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CCTV Drain Surveys and Drain Inspections

A CCTV drain survey is the most accurate way to identify drainage problems inside underground pipework. Using specialist camera equipment, our engineers can inspect your drains and locate blockages, collapsed pipes, root intrusion and hidden faults without excavation.

At R.A.M Drainage Solutions, we carry out professional CCTV drain surveys for domestic and commercial properties. Our drainage camera inspections allow us to diagnose problems quickly and recommend the correct repair, helping prevent further damage and costly disruption.

If you are experiencing recurring blocked drains, slow drainage or suspected pipe damage, a CCTV drain inspection can provide a clear and reliable diagnosis.

CCTV drain survey

What is a CCTV Drain Survey?

A CCTV drain survey is a professional inspection of your drainage system using specialist camera equipment designed to travel through underground pipework. The camera sends live footage to our engineers, allowing us to see exactly what is happening inside your drains without the need for digging.

This type of drain inspection is commonly used to investigate recurring blockages, damaged pipework, collapsed drains and hidden faults that cannot be seen from the surface.

During a CCTV survey we can:

  • Inspect underground drainage systems

  • Locate blockages and restrictions

  • Identify cracks or collapsed pipes

  • Detect root intrusion inside drains

  • Check pipe alignment and condition

  • Confirm the cause of recurring drainage problems

Because the inspection is carried out internally using camera equipment, a CCTV drain survey provides a fast, accurate and non-destructive way to diagnose drainage faults.

When Do You Need a CCTV Drain Survey?

A CCTV drain survey is recommended when drainage problems keep returning or when the cause of the issue is not clear. While some blockages can be removed quickly, repeated problems often indicate damage deeper within the pipework.

Recurring Blocked Drains

If your drains keep blocking even after being cleared, there may be a deeper problem inside the pipework. A CCTV drain survey allows us to inspect the drainage system internally and locate the exact cause of recurring blockages.

Slow Draining Sinks, Toilets or Showers

Slow drainage often means there is a restriction somewhere in the pipe. A camera drain inspection can identify build-up, damaged pipes or poor alignment that may be affecting water flow.

Bad Smells Coming From Drains

Unpleasant smells coming from drains can be caused by trapped debris, broken pipework or poor drainage connections. A CCTV drain survey helps locate the source of the smell so the correct repair can be carried out.

Water Backing Up Inside the Property

If water backs up into sinks, toilets or floor drains, there may be a blockage or collapse further along the system. A CCTV inspection allows us to see exactly where the problem is and fix it safely.

Flooding Around External Drains

Water pooling around outside drains, gullies or manholes may indicate a blocked or damaged underground pipe. A CCTV drain survey can check the condition of the drainage system and identify the fault quickly.

Suspected Damaged or Collapsed Pipework

Older drainage systems or previous ground movement can cause pipes to crack, collapse or become misaligned. A CCTV drain survey allows us to inspect underground pipework without digging and confirm whether repairs are needed.

A drainage camera inspection allows us to locate the exact cause of the problem instead of guessing, ensuring the correct repair is carried out the first time.

Need a CCTV Drain Survey Urgently?

Our engineers can quickly inspect your drainage system and identify the cause of the problem.

Contact R.A.M Drainage Solutions to arrange a CCTV drain inspection.

Fast Diagnosis

No Unnecessary Digging

Professional Drainage Repairs

What Problems Can a CCTV Drain Survey Find?

A CCTV drain survey allows our engineers to inspect the inside of your drainage system and identify faults that cannot be seen from the surface. Camera inspections are one of the most reliable ways to diagnose underground drainage problems without excavation.

Collapsed Drains

Collapsed or partially collapsed drains can stop water flowing properly and often cause recurring blockages or flooding. A CCTV drain survey allows us to locate the damaged section and determine the best repair.

Cracked or Broken Pipework

Over time, drainage pipes can crack due to age, ground movement or heavy loads above the pipe. A camera inspection helps identify damaged pipework so repairs can be carried out before the problem becomes worse.

Root Intrusion Inside Drains

Tree roots can grow into drainage pipes through small gaps or joints, causing blockages and damage inside the system. A CCTV drain survey can detect root ingress and allow us to remove the obstruction safely.

Misaligned or Displaced Pipe Joints

Pipes can move over time, especially in older drainage systems. Misaligned joints can catch debris and cause repeated blockages. A CCTV inspection allows us to check the condition and alignment of the pipework.

Build-Up of Grease, Scale or Debris

Grease, soap, dirt and other debris can build up inside drains and reduce water flow. A CCTV drain survey helps identify heavy build-up so the system can be cleaned using professional jetting equipment.

Hidden Blockages or Poor Installation

Some drainage problems are caused by poor installation or hidden faults underground. A CCTV drain inspection allows us to see exactly what is happening inside the pipework and recommend the correct repair.

By locating the exact cause of the problem, a CCTV drain survey ensures the correct repair is carried out, helping prevent further damage and ongoing drainage issues.

