How much does a CCTV drain survey cost?

A CCTV drain survey for a typical residential property costs £150 to £350, depending on the size of the drainage system and the level of detail required. A basic inspection with verbal findings costs less than a full survey with written report, footage, and mapping. We quote fixed prices upfront, so you know exactly what you're paying before we start.

What does a CCTV drain survey find?

Our surveys detect blockages, cracks, fractures, collapsed sections, tree root intrusion, displaced joints, corrosion, scale build-up, and structural defects. We also identify issues like misaligned pipes, poor installation work, and pest entry points. The survey shows the exact location and severity of any problems, so you know precisely what needs fixing.

How long does a CCTV drain survey take?

Most residential surveys take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the drainage system. Larger properties or commercial sites may take half a day. Your report is typically ready within 24 to 48 hours. If you need it urgently for a property purchase or planning application, let us know and we'll prioritise it.

Do I need a drain survey before buying a house?

It's not legally required, but we strongly recommend it. Standard homebuyer surveys don't inspect drains, and problems like collapsed pipes, root damage, or poor installation can cost thousands to fix. A drain survey before exchange gives you the full picture - and the evidence to renegotiate or walk away if there are serious issues.

What's included in a drain survey report?

Our reports include HD video footage of the entire survey, still images of any defects found, a condition assessment of all visible pipework, identification and grading of any problems, a site plan showing drain locations, and clear recommendations for any repairs needed. Reports come in PDF format and are accepted by solicitors, lenders, and water authorities.

Can a CCTV survey find the cause of recurring blockages?

Yes - that's one of the most common reasons people book a survey. If your drains keep blocking despite being cleared, there's usually an underlying cause - a crack catching debris, roots growing into the pipe, a collapsed section, or a belly where waste accumulates. The camera shows exactly what's causing the problem so we can fix it properly.

What's the difference between a drain survey and drain mapping?

A standard drain survey focuses on inspecting the condition of your pipes - looking for damage, blockages, and defects. Drain mapping goes further by using sonde tracing to plot the exact location and depth of every pipe from above ground. If you need plans for architects or water authority applications, you'll want a mapping survey.

Do I need a drain survey for a build over agreement?

Usually, yes. Water authorities need to see the location, depth, and condition of any drains near your proposed building work before they'll grant permission. Our surveys include all the information required for build over applications. We can also carry out the post-build survey once your construction is complete.

Can you survey drains under concrete or buildings?

Yes. Our cameras can access drains wherever there's an entry point - a manhole, inspection chamber, or cleanout. The pipes themselves can run under driveways, patios, extensions, or anywhere else. If access points are buried or hidden, we may need to locate them first, which we'll discuss when quoting.

What happens if the survey finds a problem?

We'll explain exactly what we've found, how serious it is, and what options you have. For minor issues, we may be able to fix them during the same visit. For larger problems, we'll provide a clear recommendation and can quote for repair work if needed. You're never obligated to use us for repairs - the report is yours to take to any contractor.

Are CCTV drain surveys worth it for new build properties?

Yes. Even new builds can have drainage problems - construction debris left in pipes, poor installation, incorrect connections, or damaged pipes from site work. Studies suggest up to 18% of post-2000 homes have significant drain issues. A survey before your warranty expires gives you evidence to claim repairs if needed.

CCTV drain surveys

See exactly what's happening inside your drains - without digging.

HD camera inspection of your entire drainage system

Detailed reports accepted by solicitors and water authorities

Find blockages, cracks, root damage, and collapsed pipes

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Why choose OneFlow?

based on 180+ Google reviews

No callout fees

You only pay for the survey itself. No travel charges, no hidden fees - the price we quote is the price you pay.

Reports within 48 hours

Most survey reports are ready within 24 to 48 hours. Need it faster for a property purchase or build over application? We can prioritise urgent requests.

Solicitor and lender ready

Our reports include everything solicitors, mortgage lenders, and water authorities need - HD footage, still images, condition assessments, and clear recommendations.

We explain what we find

You're welcome to watch the survey live on our monitor. We'll explain what you're seeing in plain English - no jargon, no confusion about what's wrong or what needs doing.

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Surveys completed in under 2 hours

Full inspection for most residential properties - with your report delivered within 48 hours.

98%

Of customers would recommend us.

3000+

Jobs completed last year alone.

Know what you're buying - or what you own

Standard homebuyer surveys don't cover drainage. That means you could complete on a property and discover weeks later that the drains are cracked, collapsed, or full of tree roots. A CCTV survey shows you exactly what's down there before you commit.

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Buying a property

A pre-purchase drain survey reveals problems that could cost thousands to fix. Some of our customers have used our reports to negotiate money off the asking price, or to walk away from a bad investment entirely.

Planning building work

If you're extending within 3 metres of a public sewer, you'll need a build over agreement. Our surveys provide the evidence water authorities need - pipe location, depth, condition, and how your building work will affect the drainage.

Why choose a local team?

See how we compare to the big brands.

The big names

What you often get with the big names.

Basic inspection with minimal reporting

Reports that solicitors send back for more detail

Days or weeks waiting for your report

Call centres that can't explain the findings

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OneFlow

What you get when you call us.

Comprehensive survey with HD footage and still images

Reports accepted by solicitors, lenders, and water authorities

Most reports delivered within 48 hours

Speak directly to the engineer who surveyed your drains

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Drainer of the
year 2025

The Drainage Awards

What our customers say

Real reviews from real customers.

“Called at 6am with sewage coming up through the shower. Engineer arrived before 8, fixed it within the hour. Can't thank them enough.”

— James T, Southampton

“Third company I'd tried that week. The other two never showed. OneFlow answered, turned up same day, and actually fixed it. Should have called them first.”

— Michelle R, Brighton

“No messing about. Showed me the camera footage, explained what was wrong, gave me a price, and got on with it. Exactly how it should be.”

— David H, Portsmouth

“Blocked drain on Christmas Eve. Thought we'd be stuck for days. They came out that evening and sorted it. Absolute lifesavers.”
‍

— Sarah K, Guildford

“We've used them for three rental properties now. Always answer the phone, always turn up, always fair on price. Hard to find.”
‍

— Mark L, Bournemouth

“Engineer was honest and said we didn't need half the work another company had quoted for. Saved us hundreds. We'll use them every time now.”

— Karen W, Winchester

“Toilet blocked on the morning of our daughter's birthday party. They had someone here within the hour and sorted it before the guests arrived.”

— Rachel M, Crawley

“Other companies quoted over the phone then doubled it on arrival. OneFlow quoted £180, charged £180.”
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— Tom S, Bournemouth

“Drainage issue had been misdiagnosed twice by other firms. OneFlow found the real problem in ten minutes with their camera. Fixed the same day.”

— Angela D, Eastbourne

“Rang at 11pm expecting to leave a voicemail. Actual person answered. Engineer here by midnight. Didn't think companies like this still existed.”

— Chris B, Woking

FAQs

Still have questions?

Get in touch with our friendly support team.

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Need a drain survey?

Same-day availability. Reports within 48 hours.

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90-minute average response across the UK.

★★★★★ based on 180+ Google reviews