A drainage investigation starts from a symptom and follows the pipe until it finds the cause. The symptom may be repeat blocks, a damp patch, a smell or a slow drain. A camera shows what a rod cannot, since it films the inside of the pipe.
A standard CCTV drain survey checks the whole drain, while an investigation focuses on one problem. The two overlap, yet the aim differs. If you are buying a home, read about the pre-purchase drain survey instead.
Common findings include roots in a joint, a cracked pipe, a sagging section and a missing connection. Each needs a different repair, so the footage matters. The drain repairs page explains the usual options.
Tell the engineer which fixtures are affected to guide the search. Mention what you have tried and when the problem began. A clear history helps the operator pick where to start.
The operator starts near the symptom and follows the pipe, while the camera records each joint and bend. A push-rod camera suits most home drains. Some faults only show once the camera passes a joint.
Once the camera finds a defect, the operator notes its position, since a repair needs the exact spot. The footage becomes your evidence. A clear clip is useful if you need to show the fault later.
Ask for a written summary with footage and a list of options. Repair choices differ in cost, so ask the engineer to explain each one. Keep the footage with your quote, because you may need both.
Use these questions to compare quotes, since the answers differ from one engineer to the next. Write the answers down, since a written note helps if the job changes. Then compare two quotes if the job looks large.
These are typical UK ranges from national guides, not Essex quotes. MyJobQuote lists locating a blockage with CCTV at about £250 and a full survey at about £350. Survey Match lists a large property at £350 to £500 plus VAT.
Prices vary with the time it takes to find the fault. Ask for a written quote before work starts, and ask what the price includes. Repairs usually cost extra.
A survey grades the whole drain, while an investigation hunts one problem. The camera may cover less of the system, since it follows the symptom. Ask the engineer which one suits you.
Often, yes. A push-rod camera follows the pipe from an access point. It cannot pass a collapsed section, however. Ask the engineer what access exists before you book.
It may, since footage and a written report show the fault. Insurers set their own rules, so ask yours what evidence it wants. Keep the footage and the quote together.