Fixington

Drain Survey

Trade: Plumber

⭐ Introduction

A drain survey is a specialist inspection of the drainage system serving your home. It helps identify any blockages, damage, or defects in pipes leading away from your property. Usually carried out by a qualified plumber or drainage specialist, a drain survey is essential if you notice slow draining sinks, foul smells, or recurring flooding. It is also commonly required before buying or selling a property, or when planning extensions that affect drainage.

Regular drain surveys can prevent expensive emergency repairs by catching issues early. They give you a clear picture of the condition of underground pipes, manholes, and connections to mains sewers, helping you ensure your drainage system works efficiently.

🔧 What the job involves

During a drain survey, the tradesperson typically uses a CCTV camera system attached to a flexible rod, which is pushed through your drains. This provides a live video feed showing the internal state of the pipes. The surveyor looks for:

  • Blockages caused by debris, roots, or grease build-up
  • Cracks, collapses, or displaced pipes
  • Incorrect gradients or connections
  • Evidence of tree root intrusions
  • Signs of corrosion or damage to pipe joints

The survey may include manual drainage testing or water flow tests. After the inspection, the plumber will prepare a report detailing findings, including images or video footage, and recommend any repair work if needed.

📝 Step-by-step from booking to completion

  1. Initial enquiry: Contact a qualified tradesperson, preferably certified by the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) or Water Industry Approved Plumbers. Discuss your concerns or property plans.

  2. Arrange a survey: Agree on a date for the drain survey. Provide any access instructions or property information.

  3. Survey day: The plumber arrives with CCTV equipment and performs the inspection. They may ask you to run water through the system to observe flow.

  4. Receive the report: Within a few days, you get a written report detailing any problems and suggested repairs or maintenance.

  5. Decision on works: If repairs are needed, ask for a clear, itemised quotation and timeline before proceeding.

  6. Carry out repairs or maintenance: Book the plumber to fix any issues found or schedule regular maintenance to prevent blockages.

  7. Final checks and certification: After work, ask for test certificates or photographic evidence of completed repairs.

💷 Main costs to expect

  • Labour: Typically charged at hourly rates, often £40–£70 per hour, depending on location and expertise. Drain surveys usually take 1–3 hours.

  • Equipment use: CCTV survey equipment usage may be included in labour or charged separately (£50–£150).

  • Materials/parts: Cost of any replacement pipes, joints, or root treatments if repairs are necessary.

  • Disposal: Removal and safe disposal of any debris or damaged materials.

  • Certification: Some surveyors provide detailed reports and certificates for an extra fee (£30–£60).

Example cost breakdown:

  • Drain CCTV survey: £120
  • Pipe repair materials: £50
  • Labour for repairs (2 hours): £100
  • Report and certification: £40
  • Disposal of waste: £30

Total: approximately £340

📊 What affects the price

  • Accessibility of drains (e.g., garden digging or internal access)
  • Length and complexity of pipe runs
  • Extent of root ingress or damage observed
  • Requirement for detailed reports for conveyancing
  • Need for urgent or out-of-hours service
  • Location and local labour market conditions
  • Certification and compliance with Building Regulations (e.g., Part H for drainage)
  • Whether remedial work is straightforward patch repairs or extensive pipe replacement

⏱ How long does it take?

  • Basic drain survey: Usually 1–2 hours to inspect a standard domestic property drainage system.

  • Larger or older properties: 2–3 hours or more, especially if there are multiple outbuildings or complex layouts.

  • Repairs: Minor repairs may take 2–4 hours; major replacement works could be multiple days depending on the extent.

🏠 Can you DIY it?

Performing a full drain survey is not recommended as a DIY job because it requires specialist CCTV equipment and knowledge to interpret results accurately. Additionally, working within drains can expose you to foul water and harmful bacteria.

You can, however, carry out simple checks such as:

  • Visual inspection of gully grids and manholes
  • Monitoring sink and bath drainage speeds
  • Using a plunger or drain snake for minor blockages

For anything beyond minor unblockings, especially if drain pipes are underground or damaged, hiring a professional plumber with the correct qualifications and insurance is essential.

💰 Typical UK price range

A drain survey for a typical UK home usually costs between £100 and £250, including CCTV inspection and a report. Repairs, if required, are quoted separately.

Prices include VAT at the standard rate unless otherwise stated. Always confirm what is included upfront and check if certification or detailed report writing incurs extra cost.

✅ Handy tips before you start

  • Ensure easy access to all external drainage points and internal drainage inspection chambers. Clear away any garden furniture or obstructions.

  • Provide the plumber with as much information as possible about your drainage layout or previous issues.

  • Keep the survey report and any certification safely, as you may need it for future house sales or maintenance.

  • Schedule regular drain surveys every few years to avoid expensive emergency repairs.

  • After repairs, flush drains with clean water regularly and avoid pouring grease or inappropriate substances down sinks.

  • Confirm the plumber is insured, and if works involve drain connections to mains sewers, ensure compliance with Building Regulations and local authority requirements.

With a thorough drain survey, you’re taking an important step towards maintaining a healthy, efficient drainage system in your home.