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Drain Repairs Following CCTV Surveys

While many drainage issues can be resolved through professional cleaning or jetting, some problems require repairs to prevent further damage and ongoing disruption.

If a CCTV survey identifies structural damage or significant defects within the pipework, R.A.M Drainage Solutions can provide a range of professional repair options.

Our drainage repair services include:

  • Drain relining
  • Patch repairs
  • Excavation and pipe replacement
  • Joint sealing
  • Collapsed drain repairs

 

Each repair solution is chosen based on the specific condition of the drainage system. Our engineers focus on delivering reliable, long-term repairs designed to restore full drainage performance and minimise the likelihood of future issues.

By combining CCTV diagnostics with targeted repair solutions, we ensure problems are addressed efficiently and effectively.

Homebuyer CCTV Drain Surveys

Drainage problems are not always visible during standard property inspections. If you are purchasing a property, a homebuyer CCTV drain survey can provide valuable insight into the condition of the drainage system before completion.

Older properties in particular may contain ageing pipework, hidden cracks or root intrusion that could lead to costly repairs if left undetected.

A homebuyer survey can help identify:

  • Structural defects in drainage systems
  • Root intrusion and pipe damage
  • Collapsed drain sections
  • Blockages or restrictions
  • Poorly installed or ageing pipework

 

Understanding the condition of the drainage system before purchasing a property allows buyers to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected repair costs later.

House illustration representing homebuyeres cctv drain surveys

How CCTV Drain Surveys Work

A CCTV drain survey uses specialist inspection cameras to check the condition of underground pipework without excavation. The camera travels through the drainage system and sends live footage to our engineer, allowing us to identify problems quickly and accurately.

Step 1 — Camera Inspection

We insert a specialist CCTV camera into the drain through an access point such as a manhole or inspection chamber. The camera is designed to travel safely through underground pipework.

Step 2 — Live Footage of the Drainage System

As the camera moves through the drains, it sends live video to our engineer. This allows us to see the inside of the pipework in real time and check for blockages, damage or poor installation.

Step 3 — Faults Located Accurately

Using CCTV equipment, we can locate the exact position of any problem, including collapsed drains, root intrusion, cracks or heavy build-up inside the pipe.

Step 4 — Condition of Pipework Checked

We assess the overall condition of the drainage system to see whether repairs are needed now or if future problems are likely to occur

Step 5 — Repair Advice & Next Steps

Once the survey is complete, we explain the findings clearly and recommend the best repair solution if needed. This may include drain jetting, relining, repairs or pipe replacement.

Step 6 — No Unnecessary Digging

Because the inspection is carried out internally, there is no need for unnecessary excavation. CCTV drain surveys are one of the safest and most effective ways to diagnose drainage problems.

Areas We Cover

R.A.M Drainage Solutions provide CCTV drain surveys across a wide range of locations in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire. We support homeowners and businesses with professional drainage diagnostics.

Our engineers regularly attend properties throughout areas including:

 

Whether you are dealing with recurring drainage problems, investigating a suspected pipe defect or arranging a pre-purchase drain inspection, our team can provide reliable CCTV survey services with minimal disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CCTV drain survey?

A drainage CCTV survey is an inspection of your drainage system using a specialised waterproof camera. The camera is inserted into the drain through an access point such as a manhole or inspection chamber and sends live footage to the engineer.

This allows drainage professionals to identify problems such as blockages, cracks, root intrusion or collapsed sections without digging.

Most CCTV drain surveys take between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size of the drainage system and the complexity of the issue.

Once the survey is complete, the engineer will explain the findings and advise if any repairs or maintenance are required.

If your drains keep blocking even after being cleared, a CCTV survey can help identify the underlying cause.

Recurring issues are often linked to pipe damage, root intrusion or misaligned pipework, which can be detected using camera inspection.

Yes. CCTV surveys can identify cracked pipes, collapsed sections, root intrusion and displaced joints inside drainage systems.

This allows engineers to locate the problem accurately and recommend the most appropriate repair solution.

A CCTV drain survey is recommended if you have recurring blockages, slow drainage, bad smells or suspected pipe damage.

It is also commonly carried out when purchasing a property to check the condition of the drainage system.

The cost of a CCTV drain survey depends on the size of the drainage system and the type of problem being investigated. We provide professional drain inspections at competitive rates, and our engineers can give a clear quote once we understand the issue.

We carry out CCTV drain surveys across Dorset, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. We cover Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, Christchurch, Winchester and surrounding areas. If you are unsure whether we cover your location, please contact our team and we will be happy to help.

Yes, we provide CCTV drain surveys for both domestic and commercial properties. Our engineers can inspect drainage systems in homes, businesses, offices and industrial premises using specialist camera equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have any other questions? Speak to one of our drainage specialists today. 

Need a Professional CCTV Drain Survey?

Contact R.A.M Drainage Solutions today for fast and reliable drainage inspection.