rest bend to one of the manholes contained a significant joint displacement together with a failed structural patch liner. These defects may affect the ongoing performance and integrity of the drainage system and should be addressed as part of future remedial works.

A further drainage line was found to contain a number of joint displacements requiring remedial attention. Displaced joints can create internal irregularities within the pipework, increasing the risk of debris catching, poor flow and further deterioration over time.

One manhole could not be directly accessed because the chamber was located beneath the fence line, with the fence lintel preventing removal of the cover. However, the drainage line was successfully surveyed through the chamber. Beyond this point, the drainage was observed to continue beyond the property boundary towards the neighbouring property, indicating that this section forms part of a shared drainage system.

Another manhole was found to be completely blocked at the time of survey. As a result, access could not be achieved and the associated drainage runs could not be fully inspected.

A rainwater gully located on the front elevation of the property was also found to be blocked. Based on the condition encountered, a potential collapse or significant structural defect within the associated pipework was suspected and requires further investigation.

Based on the findings, we recommended:

  • Remedial works to address the joint displacements

  • Repair or replacement of the failed structural patch liner

  • Further investigation of the suspected collapse serving the front rainwater gully

  • Unblocking the blocked manhole

  • Reinspection of previously inaccessible drainage runs by CCTV

This project is a strong example of why a homebuyer drain survey can be valuable before exchange of contracts. The survey helped the buyer identify hidden drainage defects, understand access limitations and highlight potential shared drainage responsibilities before completing the purchase.

Location

This homebuyer drainage survey was carried out at a residential property in Macclesfield, Cheshire, to assess the condition and integrity of the accessible drainage system before purchase.

We regularly undertake CCTV drainage surveys for homebuyers across Macclesfield, Prestbury, Bollington, Tytherington, Poynton, Wilmslow, Congleton and the wider Cheshire area, helping buyers identify hidden drainage defects before exchange of contracts, including displaced joints, failed patch repairs, blocked manholes, suspected collapsed pipework and shared drainage issues that may not be visible above ground.

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