Quick answer
MyJobQuote gives an average CCTV drain survey of about £250. Its quotes run from £90 to £500, depending on scope. Survey Match gives £200 to £350 plus VAT for a 2 to 3 bed home. These are national figures, not Essex quotes, so treat them as a guide. Ask for a written quote that names exactly what it covers, since scope changes the price.
What the published figures say
The figures below come from sources read on 2 October 2026. They come from price guides and trade sites. Several publishers sell leads, so use the ranges with care.
| Source | What it quotes |
|---|---|
| MyJobQuote, Drain Survey Cost Guide 2026 | £90 to £500, average £250; a full survey about £350; usually about 2 hours |
| Survey Match, Drain Survey 2026 | £150 to £500 or more plus VAT |
Quoted prices usually cover the inspection and report only, so repairs cost extra. The ranges disagree at the edges. Still, a quote inside them is a fair starting point.
What changes the price
No two drain surveys cost the same, because no two properties share the same drainage. The main factors are the property, the drain run, the report standard and the reason for the survey. A flat day rate rarely fits.
Property type and access
A small terrace with one short run to the boundary is quicker to survey. In contrast, a large detached house may have several soil stacks and extensions. Altered drainage takes more time to follow.
Access matters too. A survey that runs from open manholes and gullies is simpler. If no outside access exists, the engineer may push a camera through a toilet instead.
Length and complexity of the run
The camera must travel the full length of pipe. Bends, junctions and changes in pipe size all add time on site. They also add time to review the footage. Each one needs a note in the report.
Number of access points
Some properties have one manhole between the house and the boundary. Others have several chambers along the run. Each extra access point adds time, since the engineer must check each branch.
The MSCC5 report standard
MSCC5 is the fifth edition of the Manual of Sewer Condition Classification, which WRc publishes. Many drain surveys use it to code and grade each defect. A coded report takes longer to produce than a quick look, since the engineer grades every defect.
That time is part of the price. In return, a solicitor, insurer or repair contractor can read the grades, since the system is standard. Our guide to what MSCC5 means in a drain survey explains the grades.
Why you want the survey
The reason for the survey changes the scope. Here are three common cases.
- A pre-purchase survey usually covers the full run from the house to the boundary or sewer connection
- A diagnostic survey can focus on the section most likely to be at fault
- An insurance survey needs clear photo and video evidence for the insurer
Say why you need the survey when you ask for a quote. That way you pay only for the scope you need, and you avoid extras. For buying advice, see our home buyer's guide to drain surveys.
How to get an accurate quote
Accurate pricing needs the property type, the rough drain length and the reason for the survey. A generic rate cannot cover those details, since each home differs. Ask the engineer for a written quote before work starts. Also ask what the report includes, and whether you keep the footage.
If a repair follows, the footage helps. You can judge options such as pipe relining against the real pipe condition. MyJobQuote gives relining at £80 to £150 a metre, and WP Drainage gives £70 to £250.
Survey pages by town
Survey costs follow the same factors in every town. If you live in Maldon or Witham, the Maldon area page and the Witham area page list every service for the town. If a survey finds damage, see drain repairs in Great Baddow.
- CCTV drain surveys in Chelmsford
- CCTV drain surveys in Braintree
- CCTV drain surveys in Brentwood
- Drainage investigation
- All CCTV drain survey options
Frequently asked questions
Does a bigger house always cost more to survey?
Not always. The length and complexity of the run matter more than the size of the building. A large house with a short run can cost less. A small house with a long, awkward run can cost more.
Why do some surveys take longer than others?
Longer runs, harder access and full MSCC5 reports all add time, both on site and in the write-up. The price reflects that work. Ask the engineer to explain where the time goes.
Is a survey worth it for one blockage?
If a blockage clears easily and does not return, probably not. However, if it keeps returning, a survey can cost less than clearing the same spot again and again.
Can the survey show if I need relining or excavation?
Yes, since that is one of its main uses. The footage and grades show whether a defect suits pipe relining. They also show when the pipe needs a bigger repair.