Signs You Might Need a CCTV Drain Survey

Not all drainage problems are obvious from the outside. While a blocked sink or slow-draining shower is easy to notice, the real cause could be hidden deep in your pipes. That’s where a CCTV drain survey comes in. This service allows experts to inspect the inside of your drainage system using a high-definition camera, helping to identify hidden issues without any digging.

But how do you know when it’s time to book a CCTV drain survey? In this blog, we’ll go through the common signs that suggest a closer look is needed and explain how this type of inspection can save you time, money, and stress.

Persistent Drain Blockages

If you’ve cleared a blockage only for it to return a few weeks later, that’s a clear red flag. Persistent blockages often point to a deeper issue within the drainage system. It could be caused by a collapsed pipe, root intrusion, or a long-term build-up of grease and debris. Whatever the reason, clearing the surface blockage won’t solve the root cause.

A CCTV drain survey gives you a proper look at what’s happening below ground. The camera can track the length of the pipe, spot problem areas, and help your drainage expert plan the right solution.

Foul Smells That Won’t Go Away

Bad smells coming from your drains are more than just unpleasant. They usually mean that waste is sitting in the pipe instead of flowing through properly. While this can happen due to basic clogs near the plughole, it may also indicate damage, misaligned joints, or stagnant water further along the pipe.

If the smell returns after cleaning or seems to drift into different areas of your home, it’s time to investigate further. A CCTV drain inspection can pinpoint where the smell is coming from and reveal if anything is blocking or damaging the system.

Slow-Draining Water in Multiple Areas

It’s common for one sink or shower to drain slowly due to a local blockage, like hair or food waste. But if multiple drains across the house are running slow, it suggests a bigger problem in the main line. This could be a partial collapse, a tree root blocking the flow, or severe build-up that needs more than a plunger to fix.

Slow drainage in several areas often points to a shared issue underground. A drain survey can identify whether there’s damage to the pipe or a severe clog somewhere along the line.

Gurgling Sounds from Drains or Toilets

Odd gurgling or bubbling sounds are another clue that your drains aren’t working as they should. These noises often happen when air is trapped in the system and pushed through standing water. This usually means that the water flow is being restricted somewhere down the line.

While it might not seem urgent, those sounds are often the first warning of a developing blockage. Ignoring them could lead to more serious issues later. A CCTV inspection will show if water is backing up or if something is disrupting the air flow inside the pipe.

Water Backing Up into Sinks or Toilets

This is one of the clearest signs that something’s not right. If water starts backing up into your sink when you flush the toilet or rising in the shower when you run the washing machine, it means the pipes can’t carry the waste away quickly enough. That usually indicates a serious blockage, partial collapse, or foreign object trapped in the system.

Rather than guessing where the issue is, a camera inspection will follow the water’s path and show exactly where the problem lies.

Repeated Issues After Drain Cleaning

If you’ve already paid for professional drain cleaning and the same problem keeps coming back, that’s a sign the cause wasn’t fully dealt with. High-pressure water jetting or rodding can clear blockages, but they don’t always identify the reason it happened in the first place.

Sometimes it’s a structural problem like a cracked joint, dislodged pipe, or a sag that causes debris to settle. These issues need a targeted fix, not just another clean. A CCTV survey takes the guesswork out and shows exactly what’s wrong and where.

Overflowing Manholes or External Drains

If you see water pooling around an outdoor drain or manhole, especially after rain, it might not be just due to leaves or surface debris. It could mean the underground pipe is blocked, damaged, or collapsed. Overflowing drains are not only unpleasant but also a health risk, especially if sewage is involved.

A CCTV drain survey can be used to inspect the full run from your property to the street connection or septic tank, giving you a clear picture of where the blockage is and how to fix it.

Water Damage with No Clear Source

Damp patches on walls, ceilings, or floors are often blamed on roof leaks or rising damp, but in some cases, the source is a leaking drain. If a buried pipe under the floor or inside the wall develops a crack, it can leak gradually and go unnoticed for months. This can cause mould, plaster damage, and even structural issues over time.

