Buying a house is one of the most exciting — and expensive — things you’ll ever do. You spend weeks, sometimes months, scrolling through listings, viewing properties, and imagining where you’ll put the sofa or how you’ll decorate the kitchen. But while you’re busy picturing your future home, there’s one part of the property that often gets overlooked: the drains.
It’s not the most glamorous topic in the world, granted. You’re far more likely to be thinking about the size of the garden, whether the bathroom needs renovating, or how many bedrooms you need. But if you ignore the condition of the drains, you could be walking into a world of expensive problems. A CCTV drain survey is the simplest way to get a clear picture of what’s happening underground before you commit to buying. And if you’re house-hunting in Dorset, Bournemouth, Southampton, Gillingham, Epsom, Portsmouth, or Guildford, it could save you thousands of pounds — and a whole lot of hassle — down the line.
Learn MoreThink of a CCTV drain survey as a health check for your property’s drainage system. Instead of guessing what’s going on beneath your feet, a trained drainage engineer uses specialist equipment to send a small, high-definition camera through the pipes. This camera records live footage, showing every inch of the drainage network, from the main sewer connection to the smallest pipe inside your property boundary.
Because the process is completely non-invasive, there’s no need to dig up your garden or rip up your floors. The camera, mounted on a flexible cable, moves smoothly through the pipes, transmitting images to a monitor so the engineer can spot any signs of trouble. This could be anything from hairline cracks that could develop into leaks, to serious collapses that block the flow entirely.
If you’re buying an older home in a historic area of Bournemouth or Southampton, where pipes might be made from outdated clay or cast iron, these surveys are particularly valuable. Older materials can deteriorate over time, and without a survey, you might only discover a problem after it’s caused damage — which is usually far more expensive to fix.
Get in TouchBournemouth
This coastal town has a mix of modern apartments and older houses. Properties near the beach often face unique challenges, such as sand and silt build-up in the drains. The salty air and higher moisture levels can also accelerate corrosion in metal pipework. This is why blocked drains in Bournemouth are such a common call-out for local engineers.
Southampton
A port city with a rich maritime history, Southampton is full of Victorian and Edwardian houses. Many still rely on old clay pipe systems, which are prone to cracking, joint displacement, and root intrusion. Drain unblocking in Southampton is frequently needed for these older properties, especially during wetter months.
Gillingham
In rural areas like Gillingham, homes often have more complex drainage setups, sometimes linked to septic tanks or older private sewer connections. CCTV surveys can reveal issues such as collapsed sections caused by soil movement or ageing materials.
While costs can vary, most CCTV drain surveys for an average-sized home range between £100 and £250. That might sound like an extra expense during an already costly time, but compare that to the price of replacing a collapsed drain — often upwards of £1,500 to £5,000 — and it’s a no-brainer.
It’s also worth remembering that a survey isn’t just about finding problems — it can confirm that your drains are in good condition, giving you extra confidence in your purchase.
Get in TouchAlthough a CCTV drain survey isn’t legally required, certain situations make it a smart move. Mortgage lenders or solicitors may recommend it if there are signs of past drainage issues or if the property is in an area known for flooding or ground movement.
From an insurance perspective, knowing the condition of your drains before you move in is crucial. Many insurers won’t cover repairs for damage that was present before your policy began. If you make a claim after moving in and they find the problem existed beforehand, you could be left paying the bill yourself. A survey protects you from that scenario.
Contact us TodayA home can look picture-perfect on the surface, but the real story is often hidden underground. A CCTV drain survey is quick, affordable, and could save you a fortune in unexpected repairs. If you’re buying in Bournemouth, Southampton, Gillingham, Epsom, Portsmouth, Guildford, or anywhere in Dorset, booking a survey with Pro Blocked Drains is a smart move that could make your new home a worry-free investment.
Call Pro Blocked Drains today to book your CCTV drain survey — and move into your dream home with total peace of mind.
Get in Touch