A CCTV drain survey is the quickest and most accurate way to identify problems within your underground drainage system, without unnecessary excavation, disruption, or costly guesswork.
At CountyClean, we operate a dedicated fleet of specialist CCTV drain survey vehicles across London, Kent, Sussex, and Surrey, enabling us to respond rapidly whenever you need us. Every vehicle is fully equipped with advanced MiniCam crawler systems and push-rod cameras as standard, allowing our experienced engineers to inspect your drains on the first visit and provide fast, reliable results.
Whether you’re investigating a blockage, recurring drainage issues, or need a pre-purchase drain inspection, our state-of-the-art CCTV technology delivers a clear diagnosis, helping you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary repair costs.
Call 01323 741818 for same-day or next-day survey availability. We operate 24/7.
What is a CCTV drain survey?
A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a small, remotely controlled camera into your drainage system through an access point such as a manhole or rodding eye. The camera travels through the pipework and sends a live colour video feed back to our engineer in the survey van.
Every defect the camera identifies cracks, blockages, root intrusion, collapsed sections, misaligned joints, displaced connections — is logged in real time using WinCan software, the industry-standard platform used by local water authorities including Thames Water and Southern Water.
You get a written report and digital video footage showing the exact condition of your drainage system, with clear recommendations on what, if anything, needs to be done.
No excavation. No unnecessary disruption. No guesswork.
What does a CCTV drain survey find?
Our surveys identify all of the most common drainage faults, including:
Blockages and build-up
Identify fat, grease, silt, debris and other obstructions restricting flow.
Tree Root Intrusion
Detect roots entering pipes through cracks and joints before they cause major damage.
Cracked & Collapsed Drains
Locate cracks, fractures and collapsed sections quickly for targeted repairs.
Displaced Pipe Joints
Find misaligned joints that can cause leaks, blockages and structural issues.
Rat Entry Points
Reveal defects that allow rodents to access your drainage system and property.
Redundant Drain Connections
Identify unused or poorly sealed laterals that can allow groundwater, roots and vermin into the network.
Our survey equipment
We invest continuously in survey technology. Our current drain survey fleet includes:
MiniCam crawler systems — remote-controlled crawler units with full pan and tilt capability, capable of surveying pipes from 150mm to 1,000mm in diameter, with a camera range of up to 300 metres. Operated from our fully equipped mobile van unit.
Push rod cameras — high-flexibility push rod cameras for smaller diameter pipework and locations where crawler access isn’t practical. Essential for domestic drain surveys where pipe diameters are typically 100mm–150mm.
WinCan reporting software — the same system used by Thames Water, Southern Water and other utility operators. Every defect is digitally tagged on the footage with a severity grade, location reference, and recommended remediation. Your report is produced quickly and delivered digitally.
All footage is recorded in full colour. Your report includes still images of key defects, a full digital video file, and our engineer’s written assessment.
When do you need a CCTV drain survey?
Buying or selling a property
Standard structural surveys don't cover underground drainage.
Recurring blockages
Repeated jetting without CCTV misses the underlying cause.
Slow drainage throughout a property
Often signals a partial collapse further down the system.
Unusual signs
Gurgling, damp patches, odours, or soft ground above drains.
Before renovation or extension
Baseline record protects you from future liability disputes.
Insurance claims
Insurers usually require CCTV evidence before authorising repairs.
New build sign-off
Confirm drainage meets spec and identify construction debris.
Planned maintenance
Proactive surveys for commercial sites and large developments.
Domestic Customers
Home buyers drain survey
Buying a property is one of the largest financial decisions most people make. The standard structural survey your solicitor arranges does not cover underground drainage, the surveyor will note that drains cannot be visually inspected and add a disclaimer accordingly.
This means the drainage problems, some of which run into thousands of pounds to remediate, can pass undetected through the purchase process and become the new owner’s problem after completion.
- Full CCTV inspection of the property drainage
- Written report with defect grading and recommendations
- Digital footage you can share with your solictor or mortgage lender
- Leverage to negotiate on price before exchange
Most home buyers drain surveys take between one and two hours. We cover domestic properties across London, Kent, and Sussex and accommodate property purchase timescales. Find out more about our dedicated home buyers drain survey service.
