January offers homeowners a valuable opportunity to spot problems while they are visible. The season’s weather and increased holiday strain expose weaknesses that may otherwise stay hidden. A January drain inspection provides early detection and potential savings by revealing damage caused by winter conditions or festive use. As part of your start-of-year home maintenance, it is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take.
On a quiet January morning, with frost along the fences and calm inside the house after a month of activity, many of us begin to consider home improvements. However, one of the most important parts of the house, the drains, is often overlooked.
Winter puts drains under intense pressure. Freezing temperatures, increased rainwater, and heavy festive use raise the risk of damage. Blockages and cracks may go unnoticed until they become urgent. Booking a full winter drain survey across the UK allows problems to be spotted early and addressed affordably.
Firms such as 24Hrs Drainage frequently report higher survey bookings in January. More homeowners recognise this as the ideal time to carry out a New Year drain check and secure peace of mind for the months ahead.
A full drain survey uses closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to inspect underground pipework. It is an accurate way to locate defects such as cracks, root ingress, or pipe misalignment.
Engineers begin by lifting access covers or using existing inspection chambers. A camera system is then inserted into the drains. This could be a push rod camera for small pipes or a crawler unit for longer runs. The footage is displayed live, allowing engineers to assess the pipe condition.
Survey results are compiled into a drain condition report containing images, WRc-standard defect codes, condition gradings, and repair suggestions. This report provides full visibility of what is happening below ground and is essential for underground pipe assessment.
Pro Tip: Schedule your survey early in January to catch any winter related defects before spring rainfall increases risk.
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Get a full drain inspection now to avoid costly problems later this year.
January shows the impact winter has already had. The freeze thaw cycle causes expansion and contraction of pipe materials, which increases the risk of cracks or joint movement. Heavy rainfall places further stress on the system due to surface runoff and groundwater infiltration.
Increased festive waste, such as more showers, more cooking, and more dishwasher cycles , adds strain to household drains. These seasonal pressures make January the best time to detect pipe fatigue or early structural wear.
Met Office data consistently records January as one of the wettest months in the UK. This makes it easier to identify drainage weaknesses. A seasonal drain survey during this period gives a timely picture of drain performance and allows early action to reduce repair costs.
During December, household water usage increases. Cooking large meals leads to more grease, fat, and food debris entering the system. These substances, referred to as FOG (fats, oils, grease) can solidify in cold pipes and cause stubborn blockages.
Add the impact of guests, additional washing, and non-stop appliance use, and your system handles much more than usual. Even minor defects may become serious under this pressure.
By early January, most drains have been working harder than usual. A post Christmas drain survey provides insight into the current state of the system and highlights any hidden blockage risk zones or developing drain damage.
Damage caused by cold weather is often hidden. Common winter related problems include micro cracks, ground disturbance around pipes, root growth into joints, and sediment from stormwater and winter runoff.
Older clay systems are especially prone to slight shifting or cracking due to changing soil pressure. These changes often go unnoticed until they become visible problems like odour, slow drainage, or flooding.
A winter drain damage inspection during January provides visual evidence and helps uncover structural issues before they worsen.
Common findings from early year drain inspections include:
Silt and debris that restrict flow
Hardened FOG deposits left from festive cooking
Fine fractures in older clay or plastic pipes
Joints that have shifted out of alignment
Early stage tree root intrusion
These problems are manageable if caught early. Left untreated, they can escalate into structural failure, sewage ingress, or costly excavation. Understanding common drain defects through a CCTV survey helps homeowners take early action.
Unlike a basic inspection, which checks only visible pipework or surface level issues, a CCTV drain survey provides a full internal view of the drainage system. Engineers use cameras to assess pipe condition, capture footage, and grade defects using WRc standards. This allows for a much more accurate diagnosis and repair plan.
Pro Tip: Keep a copy of your survey report and images, they may lower your repair cost and support insurance claims.
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Thinking about a winter drain check? Let us give you a no obligation quote tailored to your property.
When the inspection team arrives, they locate entry points and insert the camera into the system. As it moves through the pipes, they monitor footage for blockages, damage, or entry points for debris and roots.
Measurements are taken for depth and distance. All findings are recorded, and the report includes still images and footage. This can be used to support insurance claims or repair decisions.
The process is usually completed in around two hours and causes no mess or disruption. A camera drain inspection is a clear and efficient way to assess internal pipe condition.
After the survey, review the condition grading and image evidence to plan your response:
Repair high risk issues without delay.
Monitor lower risk problems and recheck them later.
Plan regular maintenance like jetting or sealing joints.
Some repairs involve patch lining, which reinforces the pipe from the inside. Others may require excavation and replacement. Knowing the condition early allows better budgeting and prevents surprise costs.
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Review the full report and footage.
List any urgent repairs.
Monitor low risk issues.
Book repair services as needed.
Schedule routine maintenance.
Professional CCTV drain surveys in the UK cost between £90 and £500. The price depends on your property’s size, access points, and equipment needed.
January is often more affordable. Some companies offer seasonal deals, and demand is usually lower than in spring or summer.
The best savings come from prevention. Catching a cracked pipe in January may cost very little. Waiting until it bursts or causes a flood will cost much more. Early intervention helps avoid expensive repairs and keeps overall costs down.
Yes. CCTV drain surveys provide reports that include WRc coding and photographic evidence. This is often accepted by insurers for blocked or damaged drains.
A January drain survey fits well into your wider seasonal checks. While you are inspecting the boiler, clearing gutters, or checking insulation, it also makes sense to look at what is going on below ground.
A January drain survey shows the true condition of your drains. It encourages early action, protects your home, and gives you a clear plan for the months ahead.
Just like servicing a boiler or checking smoke alarms, inspecting your drains is part of looking after your home properly.
Companies like 24Hrs Drainage offer clear reporting and reliable service so you can start the year with confidence and a working drainage system.
24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
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We provide Drainage Services across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, London, Oxfordshire, and the surrounding areas.
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If You’re Dealing With Blocked Drains Or Require Drain Repairs, You’ve Come To The Right Destination. Contact Our Team Today At 0800 0209198 For Professional Guidance And A Complimentary, No-Obligation Quote!
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