What is a CCTV drain survey and when do you need one?

A CCTV drain survey is a camera inspection of your drainage system. It lets an engineer see exactly what is happening inside the pipes without digging or guessing, which turns a recurring drainage problem into a clear repair plan.

Here is how it works, what it reveals, and when it is worth booking one.

How a CCTV drain survey works

A specialist pushes a small, waterproof camera along the drain from an access point. The camera records live footage of the inside of the pipe, which the engineer reviews to identify the condition of the pipework and the location of any blockage or damage.

The survey produces a clear picture of what is going on, so the right fix can be planned first time.

What it reveals

A CCTV drain survey can identify:

• Blockages and their exact location.
• Cracks, breaks or collapsed sections of pipe.
• Root intrusion from nearby trees.
• Misaligned or displaced pipe joints.
• Scale, grease or debris build-up.
• Problems in shared or communal drainage.

This detail is what separates a proper diagnosis from a quick fix that only clears the symptom.

When to book a survey

Book a CCTV drain survey when:

• The same drain keeps blocking despite clearing.
• You are buying or selling a property and want to check the drainage.
• You are taking on a new rental or commercial property.
• There are foul smells, slow drainage or gurgling that persist.
• You suspect damage after building work or heavy use.

For a recurring blockage, a survey is often the difference between repeated call-outs and a proper fix. Our guide to why drains keep blocking covers the underlying causes in more detail.

Getting a survey done

If you need a CCTV drain survey or professional drain unblocking across London, our drains service can inspect your system and turn the findings into a clear repair plan.

For information on who is responsible for shared drains, the Thames Water website explains the split between private drains and public sewers.