A drainage investigation uses a CCTV camera to find the cause of a problem that keeps coming back. A routine survey gives a general condition check; this is different, since the camera work follows your actual symptoms to trace the issue to its source. It matters most for blockages that keep coming back, damp with no clear cause, or slow drainage that standard unblocking won't clear.
Our cameras give a close view inside the pipe, covering joints and hard-to-reach spots. This maps the drainage layout and pinpoints the defect behind the problem. You then get a written report with footage, marked-up images, and clear next steps.
That evidence is also useful for an insurance claim or a dispute with a neighbour over shared drainage. It can help with a planning application too, since some affect existing pipe routes.
We start by understanding the problem: which fixtures struggle, when symptoms occur, and what you've tried already. Since this guides where we focus the investigation, it saves time later.
We trace the drainage from the affected area outward, recording footage of every pipe section and joint. We keep going until we locate the defect causing the issue.
Once we've found the cause — root ingress, a collapsed section, a displaced joint, or a design fault — we document it thoroughly with annotated footage and images.
You get a detailed report explaining the problem, its location, and solutions ranked by cost and results. We can also quote for repairs straight away.
The cost of a drainage investigation depends on how tricky the system is, since a harder-to-trace issue takes longer to investigate. Request a fixed-price quote online — we confirm the price before starting and there is no call-out fee.
A standard survey gives a general check of your entire drainage system. An investigation is problem-focused: we work from your symptoms to trace a specific fault. Depending on what we find, it may cover the full system or just the affected section.
Yes. Our push-rod cameras can reach pipes under extensions and other add-ons, through existing manholes and access points. If there's no nearby access, we can talk through ways to create temporary access.
Yes. Home insurers accept our reports, which include dated footage, marked-up images, and clear notes. We produce reports to a standard that suits claims, disputes, and legal cases.