
Drainage Surveying
When there are blocked drains, damp patches and unpleasant odours on or around a property, it can be a sign of deeper issues within the drainage system. Not only that, but if they aren’t properly dealt with, the problems could lead to costly structural issues or major repair works.
Whether you’re moving into a new home, addressing existing obstacles on your property or managing a commercial building, it is important to understand the condition of your drainage network and have something in place if it isn’t functioning correctly.
Using a drainage survey, you can spot issues early, keep your drainage in optimal condition, and do all of this in a way that is cost-effective and non-invasive.
What is a Drainage Survey?
A drainage survey is an in-depth inspection of a property’s drain system using advanced equipment such as high-resolution CCTV cameras. Due to the use of a CCTV inspection, the process is also sometimes known as a CCTV drain survey.
During the process, a drain surveyor will carry out a CCTV drain survey without the need for disruptive digging, helping to identify issues that could otherwise go unnoticed, like blocked drains, collapsed pipes and root ingress.
Uses for Drainage Surveys
Drainage surveys can be used to diagnose drainage problems in both domestic and commercial properties.
More than anything, they are essential for home buyers and home sellers during property purchases to avoid unexpected repair costs.
Mortgage lenders and insurance companies often ask for a pre-purchase drain survey for due diligence.
Who Needs a Drainage Survey?
It is likely that a drainage survey would be needed for:
- Commercial Properties Undergoing Planned Maintenance
- Home Buyers Looking for Peace of Mind
- Home Sellers Proving the Condition of their Drainage Network
- Insurance Claims Related to Collapsed Drains or Water Damage
- Property Owners with Ongoing Structural Issues
Survey of Drainage System
Different Types of Drainage Investigation
Our team offers full drain surveys using various CCTV inspection techniques, as well as more targeted inspections to meet the specific needs of the client.
With experience in diagnosing drainage problems caused by structural issues, tree roots and general wear and tear, we are perfectly suited to help with any and all potential drain issues.
Standard Process for Drainage Surveys
Typically completed within the space of two hours, our drain survey process plays out in the following way:
- In-Depth Inspection Using CCTV Cameras
- Live Footage Review to Identify Areas of Concern
- Comprehensive Analysis of the Drain System
- Drain Survey Report with Detailed Findings and Recommended Repair Works
Drainage Survey Report
The drainage survey report will be created after the inspection as a full survey overview, giving the client results from the assessment and recommendations for ways to reduce or remove any obstacles.
As evidence, the CCTV drainage survey report could also contain high-resolution imagery and mapping of the drainage networks.
It will then be able to inform the local water authority, insurance company or any other involved regulators and organisations, easing any concerns and dealing with any identified issues.
Drainage Survey Equipment
A combination of practical items and the latest technology is vital in a drain survey, such as:
- Access Rods
- Crawler Units / Robotic Crawlers
- Drain Jetting Equipment
- Dye Testing Kits
- High-Resolution Cameras
- Inspection Crawlers with Tilt, Pan and Zoom
- Manhole Keys and Lifting Equipment
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Push Rod Cameras
- Reporting Software
- Smoke Testing Equipment
- Sonde and Locator Equipment
- WinCan, Viewline and/or Quickview Systems

Drainage Survey Near Me
In the section below, we explain how you can get a CCTV drain survey and why Arbtech is the best option for providing this service.
From home buyers to home sellers and developers to local authorities, we’ve seen every problem a drainage system can have and helped countless clients.
Drainage Survey Consultants
The drain surveyors within our team are based all over the UK, dealing with all sorts of potential problems and making informed decisions in the detailed report once the drain inspection is complete.
Every member of our team has the qualifications, experience and knowledge to undertake a CCTV survey on drains and come away with the insight and results you need to solve the issue you’re having.
Drainage Survey Costs
The likely cost of a drainage survey is important to take into account, as it will need to be factored into your budget alongside any other work you’re looking to carry out.
CCTV drain survey cost can vary depending on property size, access requirements and specific needs. For example, a CCTV survey carried out on larger commercial properties or to help with buildings insurance claims is likely to involve more work than other surveys on smaller buildings or cases with different requirements.
For help with preventing future problems and simplifying potential issues that are already ongoing, it would be best to speak to us directly and allow our team to create a quote for your site.
Book Your Drainage Survey Today
If you’re having trouble with your drainage system or simply want assurances that there’s nothing wrong with it, Arbtech provides a drain survey service to help.
We evaluate blocked and collapsed drains with the most recent surveying technology before creating a report that will give you and any related regulators everything you need to know.
Get in touch with us today via email, phone or our website, and we can calculate the likely CCTV drain survey cost and arrange a free quote for you to look over as you make your decision.