A CCTV drain survey puts a camera inside your pipes. It shows what is wrong without digging. This guide explains what the cost depends on and what a good survey should give you.
What a CCTV drain survey is
An engineer feeds a small camera along the drain and watches the picture on a screen. The camera shows blockages, cracks and breaks, so you see the fault while the engineer works, rather than guess at it.
A survey is usually worth it if you have recurring blockages, slow drainage or bad smells. It can also help if you suspect damaged pipework. You can read more about CCTV drain surveys on our service page.
Cameras have another benefit. Health and safety rules say people should enter a drain or sewer only where no alternative exists. A camera can serve as that alternative, so nobody has to climb in.
What UK price guides say
Price guides do not agree with each other. None of them gives a Glasgow price or a Scottish price, either. So treat each figure as one source's view of the UK market in 2026.
- MyJobQuote (2026): a CCTV drain survey costs between £90 and £500, depending on type.
- BookABuilder (2026): from £100 for a basic look to around £300 for a full report.
- Fantastic Services (2026): a CCTV survey adds £90 to £200 to an unblocking job.
Notice that the ranges overlap but do not match. One guide covers a stand-alone survey, while another covers a survey added to an unblocking job. So do not combine them into one number. Use them to judge whether a quote looks sensible, then ask the engineer to explain it.
What changes the price
Several things can move the cost of a survey. Each one is worth asking about.
- The length of the drain that needs checking
- How easy it is to reach the drain
- Whether you want a basic look or a full report with mapping
- Whether the survey is added to another job
A short, easy drain needs less time than a long one with poor access. Similarly, a full report takes more work to prepare than a quick look. So the price you are quoted should reflect which of these you are getting.
What a good report includes
A basic look may only show you the screen, while a fuller report is written down, so you can keep it. It can be useful for an insurer or for a home purchase.
A good report can include:
- A description of the fault and where it sits along the pipe
- Images from the camera
- A map of the drain run, if you ask for one
- Advice on the next step, such as a repair
If you are buying a property, see pre-purchase drain surveys. Our guide on CCTV drain surveys for home buyers goes into more detail.
Questions to ask before you book
A few questions will help you compare quotes fairly.
- What does the price include, and is a written report part of it?
- Is there a call-out charge?
- Which drain will the camera check, and how far?
- Can you send the quote in writing before work starts?
Ownership matters too, because it shapes who pays. A survey can cover your private drain, which runs from your home to your property boundary. The public sewer beyond that is Scottish Water's. If you are unsure where the line falls, read about who is responsible for a blocked drain in Scotland.
If the camera finds damage, you may need drain repairs. For example, see drain repairs in Glasgow for the city. You can also see all drain services or the towns covered.
In South Lanarkshire, you can find drain help in East Kilbride and CCTV drain surveys in East Kilbride. In Renfrewshire, see CCTV drain surveys in Paisley. In Lanarkshire, see CCTV drain surveys in Motherwell.
FAQ
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?
It varies. UK price guides in 2026 give different figures, and none is specific to Glasgow. Ask the engineer for a written quote before work starts, and ask what it includes.
How does a survey work and what does it show?
The engineer feeds a camera along the drain while watching the picture. It can show blockages, cracks and breaks, and a full report can put them on a map.
How long does it take?
It depends on the length of the drain and how easy it is to reach. A long run, or one with poor access, takes more time. Ask the engineer for an estimate when you request the quote.