CCTV drain survey cost UK
A CCTV drain survey uses a push-rod or crawler camera to film the inside of your drains so defects are documented before you approve jetting, lining, or excavation. In the UK, a standard domestic survey often lands around £100–£300; longer runs, multi-branch systems, and full pre-purchase packages cost more. This guide covers typical prices, what a good report must include, and how to shortlist engineers without guessing.
What you’ll learn
- Typical UK cost bands for domestic and pre-purchase CCTV surveys
- What should appear in the written report and footage pack
- How jetting vs excavation decisions flow from camera findings
- Why NADC membership and insurance matter when you compare quotes
Typical UK cost ranges (planning estimates)
| Job type | Often around | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic domestic CCTV (single run / blockage check) | £100–£250 | Access via one chamber or WC; short lateral. |
| Full house / multi-branch survey | £200–£400+ | Several branches, longer footage, more coding time. |
| Pre-purchase / conveyancing survey package | £250–£500+ | Often includes written condition summary aimed at buyers/solicitors. |
| CCTV + jetting same visit | Survey + £80–£250+ jetting | Common when grease or silt is the only issue found. |
| Out-of-hours / emergency call-out | Premium on day rate | Ask for the call-out fee before the van leaves. |
London and the South East often sit toward the upper end; smaller towns may be cheaper. Always get a written figure that states whether VAT, chamber lifting, and the digital report are included.
What a good drain survey report should include
- Site address, date, weather/flow notes, and engineer details
- Plan or description of which runs were surveyed (and which were not)
- Defect coding with location (distance from chamber) — cracks, collapses, roots, displaced joints, fat/grease, scale
- Still images or timestamped video references for each significant defect
- Clear recommendations: clean only, patch/liner, excavate, or further investigation
- Boundary notes where private drain meets water-company responsibility (where known)
A vague “drains look fine” email without footage or distances is not enough for a purchase decision or an insurance claim.
Jetting vs excavation — how the camera decides
- Soft blockage / silt / grease — high-pressure jetting or descaling often clears the line; re-CCTV to prove the pipe is intact.
- Roots through joints — cut and clean, then monitor; repeated invasion may need lining or repair at the joint.
- Fracture, deformation, or collapse — lining or excavation depending on severity, depth, and access. Do not jet aggressively into a known collapse without a plan.
- Unknown layout — camera first; digging blind is how quotes balloon.
How to choose a UK drain engineer
- Prefer National Association of Drainage Contractors (NADC) members or equivalent trade bodies where relevant
- Public liability insurance and a written scope before work starts
- Ask for a recent sample report (anonymised) so you know what you will receive
- For shared drains, clarify private vs water-company responsibility early — wrong assumptions waste money
Pre-purchase tip
If you are buying, book the CCTV early in your survey window. Solicitors and lenders sometimes ask for evidence of drain condition when there is a history of flooding or when the property is older. A coded report is far more useful than a verbal “all clear.”
Browse DrainCam UK listings for local engineers, or contact us if a provider is missing.
FAQ
Is a CCTV survey the same as a drain “test”?
CCTV shows condition visually. Separate water or air tests may still be used in some commercial or water-company contexts. For most house buyers, a coded CCTV report is the practical product.
Will jetting fix everything the camera finds?
No. Jetting clears soft debris. Structural defects need repair, lining, or excavation. Good engineers recommend based on the footage, not a one-size sales pitch.
Are listings on this site paid?
Featured or lead placements are labelled when used. We may earn a lead or referral fee if you request a quote from a listed engineer.
Related
- Jetting vs excavation: decision tree
- What a good drain survey report includes
- All DrainCam UK guides
- Browse local engineers
Disclosure: DrainCam UK may earn a lead or referral fee if you request a quote from a listed engineer. Cost figures are UK planning estimates in GBP, not fixed quotes. Confirm current water-company boundary rules for your address.