Drain Survey Reports
A good survey comes with a written report you can act on. Ask for defect coding, locations, footage and plain-English advice.
What is a drain survey report?
A drain survey report is the written record of a CCTV survey, coded to the WRc/MSCC standard. It should list each defect, where it is and how serious it is, with footage and clear advice. Insurers, solicitors, lenders and builders know this format, so you can put the report to work straight away.
A survey is only as useful as its report. Ask for one coded to the WRc/MSCC standard, since insurers, solicitors, lenders and builders all know that format. A good report also explains each finding in plain English.
A good report gives each finding a distance along the pipe and a severity, with still images or footage. It should then rank any work, so you know what to tackle first.
For more detail, read how to read a drain survey report and what a CCTV drain survey costs.
When you need a drain survey report
- You are making an insurance claim for drainage damage
- You are buying or selling and need drainage evidence
- You need a report for a build-over or build-near agreement
- A contractor has asked for a coded survey before quoting
- There is a dispute over shared or party-wall drains
Why it matters
Industry-standard coding
Ask for each defect to follow the WRc/MSCC coding standard. Since insurers, solicitors and builders know that format, the report is easy to act on.
Plain-English summary
Ask for a clear summary at the top, with the technical detail behind it. If someone without trade knowledge can follow it, you can act on it straight away.
Evidence that travels
A coded report works for insurance claims, house sales and builders' quotes alike. One document can then cover whatever comes next.
What it usually includes
Ask the engineer to confirm what their quote covers, since this varies.
- A plain-English summary of the overall condition
- WRc/MSCC defect coding for every observation
- Defect locations, distances and severity ratings
- Representative still images and video footage
- Prioritised, costed recommendations for any work needed
How it works
- 01
Capture
First, the surveyor films the pipes, takes notes and logs distances. Ask for distances measured on site, not guessed later.
- 02
Code & assess
Next, the surveyor should code each defect and rate how serious and how urgent it is. That way, you can see at a glance what needs attention first.
- 03
Deliver
Finally, the surveyor should send you the finished report. Ask the engineer when it will be ready, so you can pass it to an insurer, solicitor or builder.
How much does a drain survey report cost?
Most survey prices include the report, so there is usually no separate fee for it. Check this when you get your quote. Ask for a written quote before any work starts.
What affects the price
- The survey is usually what is priced, with the report included
- Survey cost depends on system size and access
- Ask if you need a third-party report re-issued or explained
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 Survey Reports — your questions answered
Is there a separate charge for the report?
Usually not, since most survey prices include the written report and the footage. Check this when you get your quote, and ask for the quote in writing.
Will insurers accept the report?
Insurers usually ask for a report coded to the WRc/MSCC standard. Check what your insurer needs first, then ask the engineer for that format.
What coding standard is used?
UK CCTV drain reports usually follow the WRc Manual of Sewer Condition Classification, or MSCC. It is the standard UK format for drain and sewer condition reports.
How quickly do I get the report?
It depends on the engineer and the size of the system. Ask when your written report will be ready before you book.
Further reading
Get a drain survey report 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.