WHAT DOES A DRAIN SURVEY SHOW?

What does a drain survey show? In this article, we explore what a drain survey reveals about your drainage system. Learn how advanced techniques like CCTV cameras can identify issues such as blockages, leaks, root intrusions, and poor installations, helping you maintain and repair your drains effectively.

What Can A CCTV Drain Survey Find?

A drain survey is an essential diagnostic tool used to assess the condition and functionality of drainage systems. Using advanced techniques such as CCTV cameras, this survey provides a detailed inspection of pipes, identifying potential issues like blockages, cracks, leaks, or structural damage.

By offering a comprehensive view of the underground infrastructure, a drain survey helps homeowners, businesses, and property managers take proactive measures to maintain and repair drainage systems. These detailed drainage surveys help prevent costly damage and ensure efficient water flow.

Knowing this information is crucial for preventing severe damage over time. In-growing roots cause blockages and can even lead to your drain bursting. By identifying the issue early, you can save money on expensive repair work down the line. Another benefit of a drain survey is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing that the issue has been found means that your drains can be fixed properly.

Drain surveys can help identify in-growing roots in your drainage system. They provide detailed information about the condition and location of the roots. This helps to prevent severe damage and costly repairs in the long run. With drain surveys, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your drains.

A Bad Drain Installation

Drain surveys play a vital role in identifying poorly installed drain pipes. A drain survey can reveal a range of issues that may not be immediately apparent. One common issue uncovered during a drain survey is a bad installation. Leaks from the pipes, for example. can indicate that the pipes weren't installed correctly. These leaks can result in damp patches, mould, and structural damage to the property.

Another problem commonly found during a drain survey is degrading materials. Over time, materials like clay, pitch fibre or old-style plastic pipes can deteriorate. This can lead to cracks, collapses, and other forms of damage which can be expensive to repair.

Additionally, pipes installed at the wrong angle can cause wastewater to flow inefficiently. This can result in blockages and potential backflow issues. Pipes must be placed at the right gradient to ensure effective drainage. However, incorrect installations can disrupt this balance; causing many problems for homeowners.

Poorly installed pipes can even pose a threat to the structure of your property. Water leaking from damaged pipes can erode the foundation, leading to structural issues. During the survey, trained engineers identify and report these issues. CCTV cameras are used to inspect the pipes and provide a clear view of any obstructions or damage.

Moreover, a drain survey can pinpoint the exact locations of problems, enabling accurate repairs. This focused approach can save both time and money, as it removes the need for extensive services. Knowing the specific issues and their locations means they can be repaired faster.

A drain survey can identify poor drain pipe installation and prevent future problems. Through the use of advanced tools and professional services, homeowners can have peace of mind. A drain survey ensures the integrity and functionality of your drains.

Moreover, a drain survey can also identify blockages. Common sources of blockages include fat, oil, grease or roots infiltrating the pipework. Spotting these issues can prevent odours, slow drainage, and even sewage backups. A drain survey is crucial for finding the sources of leaks and blockages in your drainage system. These surveys ensure that your drains remain efficient and functional.

Collapsed Drains

Collapsed drains are among the most serious issues that can be found during a drain survey. These occur when the structural integrity of a pipe has been compromised. This can be due to several factors, including blockages, roots, or physical damage.

A drainage survey uses advanced techniques and tools to spot these issues in your drains. One common method is the use of CCTV cameras. These small, waterproof cameras are inserted into the drain. This allows surveyors to get a clear, real-time view of the inside of the pipes. The cameras can detect even the smallest cracks or signs of potential collapse.

Using the CCTV footage, experts can pinpoint the location, cause, and extent of the collapse. For instance, if roots have infiltrated the drain, the survey will show where they are and how severe the damage is. If a pipe is blocked, the survey will identify the nature and location of the blockage. This information is crucial for repair work and the overall health of your drainage system.

A Build-Up Of Pipe Scale

Pipe scale is a common issue, particularly in areas with hard water. Over time, the minerals present in hard water accumulate along the walls of the pipework. This mineral build-up gradually thickens, restricting the flow of water. If left unchecked, it can lead to blockages and other potential drainage issues.

During a drain survey, a specialised camera is inserted into the pipes. The footage is observed by professionals who scrutinise the pipes for any abnormalities. The build-up of pipe scale appears as a layer of crusty or flaky deposits lining the pipe walls.

Identifying the build-up early on means it can be fixed without the risk of damage. When a pipe scale is found early, pipe cleaning services can be used to remove the deposits. This restores the full diameter of the pipes and ensures the water flows correctly.

These cleaning services can involve various methods, depending on the severity of the build-up. One method is high-pressure water jetting, which removes the scale without damaging the pipes. Another method is the use of chemicals designed to dissolve the mineral deposits. In either case, the goal is to clear the pipes of obstructions and improve their functionality.

One of the major advantages of a drain survey is the detailed footage it provides. Homeowners receive a clear visual record of the state of their drainage system. This transparency means that you can see the issue for yourself. This makes it easier to understand the need for any maintenance or repairs.

Beyond the pipe scale, this survey can reveal other problems like cracks and misalignments. Addressing these issues early can prevent them from escalating into more severe problems.

Regular surveys allow property owners to maintain their drainage systems. This ensures that the drains work efficiently and avoids any repairs later on. By keeping your drains well-maintained, you can save both time and money in the long run.