When the usual checks don’t show where the moisture is coming from, a camera inspection of your drains can help rule out or confirm a leak as the cause.

Rodents Entering Through Drains

Unwanted pests like rats can enter your home through the sewer system, especially if there’s a break or opening in your pipework. If you’re hearing noises in the walls or loft or seeing droppings, and pest control hasn’t worked, the issue might be underground.

A CCTV survey can check for cracks, breaks, or entry points that rodents might be using to get into your home. In many cases, a simple rat flap can be installed once the issue is found.

You’re Buying or Selling a Property

When buying a house, most people focus on the roof, walls, and electrics, but the drains are just as important. Faulty drainage can cost thousands to repair and might not show up until long after you move in.

A home buyers' CCTV drain survey checks the full drainage system for hidden problems. You’ll get a video report, diagrams, and written notes that can help you make an informed decision, request repairs, or negotiate the price. If you’re selling, it can also show potential buyers that everything is in good condition.

You’re Planning an Extension or Renovation

If you’re building an extension, adding a bathroom, or converting your attic, you’ll likely be connecting new pipes to the existing drainage system. Before doing that, it’s important to know the current condition of the pipes you’re linking into.

A drain survey can confirm everything is in good working order and show whether repairs are needed before you connect new work. It’s also helpful for planning permission and building regulation checks, especially if your builder needs to reroute or upgrade the system.

How a CCTV Drain Survey Works

A professional CCTV survey is simple, quick, and doesn’t require digging. A drainage technician inserts a small waterproof camera into the pipe, usually through an access point like a manhole or inspection chamber. The live video feed is monitored in real time, and the camera can be guided through the drainage system to look for faults.

After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report, often with video clips and still images. The report will show exactly what was found, along with recommendations for repairs if needed. This is especially useful if you need evidence for insurance claims or building works.

Benefits of Getting a Drain Survey

• Avoid unnecessary guesswork: Know what’s wrong and where, before you spend money on repairs.

• Catch problems early: Fixing a cracked pipe now is easier than replacing an entire section later.

• Peace of mind: Whether you're buying a home or dealing with recurring issues, it gives you clear answers.

• Faster repairs: With a visual report, your drainage specialist can plan the best and most efficient fix.

• Lower long-term costs: Proper diagnosis means no repeat callouts or temporary solutions.

FAQs About CCTV Drain Surveys

1. What is a CCTV drain survey and how does it work?

A CCTV drain survey involves inserting a small waterproof camera into your drainage system to inspect the inside of the pipes. It shows real-time footage, allowing the technician to spot blockages, cracks, or other issues without digging. You’ll get a full report with footage and a breakdown of any problems found.

2. How do I know if I need a CCTV drain survey?

If you have recurring blockages, foul smells, slow drainage in more than one area, or water backing up into sinks or toilets, it could mean there’s a hidden problem. A drain survey helps pinpoint the issue, especially when standard cleaning hasn’t worked.

3. Are CCTV drain surveys only for serious problems?

No. While they’re great for diagnosing serious issues, they’re also ideal before buying a property, planning renovations, or as part of regular maintenance. Spotting a small problem early can save you from a big repair later.

4. How long does a CCTV drain survey take?

Most surveys take between one to two hours, depending on the size of the system and the access points available. You’ll usually receive a full report on the same day or within 24 hours.

5. Will the survey cause any damage to my property?

No. CCTV drain surveys are non-invasive. The camera is fed into the pipe through an existing access point like a manhole, so there’s no need to dig or disturb your property.

Get Help from a Local Drain Specialist

If you’re dealing with any of the signs above, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. RK Enviro offers professional CCTV drain surveys across Dublin, Louth, Meath, and surrounding areas. We use high-definition camera equipment to provide accurate reports, clear answers, and smart solutions for all types of drainage issues.

Whether it’s a one-off inspection or part of ongoing maintenance, we’re here to help you get to the bottom of your drainage problem without disruption to your home.