A CCTV drain survey offers a live view inside your drainage system, helping you spot blockages, structural damage, and early signs of wear before they escalate. By sending a drain inspection camera through underground pipework, professionals can assess internal conditions quickly and with minimal disruption. This method is widely used by responsive teams like 24hrs Drainage Ltd, who serve homes and businesses across the South East.
These surveys use a waterproof camera on a flexible rod. The setup is fed into a drain through an inspection chamber and moved through the pipework, sending real-time footage to a technician for review.
The typical equipment includes:
A flexible rod to guide the camera through bends
A camera with integrated lighting for clear visuals
A monitor displaying live footage
Reporting software to capture and mark issues
At 24hrs Drainage Ltd’s CCTV survey service, engineers pair this technology with jetting and descaling to maintain and repair systems efficiently. The internal pipe view it provides is crucial for diagnosing underground pipe defects without digging.
Pro Tip: Always request the recorded survey footage—it gives you evidence if repairs or insurance claims are needed later.
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Once inserted, the camera sends footage as it moves through the pipes. Technicians monitor the feed, noting any damage or obstructions. The recorded footage is reviewed and turned into a detailed report.
This process enables a visual pipe survey that clearly identifies issues like root ingress, fatbergs, or displaced joints.Â
Drain cameras pick up many internal issues that are otherwise hidden:
Cracked pipe walls
Sections that have collapsed
Joints that have shifted
Internal corrosion or scale buildup
Roots breaking through the pipe
Grease or fat causing blockages
Sediment buildup slowing flow
Entry holes left by pests
These common drain issues may not become obvious until serious disruption occurs. Many customers rely on 24hrs Drainage Ltd for blocked drain investigations to catch problems early and avoid repeat visits. A clear sewer scope finding from a camera pipe check brings clarity and peace of mind for property owners.
High quality footage provides clear insight, helping customers act quickly and make well informed decisions.
| Issue | Can It Show? |
|---|---|
| Major cracks or collapse | Yes |
| Tree root intrusion | Yes |
| Surrounding soil instability | No |
| Hairline cracks | Depends |
| Pipe material wear | Depends |
| Rat entry points | Depends |
Because not everything is visible, drainage experts often uses tools like sonar and drain pressure testing to verify concerns and deliver a full diagnosis. Their specialist interpretation helps ensure a more reliable inspection.
Pro Tip: Use a drain camera before buying a home—it can reveal costly hidden defects not seen during standard surveys.
If footage alone is not enough, other tools add clarity:
Dye testing helps locate leaks and trace flows
Sonar profiling gives insight into depth and pipe condition
Pressure testing finds leaks through pressure loss detection
When foul smells are present but no damage is seen
If damp areas appear near drains
When problems continue despite a clear camera report
24hrs Drainage Ltd often recommends combining methods to ensure every possible issue is checked. These advanced pipe diagnostics are especially useful for hidden leak tracking and non visual diagnostics.
In Reading, a slow draining system was investigated by 24hrs Drainage Ltd. Their team quickly found invasive roots and sealed the damage using trenchless repair.
In Newbury, neighbours faced repeated backups. A shared collapsed pipe was revealed during a survey and fixed without disrupting access.
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A house with a recent survey faced unexpected leaks due to later soil movement not captured on camera at the time.
A suspected rodent issue was only confirmed after a follow up survey using better lighting and access points.
These stories highlight why a CCTV survey, especially when backed by expert follow up, makes all the difference. With 24/7 emergency drainage and no hidden fees, 24hrs Drainage Ltd ensures problems are solved quickly, professionally, and with care. These real home pipe issues demonstrate how buyer inspection results can provide emotional reassurance and avoid unexpected repairs.
24hrs Drainage Limited
33 Falmouth Rd, Reading RG2 8QR
0800 020 9198
Opening Hours:
Monday – Sunday : Open and available 24 hours per day
Drain Services
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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!
We are the premier providers of comprehensive drainage solutions in Reading and throughout Berkshire. With years of experience and a dedicated team of experts, we are your trusted partners for all your domestic and commercial drainage needs.
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