CCTV Drain Surveys

When you have a recurring drainage problem, digging blindly to find the cause is expensive, disruptive, and often unnecessary. At TrueFlow, we use advanced CCTV technology to see exactly what is happening underground. Our high-definition cameras travel deep into your pipework to identify the root cause of blockages, structural defects, or wear and tear, allowing us to prescribe the exact solution needed.

We provide comprehensive CCTV drain surveys for homeowners, businesses, and prospective property buyers across Bracknell, Reading, Windsor, and the wider Berkshire area.

What is a CCTV Drain Survey?

A CCTV drain survey is a non-invasive method of inspecting the internal condition of your drainage system. We feed a specialized, self-leveling camera into your drains (usually through a manhole or inspection chamber). This camera sends a live video feed back to our engineer’s monitor, revealing the condition of your pipes in real-time.

We record this footage and use industry-standard software to log any defects found, from hairline cracks to major collapses. This data is compiled into a detailed report that gives you a clear picture of your drainage health.

When Do You Need a Survey?

While we often recommend surveys after clearing a stubborn blockage, there are several key scenarios where a survey is essential:

1. Pre-Purchase Home Surveys (Homebuyer Reports)

Buying a new home is a huge investment. A standard RICS surveyor will check the walls and roof, but they cannot see underground. Hidden drainage faults can cost thousands to repair. We offer dedicated Homebuyer Drainage Surveys that satisfy mortgage lenders and give you peace of mind (or leverage for price negotiation) before you exchange contracts.

2. Recurring Blockages

If you have had your drains unblocked multiple times in the last year, you are treating the symptom, not the cause. There may be a structural defect, such as a displaced joint or root ingress, that catches waste and causes repeated clogging. A survey will pinpoint this issue so it can be fixed permanently.

3. Subsidence or Structural Movement

Leaking drains are a leading cause of subsidence. If water escapes into the soil, it can wash away the foundations of your property. If you notice cracks in your walls or sinking floors, a drain survey is often the first step in the investigation process.

4. Rodent Infestations

Rats are excellent swimmers and often enter properties through breaches in the drainage system. If you have a rat problem that pest control can’t solve, it’s likely they are nesting in a disused or broken pipe. We can identify these entry points and recommend solutions like rat gates or patch repairs.

5. Pre-Build Surveys

If you are planning an extension, your architect or the local water authority may require a “build-over” agreement. A survey maps the exact location and depth of the drains to ensure your new foundations don’t damage the existing infrastructure.

What We Detect

Our high-resolution cameras leave nothing to the imagination. We can identify a wide range of issues, including:

• Tree Root Intrusion: Roots seek out moisture and can grow through microscopic cracks in pipe joints. Once inside, they expand, causing blockages and eventually shattering the pipe.
• Displaced Joints: Ground movement can cause pipe sections to slip out of alignment (stepped joints), creating a lip that catches solid waste.
• Collapsed or Fractured Pipes: Heavy vehicle traffic on driveways or simple old age can cause clay and pitch fibre pipes to crack or flatten.
• Scale and Fat Build-up: We can assess the level of descaling or jetting required to restore full flow.
• Deformed Pitch Fibre: Many homes built in the 1960s used pitch fibre pipes which, over time, can blister and deform. We can verify if your system needs re-rounding or relining.

Your Comprehensive Report

After the survey is complete, we don’t just drive away. We provide you with a full digital report pack, typically within 24-48 hours. This includes:

1. Video Footage: clear, color video files of your drain runs, allowing you to see the problems for yourself.
2. Condition Report: A written log of every defect found, graded by severity (1 to 5) according to WRC (Water Research Centre) standards.
3. Site Plan: A schematic sketch mapping the layout of your drainage system, showing manholes, flow direction, and connection points.
4. Recommendations & Quote: If we find issues, we provide a costed, no-obligation proposal for the necessary repairs, whether that be patch lining, root cutting, or excavation.

Why Choose TrueFlow?

• State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest push-rod and crawler camera systems that are capable of surveying pipes from 50mm up to 300mm in diameter.
• Sonar Tracing: We can use a sonde transmitter on the camera head to locate the exact position and depth of the camera from above ground. This means if we do need to dig, we know exactly where to put the shovel, minimizing damage to your garden.
• Honest Advice: We will never invent problems. If your drains are in good health, we will tell you. If they need repair, we offer the most cost-effective solution.

Areas We Cover

We provide CCTV drain surveys throughout Berkshire and the surrounding counties, including:

• Bracknell
• Wokingham
• Ascot
• Maidenhead
• Reading
• Slough
• Windsor
• Camberley
• High Wycombe

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a CCTV survey make a mess? No. It is a clean process. We access the drains through existing inspection chambers or manholes. There is no digging involved during the survey itself.

How long does a survey take? For a standard 3-bedroom semi-detached property, a full survey usually takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the system and accessibility of manholes.

Can you survey a blocked drain? No. The camera cannot see through murky water. We must clear the blockage first (usually via High Pressure Water Jetting) before we can survey the line. We often offer a combined “Unblock & Survey” package.

Do I need to be home? We need access to your manholes. If these are in your back garden, we will need access to the property grounds. It is usually helpful if someone is home to flush toilets or run taps to help us trace connections.

Book Your Insight Today

Don’t let drainage doubts linger. Whether you are buying a new home or investigating a mystery damp patch, a TrueFlow CCTV survey provides the answers you need.

Call us on 0808 175 7440 or complete our online enquiry form to schedule your inspection in Bracknell or anywhere in Berkshire.