CCTV drain survey reports: seven questions to ask
Understand the scope, evidence and limitations of a drain survey before commissioning inspection or repair work.
A drain survey is most useful when its findings answer the reason you commissioned it. Before booking, distinguish a recurring blockage investigation from a condition report for a property purchase or a check before planned repair work.
1. Which sections will be inspected?
Ask which access points and pipe runs are included. Tell the contractor about inaccessible chambers or previous difficulties. A report should make clear when part of the system could not be inspected rather than imply complete coverage.
2. Is clearance needed first?
Ask how an obstruction would affect the inspection and whether preliminary clearance is included or separately priced. Agree how extra work will be authorised if the camera cannot proceed.
3. What evidence will I receive?
Clarify whether the deliverable includes footage, still images, a written report and a description of the inspected route. Ask how observations will be matched to the relevant pipe section so later repair quotations refer to the same finding.
4. What do the findings establish?
Ask the contractor to separate visible observations from suspected causes. A recommendation should explain the evidence supporting it and any further investigation needed before choosing a repair.
5. What remains uncertain?
An inaccessible section, incomplete route information or poor visibility may limit conclusions. Request a clear list of exclusions and the practical next step for resolving important gaps.
6. Who is responsible for the affected pipe?
Do not assume that a pipe crossing your property is solely your responsibility. Ask whether the wastewater company should be consulted about shared drainage. Keep this question separate from the technical repair recommendation.
7. Is repair included?
An inspection quotation is not necessarily a repair quotation. Ask for proposed work, access, reinstatement and completion evidence to be described separately.
See CCTV drain surveys, drain repairs and our recurring drain blockage guide for related information.
