What is a CCTV drain survey?
A CCTV survey uses a camera to examine accessible internal pipe surfaces. Ask which lengths and connections are covered and what limits access. It can produce useful findings, but it cannot show every concealed external condition or establish ownership by itself.
Further information
Build-over assessment · Anglian Water Core Customer Information December 2025 · Sewer pipe responsibility
When do I need a CCTV drain survey?
A purchase, recurring blockage, planned repair or extension can give a survey a clear purpose. Describe that purpose before choosing the scope. An undefined camera visit may not provide the plans, locations or reporting your next decision requires.
What can a CCTV drain survey find?
A survey may show visible cracks, joints, roots, deposits or obstructions in inspected runs. Ask how findings and uninspected areas are recorded. The business should explain what the images support and whether any further investigation is needed.
CCTV drain survey cost
Compare inspection coverage, cleaning needed for access, locating, recording and the written report. Ask whether recommendations or follow-up discussion are included. The useful price is for a defined survey, not just an unexplained camera attendance.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take?
Length, access, restrictions and preparation can affect how long a survey takes. Tell the business about available chambers and known obstruction without opening unsafe covers. Agree access and the handling of incomplete inspection before the visit.
Drain survey before buying a house
For a house purchase, say where you are in the process and what information is needed before commitment. Ask for covered runs, findings, limitations and locations. A drainage survey is separate from the wider property survey and does not certify every building condition.
Homebuyer drain surveys
For a homebuyer quotation, include any available drainage plan, property type and access arrangements through the seller or agent. Agree who receives the report and how findings can be discussed. No inspection date or survey availability is promised here.
Finding collapsed drains
If collapse is suspected, ask whether clearance or another investigation is needed to reach the affected area. A blocked camera route should be reported as a limit, not evidence that the unseen pipe is sound.
Finding cracked drain pipes
For visible cracking, ask for location, extent and clear report evidence to support a repair quote. A finding in one section does not establish that all remaining pipework needs replacement. Keep inspected and uninspected lengths distinct.
Finding tree roots in drains
If roots are visible, ask where they enter and what clearance or repair is recommended. The survey can help scope pipe work; nearby vegetation alone cannot identify responsibility or justify removing a tree.
Finding recurring blockages
For recurring blockage, give dates and earlier clearance details. The survey can help investigate why the restriction returns after immediate flow is restored. Ask whether cleaning is needed to produce useful images of the affected run.
Useful next steps
Locating underground drains
If locating is important for repairs or building work, request it explicitly with the plan or marking you need. Camera inspection and location work can have different scope. Actual asset ownership and safe excavation still require their own checks.
CCTV survey after drain repairs
After a repair, ask which treated section and connected runs will be checked and how the result is recorded. A follow-up survey should relate to the agreed work; it does not automatically inspect every drain at the property.
Do I get a drain survey report?
Ask for a written report with locations, findings, limitations and useful supporting images where included. Confirm whether a plan or recording is supplied. Keep the report so another quotation can refer to the same evidence.
Do I need a CCTV survey before building an extension?
For an Ipswich extension, give the proposed footprint and any known sewer information. Ask what survey coverage supports the design. Anglian Water’s actual build-over or near-asset requirements and relevant planning/building-control approvals are separate from buying the survey.
Questions about the survey and report
- Which runs and locating work are covered?
- What preparation or cleaning is included?
- Will the report record findings, locations and inspection limits?
CCTV survey questions
Can I request a survey before buying an Ipswich house?
Yes. Explain the purchase stage and access arrangements, then ask for coverage and reporting suited to your decision.
Does a CCTV survey approve building over a sewer?
No. It can supply useful findings; the actual operator and authority approvals need separate checks.