What is Included in a CCTV Drainage Survey Report?

A CCTV drainage survey report includes all the information regarding the condition of a property’s drainage system. It is a detailed assessment in which advanced technology like CCTV drain cameras thoroughly inspect the pipes, sewer systems, and drains. This report is beneficial for property buyers, landlords, homeowners, and developers who want to assess their drainage infrastructure.

CCTV drainage survey report generally includes drain mapping information, defect grading, still images, recorded footage of the drainage layout, and suggestions for repairs and maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore what is included in the CCTV drainage survey report and how this report helps you make informed decisions.

What is a CCTV Drainage Survey Report?

A CCTV drainage survey report is a formal document provided after a complete survey of a property’s drainage system to tell you its current condition. The waterproof cameras are inserted into the pipework to check for any blockages and cracks you may not be aware of. This report allows you to pinpoint the issues without invasive digging and gives clear insights into your system. A general CCTV drainage survey tells you:

• Exact Condition of Your Property’s Drainage System
• Location of Faults
• Recommendations to Fix Issues

What is Included in a CCTV Drainage Survey Report?

The CCTV drainage survey report covers the entire drainage system to identify the issues before they escalate. This survey is specifically designed to know what is happening inside the drainage system. Every drainage expert offers unique services, so what you’ll get in the report may vary. However, a standard drainage survey report may include:

Drainage Layout

CAD or 3D rendered map to showcase the layout of pipe runs, their exact length, diameter, and materials used. The drain mapping identifies the exact direction of water flow and also checks whether the drain is for foul water or surface water.

Defect Coding

Standardised Water Research Centre MSCC5 coding is used to label various drainage issues, such as joint displacement, cracks, or root ingress.

Condition Grading

Every water pipe is assessed thoroughly and is rated according to the severity of the operational and structural issues. It is essential for maintenance planning, asset management, and rehabilitation decision-making.

Video Footage and Images

High-quality videos and still images of drainage issues are captured from different angles. It helps the drainage engineers to know where the problem is and where to dig.

Summary of Finding

A detailed conclusion that clearly defines the health of the drainage system and allows you to make the best decision. It also includes a list of issues and their possible solutions, such as routine maintenance or urgent repairs.

Repair Recommendations

Professionals provide expert recommendations or solutions that help you solve the problems immediately.

Who Needs a CCTV Drainage Survey Report?

Most people don’t want to spend on a CCTV drainage survey, but the real value comes after you receive the report. CCTV drainage survey report gives you a clear understanding of what the problem is growing inside your drain and how to solve it at the initial stage. Here’s who typically requires the CCTV drain survey report:

• People who are planning to buy a new property.
• Homes or businesses that have suffered from structural issues linked to drainage problems.
• Landlords who want to avoid tenant complaints.
• Homeowners dealing with slow drainage or other drainage problems.
• Builders or developers for pre- and post-construction projects.

What Information Does a Drainage Survey Report Provide?

An effective CCTV drainage survey report delivers a clear understanding of the current situation of the drainage system. Here are some basic issues that it reveals:

Poor Drainage Flow

Smooth water flow is crucial for any type of drainage system to avoid blockages or water damage. A professional drainage survey involves assessing the entire water flow and detects the areas where the water is pooling and not draining. It is beneficial for properties located in areas prone to heavy rainfall.

Pipe Deterioration

Drainage pipes can be damaged over time due to age or ground movement. Damaged or cracked pipes can cause water leakage and severe damage to the property’s foundation. This report provides detailed information about pipe damage and helps you negotiate with the seller.

Drainage System Mapping

The majority of older homes don’t have their drainage plans and layout. An advanced CCTV drainage survey report tells the complete details of the drainage network, which include access points, condition, and location of pipes. This report is beneficial for future renovations.

Drain Collapsing

Sometimes a few sections of the drainage system get heavy pressure from surrounding soil and collapse. A collapsed drain can further cause serious issues, such as ground instability or sewage backups. A drainage survey report will show you if any section has collapsed so that you can further plan for repairs.

Blockages and Obstacles

Most drainage systems can be blocked due to tree roots, grease, or debris that can further cause foul odours, slow drainage, and severe flooding. A comprehensive drainage survey report detects the exact location of blockages and allows you to solve them without wasting time.