What our report covers
Every CountyClean CCTV drain survey produces a detailed written report covering:
- Pipe dimensions, materials, and condition
- Chamber depths and invert levels
- Direction of flow and connections
- Defect log with location, severity grading, and description
- Still images of key defects
- Full digital video footage
- Recommendations for remediation where required
Reports are delivered digitally. For property purchase situations, we can expedite delivery where timescales are tight.
What happens after the survey?
If the survey identifies defects, CountyClean can carry out all required remediation works in-house. You do not need to manage multiple contractors or go back to the market.
High Pressure Water Jetting
Clear blockages, root intrusion, and accumulated build-up.
Drain relining
Structural lining of cracked or fractured pipes without excavation, using CIPP (cured-in-place pipe) lining techniques.
Excavation and replacement
For collapsed or irreparable sections, our groundworks teams carry out targeted excavation and pipe replacement.
Root cutting
Specialist jetting heads for cutting and removing root intrusion.
Manhole repairs and replacements
Where chambers are damaged or failing.
Liquid waste disposal
Cacuum tanker services for removal of accumulated silt, sludge, and debris.
Commercial drain surveys
CountyClean works with facilities managers, housing associations, local authorities, utility companies, and construction contractors across London, Kent, and Sussex.
For commercial sites, our CCTV capability extends to large-diameter sewer inspection, multi-site planned maintenance programmes, drain tracing and mapping, and third-party reporting for insurance, planning, and regulatory purposes.
Our operatives are trained and accredited for Pipe Sewer Classification (OS19X). We hold ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 accreditations and are licensed by the Environment Agency.
Why CountyClean?
MiniCam equipment — the same camera specification used by water authorities, giving sharper footage and more reliable defect identification than lower-spec consumer equipment.
WinCan reports — industry-standard software producing reports accepted by solicitors, insurers, mortgage lenders, and planning authorities.
Same-day availability — our vans are camera-equipped as standard. We can often attend on the same day you call, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Full in-house solutions — we survey, report, and fix. One call, one company, one invoice.
Proven track record — CountyClean’s CCTV crew identified the exact location of the Kingston-upon-Thames fatberg for Thames Water. It is the kind of reference point that tells you something about the quality of our equipment and the experience of our engineers.
CCTV frequently asked questions
A CCTV drain survey is an inspection of your underground drainage using a remotely controlled camera that sends live video footage back to an engineer. It identifies structural defects, blockages, root intrusion, collapsed sections, and other issues without the need for excavation.
The cost depends on the size of the drainage system, accessibility, and report type required. CountyClean provides no-obligation quotes before any work begins. Call 01323 741818 for a quote specific to your property in London, Kent, or Sussex.
A typical domestic CCTV drain survey takes between one and two hours. Larger properties, commercial sites, or complex drainage systems may take longer.
It is not a legal requirement but is strongly recommended. Standard structural surveys do not inspect underground drainage, and mortgage lenders or insurers sometimes request one. A home buyers drain survey gives you a clear picture of the drainage before you commit to the purchase and can be used to negotiate price or require repairs before exchange.
CCTV drain surveys identify blockages, fat and grease build-up, cracked and fractured pipes, collapsed sections, tree root ingress, misaligned joints, rat entry points, and disused branch connections that haven’t been properly sealed.
Our MiniCam crawler systems reach up to 300 metres and survey pipes from 100mm to 1,500mm in diameter. Push rod cameras are used for smaller diameter pipework.
Your report includes a written assessment, a defect log with severity grading and location references, still images of key defects, and full digital video footage. It is produced using WinCan software — the same system used by local water authorities.
Yes. CountyClean provides full drainage remediation in-house including high pressure water jetting, drain relining, excavation and replacement, root cutting, and manhole repairs. You don’t need a separate contractor.
Yes. CountyClean operates CCTV drain survey units across London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Surrey. Call 01323 741818 or 0800 171 2204 to confirm coverage for your location.