August 3, 2025
5 Things You MUST Do Before Booking a CCTV Drain Survey
A CCTV drain survey feels like the definitive step in solving drainage mysteries. It promises a high-tech peek into the hidden world beneath your property. But booking one without a clear plan can be a costly mistake.
Booking a blind survey is like ordering an expensive X-ray without telling the doctor where it hurts. The result? A hefty bill, but no clear diagnosis.”
To ensure your investment leads to a real solution, not just a confusing report, we’ve created the essential pre-survey checklist.
Go through these 5 steps before you book.
Rule Out the Simple Stuff First
Before deploying a camera, have you addressed the most common culprits? A recurring blockage might not be a collapsed pipe; it could be a build-up of grease, fats, or wipes that can be easily cleared.
Action: Consider a professional high-pressure water jetting first. In many cases, this service is cheaper than a full survey and will resolve the issue completely. If the problem persists after a thorough jetting, you know you have an underlying issue that justifies a camera inspection.
Clearly Define Your ‘Why’
A survey without a goal is just a tour. To get an actionable report, you must know what question you want answered. Your objective will change the focus of the survey.
Pre-Purchase Survey: The goal is to assess the overall structural condition of the drainage system to avoid inheriting costly problems. The surveyor should look for cracks, root ingress, and misconnections.
Fault-Finding Survey: You have a specific, recurring problem (e.g., a toilet that always blocks). The survey should focus on identifying the exact cause and location of that single issue.
Build-Over or Mapping Survey: You’re planning an extension and need to know the exact location and condition of the pipes you’ll be building over. The focus is on precision mapping.
Vet Your Chosen Specialist
The quality of the survey depends entirely on the skill of the operator and the standards of the company. A cheap survey from an inexperienced technician is a false economy.
Action: Look for accredited and insured specialists with a strong track record and positive customer reviews. Ask for a sample report to see the level of detail they provide. Do they offer clear written summaries and high-definition video footage as standard?
Know What a Good Report Looks Like
The “deliverable” isn’t just a video file; it’s a tool for decision-making. A professional report should be easy to understand and provide a clear path forward.
- A good report must include:
- High-definition video footage.
- A written summary of findings in plain English.
- A drainage layout map showing the pipe runs.
Crucially: A list of specific, prioritised recommendations with estimated costs for any remedial work.
Clarify the Scope and the Cost
Don’t get caught out by hidden fees. Before agreeing to the work, get a clear confirmation of what the quoted price includes.
Action: Ask specific questions. Is a pre-survey jetting included if the pipe is too dirty to survey? What happens if an access point is difficult to open? A transparent company will explain the scope of the standard fee and be upfront about potential extra costs.
The Bottom Line: From a Guess to an Investment
By following this checklist, you transform a CCTV survey from a speculative guess into a strategic investment. You ensure you only pay for it when necessary, that you hire the right team, and that the final report gives you the power to act.
Ready to Get a Clear Answer?
Don’t just book a survey—book a solution. If you need an honest assessment and a clear plan of action for your drains, talk to our expert team today.
Contact Drain 247 Now Call Us: 0800 612 8038
