CCTV Drain & Locating Surveys

Logo of Elite Pipeline with the word 'elite' in gray and 'PIPELINE' in blue.

CCTV drain surveys identify drainage issues early, preventing expensive and disruptive problems. These surveys are compatible with drains of all sizes and ideal for both commercial and residential properties. Regardless of your drainage system’s scale, we are ready to assist you.

  • Commercial, industrial & Residential applications

  • Emergency & Routine Drainage Services



A worker kneels on the grass near an open utility hole in a backyard, holding a coiled cable or hose, with a laptop on a cart nearby. The backyard has a brick house with a balcony, potted plants, and lush bushes.

Suppose you have a smelly sink, or a blocked toilet. A quick call to your Elite Pipeline specialist would normally ensure a quick resolution to the problem. But not always. Drains are complex systems and sometimes it’s necessary to investigate deep in the drainage system in order to discover the source of the blockage. It’s in these circumstances that we use a CCTV drain survey.

What is a CCTV Drain Survey?

It’s an inspection of your drainage system using a award winning WinCam HD CCTV camera, which provides 360° real-time imagery of the drain’s interior. The data is relayed to the surface where it is analysed by a Elite Pipeline engineer, allowing us to pinpoint the location of the blockage, and diagnose the cause.

The main goal of a CCTV drain inspection is to detect possible issues within your drains early and address them before they develop into bigger, more expensive problems. When a blockage is suspected, we can determine its nature and exact location. Following this, we apply the most suitable technique to clear the pipes, restoring your drains to good-working condition.

Yes, But What is a CCTV Drain Survey?

But Why Choose Us?

Operating 24/7, 365 days a year throughout Wales, Elite provides skilled engineers ready to deliver all your drainage services at times most convenient for your business. Utilizing cutting-edge technology ensures that our work meets the highest standards, and our commitment to customer care means we strive not only to fulfill our duties but to exceed expectations.

Contact us for a free-site assessment or to discuss your drain survey. Alternatively, you can call us

5 Types of CCTV Drain Survey

In addition to the primary need to remove a blockage, there are several other reasons to arrange a CCTV drain survey, due to their effectiveness in identifying potential drainage issues:

1.Locating & Mapping CCTV Survey

2.Homebuyer CCTV Survey

3.Build-Over CCTV Survey

4.Drain Maintenance CCTV Survey

5. Vermin Infestation CCTV Survey

1.Locating & Mapping survey

It’s essentially another genre of CCTV surveys carried out within your drainage infrastructure, providing an accurate plan of where your drainage and sewage systems lie. This includes the location of buried manholes, gullies and more to aid in the creation of detailed maps.

The primary purpose of drain mapping is to assist with building projects. Prior to commencing any construction or renovation on your property, it's crucial to identify the exact layout of the drainage system. This knowledge helps prevent accidental damage to the drains and enables you, your architect, or your builder to determine the best course of action when working near drainage networks. By providing precise information about the location and depth of your drains, drain mapping ensures your plans are well-informed before any digging or excavation starts.

Additionally, for certain commercial sites, including those regulated under COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) and EPR (Environmental Permitting Regulations), drain mapping is a legal requirement. We can assist in ensuring your drain map complies with all relevant regulations.

2.Homebuyer Survey

Homebuyer CCTV drain surveys are used to check the condition of a drainage system prior to buying a house. The diagnostics provide information about damaged pipes, but also give warning of potential problems that can be dealt with early. Repairs are far cheaper, as a result of a drain survey report, because the exact location requiring repair, or replacement is known.

3.Build-Over Survey

A Build-Over Survey is carried out in order to eliminate the risk of damage to existing pipework. Building on top of a sewer or drain can cause massive disruption so it’s critical to do these checks. If you’re planning to build an extension on your property, the local water authority will require that you carry out a CCTV survey if the construction work is close to any of their pipes.

4.Drain Maintenance Survey

Even if your drains are working perfectly well, we recommend drain maintenance every 1-2 years. In the same way that a car service maintains the performance of your vehicle, a CCTV drain survey will ensure that you’re ahead of the curve should repairs or remediation be necessary. The frequency is dependent upon the age and condition of your pipes, but your Elite Pipeline expert can offer guidance on this. (included in our maintenance plan)

5.Vermin Infestation Survey

If you have spotted rat droppings, or you’re hearing scrabbling sounds beneath your floorboards, you may have a rat infestation in your drains. A CCTV drain survey will put your mind at rest as to whether or not this is the case. Our camera will identify any points of entry, or damage caused by rodents. Once you know if there is a problem, we can pinpoint the problem for pest control experts.

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