Blocked or slow-draining pipes often hide deeper problems. In Southampton, CCTV drain surveys provide a fast, non-invasive way to diagnose underground issues before they become expensive repairs. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or commercial property manager, early inspection can save both money and stress.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey and How Does It Work?
A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a waterproof high-definition camera into your pipe system. The camera transmits live footage to a drainage technician who analyses the condition of your drains in real time. This process identifies:
- Cracked or collapsed pipes
- Tree-root intrusion
- Build-ups of grease or debris
- Misaligned joints and pipe displacement
- Structural defects caused by age or ground movement
Modern surveys provide detailed digital reports with imagery and recommendations — a vital step before drain repairs, extensions, or property purchases.
Why Southampton Homeowners Benefit from CCTV Drain Surveys
CCTV drain surveys Southampton services are increasingly popular because of the city’s mix of Victorian housing and modern coastal developments. Older clay pipes are prone to cracking, while newer PVC systems can still suffer from poor installation or ground shift.
Key benefits:
✅ Early detection — find problems before they escalate.
✅ Non-invasive — no digging or property damage.
✅ Cost-effective — prevent major repairs later.
✅ Detailed report for insurance or legal use.
✅ Essential for home buyers or landlords meeting compliance standards.
CCTV Drain Survey Process — Step by Step
- Initial Assessment — technicians discuss your symptoms (slow drains, odours, gurgling pipes).
- Camera Insertion — a reel-mounted CCTV unit is fed through inspection points.
- Video Analysis — footage is recorded and inspected live for any issues.
- Reporting — a digital report outlines damage, depth, and recommended repairs.
- Follow-Up Action — if required, CIPP lining or patch repairs can be carried out without digging.
Southampton Drains24 provides 24/7 survey services for homes and businesses across the city.
Common Drain Problems Found in Southampton Properties
Because of the region’s clay-based soil and seasonal rainfall, technicians frequently discover:
- Tree roots penetrating joints (especially in Bassett and Portswood)
- Collapsed sections in older terraced streets
- Fat and grease blockages near restaurants and cafés
- Misaligned pipes after ground movement from coastal subsidence
A CCTV survey helps pinpoint these before they cause flooding or structural damage.
How Often Should You Book a Drain Survey?
For domestic properties, every 2–3 years is recommended, or sooner if you’ve experienced recurrent blockages. Landlords and commercial sites should schedule annual surveys as part of preventative maintenance to stay compliant with Environmental Health and Building Regulations.
Why Choose Southampton Drains24
✅ Local team with rapid response times.
✅ Fully certified under the National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC).
✅ Advanced CCTV equipment for HD footage.
✅ Comprehensive reports accepted by insurance providers.
✅ Affordable rates with no-dig repair options when required.
Book Your CCTV Drain Survey in Southampton Today
Don’t wait for a flood or sewage backup to discover a problem. Contact Southampton Drains24 today for fast, professional CCTV drain surveys in Southampton and peace of mind knowing your drainage is in expert hands.
CCTV drain survey FAQs
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
Most domestic surveys take between 1–2 hours depending on pipe length and access.
Can you survey drains on commercial premises?
Yes — our specialist cameras handle industrial and commercial systems of all sizes.
Is CCTV surveying safe for old pipes?
Absolutely. The camera is lightweight and non-intrusive, making it safe for fragile systems.
Do you provide a video report?
Yes, each survey includes footage and a written report highlighting any issues found.
How soon can I book a survey in Southampton?
We offer same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency support.