Complete Drainage Defect Classification

Every drainage pipe problem is unique; that’s why drain survey reports use the grading system to rank the problems. CCTV drainage survey report follows the WRC methodology to classify the defects.

What Each Grade Tells?

Grade 1-2: It shows that the pipe has minor wear, such as small cracks, minor root wisps, or joint displacements, which means no immediate action is required.

Grade 3: This grade may include minor root intrusion or partial joint displacements that may need continuous monitoring and repair within a year.

Grade 4-5: This means something serious is happening, such as severe root intrusion or complete joint failure that can cause further damage to property.

Drainage Survey Outputs and Supporting Documentation

A perfect CCTV drainage survey report provides you with everything that helps you understand what’s going on in your drainage system. Here’s what should be included in the deliverables:

Drainage Schematics and Maps

You should receive a complete diagram with thorough details of the drainage system, including pipe diameters, depth, joint location, chainage markers, and manhole positions. In some cases, survey traces can help you check how the drains relate to boundaries and buildings, which helps you find the perfect location for pipework.

Documentation Formats

An expert drainage survey company provides you with the report in PDF format that should cover the following things:

• DWG or DXF formats that can be further used by engineers or architects in planning software.
• The report should include hyperlinked visuals so that you can easily open the photos and videos.
• Pictures with annotations that can be sent to the local authorities or utility providers.

Video Footage

You should receive the complete video to understand the extent of what needs to be fixed. Here’s what is included in the video footage:

• Video should be in HD format that can be downloaded and sent easily via USB or link.
• Time-stamped video that tells the time and location of the issue.
• Complete explanation by surveyors of what they see when the camera moves.

Pricing Structure of CCTV Drainage Surveys

When it comes to the cost of a CCTV drainage survey, it is important to understand several factors that can determine the exact price. Here are the things that affect the cost:

• Property Type
• Accessibility of Inspection Points
• Level of Detail Required
• Length of Pipework

On average, the cost of a drainage survey for a small residential property starts from £500 to £1000, while for large commercial or historic buildings it can cost more.

Common Problems with Poor-Quality Survey Reports

A few drainage survey companies work at cheaper market rates and also deliver poor survey reports. Check out for:

Poor Quality Video: Shaky or low-resolution footage that can easily miss the hidden cracks or fractures.

Missing Defect Grading: Most reports pinpoint the issues but fail to prioritise them, which can further worsen the problems.

Vague Defect Location: There’s no reference, no context, and no chainage, which makes it impossible to find the defect location.

No Recommendation: A survey report that only contains the list of problems without a proper repair solution can leave the client unprepared for future costly repairs.

Incorrect Layout: Inaccurate mapping or missing CAD drawings lead to unexpected liabilities during renovations.

Why Does a High-Quality CCTV Drainage Survey Report Matter?

Most people don’t have an idea that not all providers deliver a quality CCTV drainage survey report. There is a huge difference between a low- and high-quality drainage survey report. A professional report provides you with confidence and prevents costly and disruptive excavations, while a poor report only provides you with a list of drainage problems. A high-quality CCTV drainage survey report provides you with numerous benefits:

• Protect renovation and building budgets
• Highlight hidden drainage problems
• Safeguard property transactions
• Helps with insurance claims

How to Choose the Best CCTV Drainage Survey Company?

If you’re looking for the best CCTV drainage surveyors, here are some key considerations that can help you choose the right one:

Report Format: Ensure they provide the report with video, photos, and WRC standard classification.

Qualification: Verify that they have a WRC-certified team that has a clear understanding of the grading system.

Equipment: Check whether the company uses high-quality camera equipment, such as HD crawler cameras.

Reviews: Ask for their past work and check for client reviews.

Conclusion

A CCTV drainage survey report tells the clear condition of the property’s drainage system, which includes drain mapping, issue findings, issue grading, and repair solutions. Choosing professional drainage specialists helps landlords or property owners to see the original condition of their drainage system and avoid future costly repairs.

You can consider Bidston Draughting for comprehensive CCTV drainage survey reports. We provide expert insights, explain the drainage system problems, and provide maintenance or repair recommendations.