Drain Inspection Services
A short camera check looks into smells, slow drains, damp or blockages that keep coming back. It shows you what is going on.
What is a drain inspection?
A drain inspection is a short camera check to find the cause of one problem. That might be a smell, a slow or blocked drain, damp, or a fault that keeps coming back. Because the camera sees inside the pipes, it can find the cause quickly, with no digging.
Drains rarely show their faults. Still, a smell that won't go, water backing up, damp or a blockage that returns all point the same way. A drain inspection uses a camera to see inside the pipes and find what is going wrong.
There's no guessing and no digging to find out. You get a clear answer and a record of it, so any work that follows can be the right work, done once.
For more detail, read what causes smelly drains and what a CCTV drain survey costs.
When you need a drain inspection
- A drain or gully that is slow, gurgling or backing up
- Persistent foul or sewage smells inside or outside
- Damp patches, or a blockage that keeps returning
- You want a quick diagnosis before committing to repairs
Why it matters
Pinpoint diagnosis
The camera shows where the fault is and what it is. You can then treat the cause, not the symptoms, and avoid repeat visits for the same problem.
Clear answers
Ask the engineer to talk you through the footage on the day. That way, you get a clear answer without a long wait.
Avoid unnecessary work
The check shows whether the problem needs simple upkeep or a structural repair. You can then spend money on the right fix, not a guess.
What it usually includes
Ask the engineer to confirm what their quote covers, since this varies.
- A targeted camera check of the relevant pipe runs and chambers
- On-the-day explanation of what is causing the problem
- Footage where it is useful for evidence or a quote
- Clear recommended next steps — and a quote if a repair is needed
How it works
- 01
Discuss the symptoms
First, describe what you notice: a smell, water backing up, damp or noise. Those clues help the engineer decide where to look.
- 02
Camera check
Next, a drain camera goes through the pipe runs and chambers that matter. While it moves, the engineer watches the live feed and notes anything odd.
- 03
Findings & next steps
Finally, ask for a clear account of the cause, plus footage where it helps. If the drain needs a repair, ask for a written quote before any work starts.
How much does a drain inspection cost?
The cost of a drain inspection depends on access to the drains, and on how much of the system needs checking. If you need a full coded report for a sale or an insurer, a CCTV drain survey is usually the better choice. Either way, send us the details. Ask for a written quote before any work starts.
What affects the price
- How accessible the drains and chambers are
- How much of the system needs to be checked
- Whether clearing is needed before the camera can pass
- Whether you need a full written, coded report
Each job gets its own price. Send us the details, with no obligation. Ask for a written quote before any work starts.
Request a no-obligation quote →Drain Inspection — your questions answered
How much does a drain inspection cost?
It depends on how easy the drains are to reach, and how much of the system needs checking. If you need a full WRc/MSCC-coded report for a sale, lender or insurer, a CCTV drain survey is usually the better choice. Send us your postcode. Ask for a written quote before any work starts.
What is the difference between an inspection and a full CCTV survey?
An inspection is a short check to find the cause of one problem. A full CCTV survey covers the whole system. It usually comes with a coded condition report, which is the format insurers, solicitors and lenders tend to ask for.
Can an inspection show why my drains keep blocking?
Yes, because a camera check often finds roots, a partial collapse, scale or a pipe fault. Once you know the cause, the right repair can stop the blockages.
How quickly can my drains be inspected?
Send us your postcode and ask for the earliest free slot. Ask how many visits the job is likely to need. Ask the engineer to explain the findings on the day, too.
Further reading
Get a drain inspection quote
Tell us what you need and where you are, and we'll pass your request on straight away. There's no obligation. Ask for a written quote, then decide.