What is a CCTV Drain Survey, and Does Your Business Need One?

Drainage problems like blockages, leaks and scale build up can be a big issue. One, they can cause significant disruption to operations, and they can also lead to environmental damage. 

If your drains are causing issues, a CCTV drain survey performed by experts can remedy the problem. But what is a CCTV drain survey exactly? What equipment is needed? What are the benefits of having one done? And how do you know when your business needs one? All these questions will be answered in this guide.

A CCTV drain survey uses specialist camera equipment to provide a live view of inside drainage systems. Engineers watch the live footage with a portable screen and identify the condition of the drain system and any related issues.

A specialist camera is inserted into the drainage system to inspect the internal condition of the pipes. Video footage is transmitted in real time to a monitor above ground, where engineers assess the condition, identify faults and record their findings. A detailed report is then produced, including images, videos and recommendations for any required repairs. 

CCTV drain surveys can identify a wide span of issues not visible from the surface. These include blockages caused by debris or fat build up, cracked or collapsed pipes, root ingress, misaligned joints, corrosion and scale build up. Signs of wear, leaks and structural defects can also be found, and if left untreated, any of these problems can lead to more serious trouble.

Generally, a CCTV drain survey will use these pieces of equipment:

Any type of business downtime leads to lost productivity and profit. Plus, emergency repairs often cost quite a lot, and businesses could face reputational damage due to environmental risks. CCTV drain surveys help businesses take a proactive approach by identifying issues before they escalate into major failures. 

The majority of drainage issues below ground go unnoticed until they cause serious damage. CCTV surveys provide a clear view of the drainage system, revealing problems like cracks, root ingress, blockages or pipe misalignment. Spotting any issues early helps businesses address faults early, extend the lifespan of the drainage infrastructure, and prevent more disruptive repairs later on.

CCTV drain surveys support health and safety obligations and legal compliance by identifying issues that can lead to hazardous conditions. Faulty drains pose health risks, contaminate the environment and lead to non-compliance with local and national regulations.

With a detailed survey report, businesses will have documented evidence of the drain condition, helping to demonstrate compliance with legal and environmental requirements. 

There are several immediate signs that your business needs a CCTV drain survey performed:

Various sectors can benefit from a CCTV drain survey, especially for those where drainage issues can quickly disrupt operations or create health and safety risks. 

A CCTV survey is not just recommended but essential for these business scenarios.

Often termed a ‘pre-purchase drain survey’, businesses buying or leasing a commercial property should have one performed, as it reduces the risk of finding hidden issues after purchase and to ensure liability is clear in a lease agreement. Drain repairs can be expensive, and the last thing you’ll want is to be faced with unnecessary expenses when you’ve just made a significant investment. 

If your business is continuing to see common signs of drainage problems, from blockages and slow drainage to bad smells, flooding and pest infestation, a CCTV survey is the non-invasive way to find a permanent solution to the problem. 

Business owners and facilities managers should schedule a CCTV survey as part of their Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM). Planning ahead will reduce the risk of disruptive and costly repairs, as well as showcase compliance for audits and insurance.

Every professional CCTV drain survey will result in a detailed report on findings. 

The report will be digital and detail information including:

Essentially, a CCTV drain survey report is a digital document that is information for you to make remedial action, as well as evidence for audits and insurance claims. 

Your provider will also detail recommended repairs and remedial action on any faults found. Most repairs can be non-invasive like the survey itself, but more extensive issues may require full excavations. 

Aqua Mundus provides CCTV drain surveys across the UK for commercial kitchens and a range of other sectors. We specialise in grease trap services, including cleaning, servicing, repairs and installation.

Our CCTV surveys identify the issues you’re facing with your kitchen drains and grease traps, and our reports will outline the needed fault resolution. Book a CCTV drain survey with us today.