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Drains are an important part of your property, and it is inevitable that at some point you will have to deal with drain issues. Whether it is something simple like a small blockage in your kitchen sink, or something larger like an overflowing garden drain, when something goes wrong it is important to act quickly. Getting to the source of the problem is the quickest and most effective way to find the right solution, and as experts in drain unblocking Liverpool we are here to let you know why you need to be booking a CCTV drain survey today.
What Is a CCTV Drain Survey?
A CCTV drain survey is a detailed inspection of the inside of your drainage system using specialist camera equipment. Instead of having to guess where a problem may be located, a drainage engineer can view the condition of the pipework and identify issues that may not be visible from the outside.
The camera can help reveal blockages, cracks, damaged sections, tree root blockages, displaced joints and other signs of deterioration within the pipework. This makes it easier to understand the cause of a drainage problem and decide what action may be needed.
How do CCTV drain surveys work?
If you are experiencing frequent problems with your drains, and you are looking for a good drain unblock, using a CCTV drain survey is beneficial to find out exactly what is going on inside your pipes. Our certified surveyor will feed a state-of-the-art camera directly into your drain and provide real-time images of its current condition. Using these images and footage, we can clearly identify any issues that may be causing your drains to be blocked, or spot any potential problems that could arise later on. Our drain unblocker in Liverpool will also be able to provide their recommendations on how to best resolve the issue, restoring normal drainage functions and ensuring minimal disruption and expense for you.
What Can a CCTV Drain Survey Detect?
One of the main advantages of a CCTV drain survey is that it can provide a much clearer view of what is happening inside your drainage system. Depending on the condition and accessibility of the pipework, the inspection can help identify a range of problems, including:
- Blockages and debris: Build-up inside the pipe can restrict the normal flow of wastewater.
- Tree root intrusion: Roots can enter damaged joints or cracks and gradually affect the flow through the pipe.
- Cracked or damaged pipes: CCTV footage can help identify visible damage that may require further attention.
- Displaced joints: Movement within the drainage system can cause sections of pipework to become misaligned.
- Collapsed or damaged sections: A survey can help identify areas where the structure of the pipe has deteriorated.
- Grease and other build-up: Deposits inside the pipework can contribute to recurring drainage problems.
Identifying these issues early can make it easier to determine the most appropriate next step, whether that involves cleaning, further investigation or drainage repairs.
Why should you use a CCTV drain survey?
There are lots of reasons why you should be considering a CCTV drain survey, and we’ve put together a list so you know the best route to take.
Purchasing a new property
If you are looking to buy your first home, or simply looking to move house, it is always a good idea to book a CCTV drain survey ahead of signing the contract. While it is easy to get carried away and forget about the pipe and drainage system of your new home, it is something that should not be overlooked – although a lot of people do! It is always sensible to have the sewers surveyed, and a CCTV homebuyers survey will give you a clear picture of what the drains hidden away inside the walls look like. It can give you an idea of any issues or repairs that may be required, allowing you to make an informed decision on the property. You don’t want to sign the contract only for your pipes to burst as soon as you move in! It is also a good idea to book a drain surveying before having building work done to your property. It will give you peace of mind that any construction work won’t have a negative effect on your drainage infrastructure.
Your water is draining slowly
If you notice that your shower or bathtub is taking longer than usual to drain, you may be dealing with one of several common drainage problems. As all of your pipes tend to be hidden in the walls or flooring, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the blockage has formed. Although you can use DIY remedies to try and shift the clog, usually these don’t do enough to tackle the source of the problem. Here at Mersey Rod, we can use high-tech equipment to locate and identify the blockage, and we can rectify the issue before it becomes a major problem.
Unpleasant smells
If you notice that there is a nasty smell lingering in your house that won’t budge, no matter how much you clean and spray, then it might be time to take a look in your pipes. Very often, grease, food waste, hair, soap scum, and sanitary products can block your drains in the kitchen and bathroom. When this happens, tiny clogs can form all along the pipework and start to decompose over time – causing the foul smell that you can’t get rid of. Booking a CCTV drain survey will let us see exactly what is going on inside your pipes, and allow us to get them clean and free flowing again with minimal fuss and disruption.
Standing water
Another tell tale sign is standing water in your sink or bath – and if it is not draining at all this means there is a serious problem with your drains. In most cases, if left untreated, you can end up with a huge blockage that will lead to a collapsed or burst pipes, and no one wants that! Our qualified engineers will be able to inspect the inside of your drains and solve the issue without trial and error, meaning you can take action and eliminate the problem as soon as possible.
Increase in pests
Have you noticed signs of pests invading your home lately? Scratches in the walls or food being nibbled on in the night? What most people don’t realise is that rats and mice can enter your home through defective pipes, and booking a CCTV survey will let us find the opening they are using and fix it quickly and efficiently. It will allow you to take the necessary steps to repair any damaged pipework and ensure everything is sealed correctly, preventing rats from invading your home in the future.
Routine maintenance – spring clean
A common mistake that people make is organising a CCTV drain survey when there is a problem that needs a fast solution. Whilst this is a good step to take with drain emergencies, prevention is the best cure when it comes to plumbing disasters. Drains undergo a lot on a daily basis, and you need to ensure that you regularly maintain them – and it makes sense to add them to your spring clean list! Having your drainage system inspected and maintained on a regular basis means that you will save money in the long run. It is easier and cheaper to pay for small cleans and fixes than it is to deal with a burst pipe flooding your home or garden! Our engineers will be able to make you aware of any possible areas of concern and have them repaired before they turn into more serious and costly problems.
Why choose us for your CCTV drain survey?
There are several signs that you need to look out for that will let you know you need a CCTV drain survey, including:
- Standing water in your sink or bath
- Water backing up
- Bubbles around your drains
- The toilet not flushing correctly
- Animal infestations or pests
Corrosion
Signs like these usually indicate that there is a much larger, and potentially much more expensive problem that is waiting to happen – so it is important that you call to help your drain unblock in Liverpool, and quickly! Here at Mersey Rod, we offer a free, no obligation quote ahead of your CCTV drain survey, and our prices will remain fixed so there are no nasty surprises. Our aim is to get you back up and running as quickly, cost-efficiently, and as hassle-free as possible. We cover a wide area including both residential and commercial properties, and offer all our extensive drain services at extremely competitive prices. Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today for more information or to book a visit.
FAQs
What is a CCTV drain survey?
A CCTV drain survey uses a specialist inspection camera to view the inside of drainage pipes. It can help identify blockages, cracks, root ingress, damaged joints, corrosion and other defects without unnecessary excavation.
When should I have a CCTV drain survey?
A CCTV drain survey can be useful when you have recurring blockages, slow drainage, standing water, unusual drain smells or suspected damage. It can also be carried out before buying a property or starting building work.
Can a CCTV drain survey find the cause of a blockage?
Yes. A camera inspection can show where a blockage is located and help identify what is causing it, such as debris, grease, scale, roots or damaged pipework.
Is a CCTV drain survey useful when buying a property?
Yes. A drain inspection can identify hidden drainage defects that may not be visible during a standard property inspection. This can help you understand the condition of the drainage system before completing a purchase.
Can a CCTV drain survey identify damaged pipes?
Yes. CCTV equipment can help identify issues such as cracks, fractures, displaced joints, corrosion, root ingress and other structural defects within accessible drainage pipework.