When buying a house, most people look at the roof, windows, boiler, and electrics. But every property has a hidden network of pipes underground. These are easy to miss — until something goes wrong. A CCTV drain survey can find problems that a standard home survey won't spot.
What is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey uses a small waterproof camera. We push it into your drain and guide it through the pipes. It records clear footage of the pipe walls. This lets our engineers spot blockages, damage, and other problems — without any digging.
Why Standard Home Surveys Don't Cover Drains
A homebuyer's survey looks at the parts of a property that are visible and easy to reach. Drains are underground and hidden. Surveyors don't inspect them. Unless there is obvious damp or subsidence, drain problems won't show up in a standard survey.
Common Problems Found in Drain Surveys
Tree Root Ingress
Tree roots are always searching for water. Your drains are full of it. Roots work their way into pipe joints and cracks. Over time, they can cause a full blockage or even make the pipe collapse. Homes with large, mature trees are most at risk.
Collapsed or Broken Pipes
Older homes often have clay or pitch fibre pipes. These wear out over time. A CCTV survey can find cracks, breaks, or sections that have completely collapsed. These need digging up and replacing.
Displaced Joints
Ground movement, traffic, or poor installation can push pipe joints apart. When joints separate, waste leaks into the soil. This can lead to subsidence if left untreated.
Incorrect Connections
Some properties have drains connected the wrong way. For example, a surface water drain linked to a foul sewer. This is illegal and can lead to fines or enforcement action.
Fat and Debris Buildup
Even with no structural damage, heavy buildup inside the pipes can cause problems. It's better to know about this before you move in.
The Cost of Not Surveying
Drain repairs can be very expensive. Here are some typical costs:
- Simple drain unblocking: £80–£200
- Drain relining: £1,500–£3,000
- Excavation and pipe replacement: £3,000–£10,000+
- Full drainage system replacement: £10,000–£20,000+
A pre-purchase CCTV survey usually costs £150–£350. That's a small price to avoid taking on someone else's drain problem.
Using Survey Results in Negotiations
If the survey finds problems, you have options:
- **Negotiate a lower price** to cover repair costs
- **Ask the seller to fix the drains** before you complete
- **Walk away** if the damage is too serious
- **Proceed with full knowledge** and budget for repairs
Many of our Glasgow customers have knocked thousands off their purchase price after we found drain problems the seller didn't know about.
What to Look for in a Survey Provider
Choose a company that gives you:
- Full HD camera footage to keep
- A clear written report
- A plain-English explanation of any issues
- Recommendations for any repair work needed
- Free, no-obligation quotes
At Glasgow Drain Unblocker, we offer pre-purchase drain surveys across Glasgow and the surrounding area. Our engineers explain what they find and give you honest advice.
If the survey finds damage, we can carry out drain repairs including pipe relining and drain excavation.
Book your CCTV drain survey by calling 0141 221 5164 or contact us online.